Pcx40 above sump?

SOS · 07/04/2012, 03:40 PM

Please excuse me if this is a dumb question as I've never used an external pump before. Can I place my genx pcx40 on a shelf about a foot above my sump water line with an intake pipe going down into my sump? I'd be driving a skimmer which will sit in the sump. Can this pump draw water up from the sump? Thanks.

DaveMorris · 07/04/2012, 04:31 PM

I'm not 100% positive, but I think you will run into problems with it pulling water into itself. I don't think that style of pump does well without being primed.

Plato · 07/05/2012, 12:25 PM

Yes, you will have to prime the pump and install a check valve before the intake of the pump. If the pump shuts off the check valve keeps the pump primed so when it is turned back on you won't burn up your pump.

sirreal63 · 07/05/2012, 01:06 PM

In general it is a bad idea, the check will clog and not form a good seal after a while and could burn up the pump. If you do it, be sure and oversize the inlet, the check valve will restrict some flow.

07/04/2012, 03:40 PM	#1
SOS Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 194	Pcx40 above sump? Please excuse me if this is a dumb question as I've never used an external pump before. Can I place my genx pcx40 on a shelf about a foot above my sump water line with an intake pipe going down into my sump? I'd be driving a skimmer which will sit in the sump. Can this pump draw water up from the sump? Thanks.

07/04/2012, 04:31 PM	#2
DaveMorris Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lemon Grove, CA Posts: 1,529	I'm not 100% positive, but I think you will run into problems with it pulling water into itself. I don't think that style of pump does well without being primed. __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 300g Starphire, 100g sump, 60g refugium, (2)GenX40 return pumps, 5000gph CL w/OM 4way, 400w & 250w MH, T5 actinics

07/05/2012, 12:25 PM	#3
Plato Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NC Posts: 630	Yes, you will have to prime the pump and install a check valve before the intake of the pump. If the pump shuts off the check valve keeps the pump primed so when it is turned back on you won't burn up your pump. __________________ Genesis 2:28 God blessed them and said to them,"Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Current Tank Info: 275 starphire, 3 x 400 watt MH + 4 x 80 watt T5's, 2 x MP 60 + 2 x MP 40, Orca 250 skimmer, CADS filter head (SeaVisions), ProCal Ca reactor, GHL controlled.

07/05/2012, 01:06 PM	#4
sirreal63 The Atomic Punk! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 9,871	In general it is a bad idea, the check will clog and not form a good seal after a while and could burn up the pump. If you do it, be sure and oversize the inlet, the check valve will restrict some flow. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Cant stop, lose job, mind gone, silicon, what bomb, get away, pay day, make hay, break down, need fix, big six, clickity Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.