WARNING! Eco

[Dentoid]

I have been running two of these pumps for 6 weeks. I have had 2 instances, that I have witnessed, in which my Foxface and Hawkfish were sucked to the propeller housing with the pump running at low speed. The Hawk was able to free himself, but only when I reached in to help. The Foxface was unable to free himself (I was not about to reach in and help for obvious reasons), probably due to a broader body type, until I turned the pump off. Neither fish appeared to be injured. I also have a Flame Angel with stubby, shreaded pectoral fins and a Yellow Tang with a cut Dorsal fin. I now suspect that they have been ravaged by this propeller pump.

I have e-mailed Eco Tech Marine and received a prompt response. They claim that this is "very rare" and that the will be marketing a sponge adapter to make this less likely. They also claim that they will consider my request to look into and consider redesigning the propeller housing.

I think this pump is brilliantly designed, however it can be hazardous to your
livestock.

[boozeman]

I have read of small invertebrates getting sucked in..but never of fish.

[Woodstock]

Yikes! Thanks for the warning...

[BHinAK]

I have 2 of these pumps in my tank, just by luck I looked in the housing before starting it back up and found my yellow canary blenny hanging out inside. He would have been blended if I turning it back on. I have a picture of this.

I have numerous small fish 3 ins or less that have gotten close but not stuck on. I do get a little worried everytime I watch the 2 Tangs put there noses almost inside to eat algea off the cage.

[Dentoid]

Originally Posted by BHinAK

I have 2 of these pumps in my tank, just by luck I looked in the housing before starting it back up and found my yellow canary blenny hanging out inside. He would have been blended if I turning it back on. I have a picture of this.

I have numerous small fish 3 ins or less that have gotten close but not stuck on. I do get a little worried everytime I watch the 2 Tangs put there noses almost inside to eat algea off the cage.

Good to know. My fish can usually stay away except at feeding frenzy time. That it when I witnessed this. My pumps are controlled by my Aquacontroller III and they cycle on/off alternately for wave action. I have had snails go in while one is in off mode, just to jam the propeller causing the housing and motor to disconnect. I guess this is some kind of safety mechanism. I'm going to create my own sponge adapter tonight. I'm sure it's going to be ugly, but it's the best thing for my fish.

[Dentoid]

[sasquatch]

Must be some major pull thru that shroud Scott, how about slipping a thick o ring on it? Steve

[R.yumaDaddy?]

My flame hawks have sat on top of my vortech @ 1/2 speed w/ out any problems. The vortech has a pretty gentle inward current. Are you sure your fish arent just stupid?

[Dentoid]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

Must be some major pull thru that shroud Scott, how about slipping a thick o ring on it? Steve

Thanks Steve. That's a great idea, for the time being this is my DIY filter sponge/fish safety net. It's not pretty, but it should do the job. Hopefully, it will keep the snails out as well.

[sasquatch]

Well done! how much flow did you lose?Steve

[Dentoid]

Not much. The pump has a rheostat knob to control the flow. I just turned it up a bit.

[sasquatch]

Hmm, hope this isnt long term,might mess the windings?

[Dentoid]

Come again? Windings? It's always something!

[sasquatch]

well its water cooled so is prolly ok

[Dentoid]

Originally Posted by R.yumaDaddy?

My flame hawks have sat on top of my vortech @ 1/2 speed w/ out any problems. The vortech has a pretty gentle inward current. Are you sure your fish arent just stupid?

I would say that all fish lack the intelligence to understand the artificial and mechanical equipment that we impose upon them. The real question of stupidity should be directed at the one writing such a comment.