What size tank do you have? (And the rest of the system.)
My system now has a gen-x pcs 40 return pump feeding my MRC skimmer in the basement sump and my display 12 foot head above on the next floor.
Just so
we know, what's wrong with this setup? Why are you looking?
So
you know, your setup requires a pressure-rated pump (mostly the MRC), and none of the ones you're looking at fit the bill.
From what I can discern, your GenX might be roughly comparable to a Iwaki 40RT (inset; standard model):
That should give you something like 600 GPH, assuming that flow curve is at all accurate for your pump.....it would be awesome if you could measure the actual flow.
The DCP10000 or DCP15000 (or bigger) would be the closest in head rating to your current pump...from the Jebao line. Can't recommend DC pumps for return though....durability is still a question mark and the track record so far is poor.
If you need to switch from your current setup for some reason, I'd split the skimmer and return to separate pumps.
Return
With 12' of vertical head, your current pump is actually pretty good! :)
Most typical return pumps don't deal with this much head pressure.
The
Sicce Syncra HF 10.0 is one of the few that will do it.
- $300+
- 145 watts
- about 1300 GPH at 12'
It's pressure rated (7 psi vs the old pump at 6 psi) and should ALSO be able to drive the skimmer at least as well as the current pump.
Up to a 5 Year Warranty if you register your purchase with Sicce.
Outside of that, I think you're looking at more external pumps like the Iwaki, one of the Dolphin Ampmasters or possibly a Reeflo....or the current slate of DC pumps, which all seem to offer pretty high head ratings. (But also with the already-mentioned caveats.)
I have a ball valve throttle back a little for the display and not really sure how much GPH is going in there.
It might be interesting to know. Try measuring the outflow at the return or at the drain to make a GPH calculation.
I don't trust the numbers they put on the box
I've heard that before – definitely an additional problem for me recommending them.