Review on 🐠 Efficient and Compact: Eheim AEH1001310 Compact Water Pump 600 for Aquarium by Carol Taylor

The impeller of Eheim's AEH1001310 600 compact water pump has an exposed steel shaft, raising concerns about rusting when used in salt water. Unlike other pumps whose exposed parts are ceramic or plastic. According to the description (at least on the Eheim website) it is suitable for use in salt water, but even the best steel can rust in salt water. Eheim makes a lot of good aquarium products so I trust them enough to use this pump in saltwater but plan to keep a close eye on the shaft for signs of rust. It tentatively rates 3 stars for the bare steel edition. , otherwise it behaves well. The construction is solid and quiet. Note that the Eheim Compact 600 is small and designed for relatively low flow rates and very low head pressures. If that's what you want, then this is a good choice. A number of people have asked if it can be used as an "in-line" pump (where the inlet comes in through one tube and the outlet through another) and the answer is absolutely no. Inlet is via a mesh at the bottom and there is no hose entry adapter (unlike some larger Eheim models which can switch between shielded and hose entry). The inlet screen has no sponge or filter element; it's just a plastic partition that's supposed to prevent small fish from getting in, but it's not without danger for juvenile fish. On the Eheim Compact 600, the outlet is 1/2 inch in diameter, which means the outlet fits snugly into a 1/2 inch ID pipe. very annoying when that happens. Update: After about four months of use in salt water, there are no signs of rust on the steel parts. I'm optimistic, so I'm increasing my rating from 3 to 4 stars.