Rio 32HF HyperFlow Water Pump - 1920 GPH

I have a 20HF unit, temporarily retired after 8 years of continuous use in my 125-gallon freshwater aquarium. ZERO problems with it. I u[upgraded to a 180 with dual corner overflows/returns and bought this unit, the 32HF. It is basically the identical unit, upsized. I have been running it for about 8 months now, with ZERO problems. However, it's been a long time since I really examined these things from an engineering perspective, but setting up the 180 got me thinking anew. It's still a solid design, but I have decided I have two issues with the design, both somewhat easily rectified:1) the suction cup bracket and vibration plates are separated by these little rubber bushings. The suction cups and these bushings both mount to their plastic plates by a design I think should be called an "8 mounting", which is a double hole, with one hole larger than the other. Insert the bushing or suction cup into the larger hole and work it into the smaller hole, where it is supposed to stay put. Well, they just disconnect a little too easily leaving the unit untethered in that corner, etc. It's an outdated design I wish they'd update.2) The outlet pipe. It's smooth and slightly conical, and the adapter that slides onto it is secured by friction; the pipe is basically wedged into the adapter. From the adapter, you have a threaded connector to other fittings. This conical, friction connection can easily be undone with a simple twisting action. So, when you are messing around and accidentally disconnect the pump from the adapter and the return hose connected to it, and guess what happens...you get a geyser that drenches the inside of your aquarium cabinet. This has happened to me more than once or twice, and the worst time was with the 32HF, and I'd say a full gallon of water was sprayed into my power strip and all the things plugged into it. That all my fish and I did not get electrocuted is a minor miracle.Own one of these units or considering buying one as currently designed? 1) Glue that damned outlet adapter on permanently (I'd recommend a 2-part epoxy like JB Weld) and be done with it, contrary to the instructions, and 2) Jerry rig that anti-vibration plate to stop those little bushings and suction cups from slipping out of their holes! TAAM, are you reading this? Update those designs, please!

A guy who helped me build my pond turned me on to these Rio Pumps and so far after four months I'm glad he did. It really moves the water. I like the different sizes for various jobs. I also have a smaller one for the under gravel filter. It's very quiet. The only sound is the sound of the water fall. My only suggestion would be to have the electrical cord be a little longer than 6 feet. I would suggest ten or fifteen feet. Because you place it under the water you need to have an electrical box pretty close to ponds edge. (In the photo above the pump is the dark area at the bottom of the falls and the EL box is just above the flower pot. Not much cord length.) So this leaves you little wiggle room to work with and you really don't want an extension cord near water. But as for the pump, very good but four stars because of cord length.

This pump is powerful! I have this pump powering my filter and my waterfall for my pond, it has no problem keeping the water clean and clear with a biological filter. I have a 6ft run to both filter and waterfall and this pump has no problem supplying water through both with great head pressure.

This pump has a good flow rating, HOWEVER, it is extremely loud--it sits underwater in my aquarium sump, inside the aquarium stand, and I can still hear it buzzing throughout my house. Many people also reported that they have a habit of melting down, and sending electric current through the water. I bought because of a recommendation from a worker at a LFS. Avoid this one....

Nice pump, moves the rated water flow just a bit noisy. It's certainly worth the price if you're on a budget but wish I'd bought a little higher end pump. Don't buy this pump at this price and complain about it though, no it's not the best on the market but for $100 what do you expect! I'm very satisfied with it, I'm updating this review after having it run for about two years with no issues. As far as bang for your buck goes it gets 5 stars!!!! Ignore the 1-2 star ratings, maybe even the 3 star. If your on a budget and need a good pump, get it.

Rio water pumps are great and powerful, but if you're looking for silent or quiet, look for something smaller or use two smaller pumps.

this is my second Rio 32 pump on my 275 tank and for the efficiency and price versus the output of this smaller pump compared to larger noisier more expensive pumps out there the Rio is simple to clean and runs quietly for a long time... my older pump lasted five years, but eventually stopped priming and had to be replaced... don't let it run dry or it will break.