Anyone using a Gen-X 40 mak pump

[Salt_in_MyBlood]

I am setting up a 135 Gal Tank with a 65 gal plus sump in the basement. I was looking at using a Gen-x 40 mak pump. I only need around 700-800 gph return that will be about 14' above the pump. As for the flow chart they say the 40 will do. Anyone have any experience with them and whether they last.

[HippieSmell]

No personal experience, but I've heard that they're loud and not as reliable as Panworld or Iwaki, both of which I own and have run non stop for 5 years.

[neelix]

I had mine for over 3 years and was still going strong when I sold it. Solid performer IMO.

[franklinbeens]

i ran mine for 5 yrs until i upgraded to a bigger tank, no issues at all.

[Salt_in_MyBlood]

For those who had it, how did you find the noise level? I know that peoples idea of loud is different for anyone, but an example comparison would be great.

[Pescado guy]

I had one for a couple years as a return pump for my 75 gallon tank. I didn't think it was super loud but it was definitely audible from under the stand. Just a solid humming. Louder than the Iwakis for sure! I was happy with it overall though.

[franklinbeens]

not loud enough to cause me to rip it out.

[Squint]

I have mine in an open stand about 14' away from my TV. It was loud when it was new and when I took it out of storage but in both instances, it quieted down significantly after running a few days.

I'm happy with it but if I was buying today, I'm not sure it would be my first choice.

[Salt_in_MyBlood]

good to hear about the noise. It will be in the basement and have thought about suspending it on a platform with rubber shocks holding it up to eliminate the vibrationn. The main reason i am looking at that is, i just bought a house, will be renovating the first floor and basement. And then setting up the 135 as soon as i can. It is not that i want to go super cheap but if i can save on somethings and still have the performance i ant or atleast close, then great. If i need to replace it and use it else where after two or three years then so be it.
Thanks for all the great info

[sjm817]

I've had one running as a basement return for over 4 years, Very reliable, good flow, low power use, but yeah, not a quiet pump. Except for that, its a great basement pump. I dont care that its loud in this application.

[Fish Ace]

I have one in the basement, it's not loud and over time I forgot about any noise. I've had no issues at all with. I't draws less than 1 amp and I think it's perfect for you.

[acropora1981]

I have used many of these over the years, they are a staple for me in larger systems. I found them to be quiet and well made. I did once try one of the larger Gen-X pumps and it was LOUD(PCX-100, mak 5). The Mak 4 is not loud though.

[sjm817]

I guess what is loud is subjective. I find it remarkable that anyone would not consider the Mak4 a loud pump. I like them, use one myself, but would not even think of using one in an area that I could hear it. Great basement return though.

[NyReefNoob]

most of the noise comes from the shroud covering the fan

[sjm817]

It does. I bet if you replaced the shroud and fan with a different style it would make a world of difference.

[Salt_in_MyBlood]

I diy everything else, so i am sure i could come up with a better fan and shroud. A few more holes to drill and the protein skimmer is done, then i can finish off 'my ocean motions' which is about half done. Just working out the motor and gearing to the speed i want.

Thanks for the info on the pump, will go ahead and order that.

[sjm817]

The shroud just comes off with a couple screws. The fan is metal and is attached to the end of the motor shaft. I never paid attention to how it is attached. I bet you could use something like a 120mm case fan on the end of the shaft. Maybe the stock fan and a different shroud design would also work. These are really good pumps. Compared to any other external pump that can handle basement pumping. They are inexpensive, have decent flow and low power use. As reliable as any pump I have ever owned.