Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

i've got questions about the saftey of the lubes and oils used in pumps, especially the cheap ones.
has anyone looked into it already?

The more immediate concern is the fish safety. If a pump seal can leak, it probably eventually will. You want a pump that is safe for aquarium or fish ponds. An oil leak will kill all your fish and probably hurt your bacteria colonies and perhaps even do in your plants long before it will be a food safety concern to you eating the fish or plants growing in the system.

And likely any pump that is that cheap, won't be in the long run. Look for good energy efficient pumps that would be safe for potable water or fish systems. A cheap pump that uses lots of electricity will cost you way more than a pricey energy efficient pump. And if the cheap pumps break down and need to be replaced, they really are not much of a savings.

It has been brought up before timmy, any oil filled pump (even "food safe" ones) will leak, and will kill your fish.

don't all pumps contain lubes to prevent their moving parts sticking?

No, the good ones have ceramic shafts and housings or the cheaper ones nylon/plastic.
Mainly the upmarket sump pumps eg Davey are oil filled upper bearings.

ah well good then!