"Gen-X" pump question

SquidHC · 04/05/2007, 12:20 PM

I was curious if anyone had anything good or bad to say about "Gen-X" pumps? Theres one on sale online that has the GPH Im looking for and its pretty cheap. Heres a pic.

Designed for long-lasting, maintenance-free operation. Quiet, cool-running, magnetic drive external water pumps ideal for fresh or saltwater applications. Self-cooling fan further minimizes heat transfer, and rubber boot on mounting brackets reduces vibrations and noise. Non-corrosive polypropylene housing. 6-1/2 ft cord.

Model: PCX-30
GPH: 825
Max head:14.5 ft
Fittings: 3/4" MPT
Watts: 100

Its only 99 bucks on sale, so I wouldnt be suprised if its crap for that price, but if its a good pump Ill order one.

SquidHC · 04/05/2007, 12:26 PM

I also was curious about this product.

Its supposed to switch water movement from your return pump back and forth every 10 seconds or so. I dont see a powercord so I guess its self standing. Anyone ever use these, and how were the results?

sjm817 · 04/05/2007, 12:34 PM

The Gen-X externals are a great bang for the $. Not the quietest pumps, but good pumps. I dont like the SCWDs. Too flow restrictive, and unreliable.

rustybucket145 · 04/05/2007, 12:35 PM

I bought a used genx 40 a few years back. It's still kicking. They are very similar in design to the MUCH higher priced Iwaki pumps. I've modified mine to run my skimmer (gutter guard/mesh mod) so it's not my return pump but I think it would work fine for it. But all in all works fine, little noisy but no more so than any other external pump I've had.

I've heard good and bad things about the SCWD device. I think they had some manufacturing flaws in the beginning where units were leaking badly but they may have cleared that up. You'll have to get advice on that from someone who has used one before.

SquidHC · 04/06/2007, 12:11 PM

Any other imput?

c_stowers · 04/06/2007, 12:14 PM

I'm thinking about getting one of these Gen-X pumps as well. I know a few people that have had them for years. They say they perform well, but are just a little noisey.

kcbonsai_matt · 04/06/2007, 01:03 PM

Check out the reviews on RC.

http://www.reefcentral.com/modules.p...iews&s=&menu=7

The SCWD is the most popular review right now. Also, check out Melev's Reef to see where he's used it to make a closed loop system. I think he's even got a video there showing how much movement it puts out.

http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

sjlesq99 · 04/06/2007, 01:07 PM

I have had genx pumps for years. very reliable, energy efficient but noisy. i also have ad scwds for years. they will clog up and need to be soaked in vinegar. could be a couple of months or could be a couple of years. i like the scwds though on pressure pumps like the genx

04/05/2007, 12:20 PM	#1
SquidHC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon, USA Posts: 840	"Gen-X" pump question I was curious if anyone had anything good or bad to say about "Gen-X" pumps? Theres one on sale online that has the GPH Im looking for and its pretty cheap. Heres a pic. Designed for long-lasting, maintenance-free operation. Quiet, cool-running, magnetic drive external water pumps ideal for fresh or saltwater applications. Self-cooling fan further minimizes heat transfer, and rubber boot on mounting brackets reduces vibrations and noise. Non-corrosive polypropylene housing. 6-1/2 ft cord. Model: PCX-30 GPH: 825 Max head:14.5 ft Fittings: 3/4" MPT Watts: 100 Its only 99 bucks on sale, so I wouldnt be suprised if its crap for that price, but if its a good pump Ill order one. __________________ We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. Current Tank Info: 30x30 cube under construction! Last edited by SquidHC; 04/05/2007 at 12:41 PM.

04/05/2007, 12:26 PM	#2
SquidHC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon, USA Posts: 840	I also was curious about this product. Its supposed to switch water movement from your return pump back and forth every 10 seconds or so. I dont see a powercord so I guess its self standing. Anyone ever use these, and how were the results? __________________ We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. Current Tank Info: 30x30 cube under construction!

04/05/2007, 12:34 PM	#3
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	The Gen-X externals are a great bang for the $. Not the quietest pumps, but good pumps. I dont like the SCWDs. Too flow restrictive, and unreliable. __________________ - Scott

04/05/2007, 12:35 PM	#4
rustybucket145 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: valdosta, ga Posts: 3,707	I bought a used genx 40 a few years back. It's still kicking. They are very similar in design to the MUCH higher priced Iwaki pumps. I've modified mine to run my skimmer (gutter guard/mesh mod) so it's not my return pump but I think it would work fine for it. But all in all works fine, little noisy but no more so than any other external pump I've had. I've heard good and bad things about the SCWD device. I think they had some manufacturing flaws in the beginning where units were leaking badly but they may have cleared that up. You'll have to get advice on that from someone who has used one before. __________________ 400gals of various tanks in the same system. Current Tank Info: 2 175w MH, 2 VH0 Actinics, Lots of Live Rock, tons of copepods, a Fat Mandarin Goby, Niger Trigger, Yellow Tang, Falco Hawkfish, Bi-Color Pseudo, numerous soft, SPS and LPS Corals

04/06/2007, 12:11 PM	#5
SquidHC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon, USA Posts: 840	Any other imput? __________________ We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. Current Tank Info: 30x30 cube under construction!

04/06/2007, 12:14 PM	#6
c_stowers Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,250	I'm thinking about getting one of these Gen-X pumps as well. I know a few people that have had them for years. They say they perform well, but are just a little noisey.

04/06/2007, 01:03 PM	#7
kcbonsai_matt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 54	Check out the reviews on RC. http://www.reefcentral.com/modules.p...iews&s=&menu=7 The SCWD is the most popular review right now. Also, check out Melev's Reef to see where he's used it to make a closed loop system. I think he's even got a video there showing how much movement it puts out. http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

04/06/2007, 01:07 PM	#8
sjlesq99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 271	I have had genx pumps for years. very reliable, energy efficient but noisy. i also have ad scwds for years. they will clog up and need to be soaked in vinegar. could be a couple of months or could be a couple of years. i like the scwds though on pressure pumps like the genx