Bak Pak / Heaters / Stupid Rio Pumps

I love the layout of my Bak Pak 2, but I think I am beginning to hate Rio Pumps. Has anyone made the conversion to a Maxi-Jet Power Head w/ Venture System? I am tired of the pump failing every week.

Also to remove some of the items from my tank I want to put one heater in the Bak Pak (Bio Balls have been removed) and one in my soon to be CPR Refugium. I was wondering if any one had any input on this, my concern is the flow would be to fast to heat the main tank?

 

I have a Bak Pak 2 skimmer on my 80 gallon that has been nothing but trouble.  I've replaced two Maxijet Pumps, no venturi, and it still won't create enough foam.  My Seaclone 150 runs circles around it.

I currently run the pump wide open for circulation, but I did remove the biobale as it became nothing but a detritus trap.  In the return chamber where the biobale used to be, I placed my 300 watt Titanium heater and it does a great job of heating my tank.  The theater is recommended to be placed near circulating water.

 

Craig, thanks for the info. Am going to order a Maxijet 1200 w/ Venturi. Did you have to make an modifications to the Bak Pak?

And i tell my wife why do we need kids when my aquarium takes up as much time and $$!!

 

I haven't made any modifications to the skimmer so I'm no help there.

Yes this is a lot like boating whre you just throw money at the water!