Running a maxijet dry? Fire?

[Buddyboy]

Hi All,

Hypothetically, is it possible that a maxijet powerhead that has run dry could start a fire? :( I would be running a maxijet 400 or 600 with a timed topoff. I will be using a digital timer to run the powerhead for one minute each night. Worst case scenario, if the pump ran dry for 2 days what would happen? Just a dead powerhead? Thanks alot for your thoughts! :)

Bud

[Okguy]

I don't think it's ever a good idea to run a pump dry. Have you thought about making an autotop off using an air pump.

Check out the one Kwirky made....

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32423&page=2

I built one using a plastic water jug and it works like a charm. If it runs dry it just blows air... No worry about ruining a pump or worse starting a fire.... And it's cheap, I made mine with supplies I already had laying around.

[Buddyboy]

Thanks for the reply Okguy!!!

Yeah, eventually i'll need to splurge for an ATO system, or an Aqualifter pump. But for now (this weekend), this should do the trick.

Also, Happy Canada Day all! :p