Aquascape Adjustable Flow Pumps have used several generations of receivers over the years. Each generation changed how the pump connects to the receiver and, in later generations, added Smart Control App capabilities and additional protection features.
Knowing which generation you have is especially important when replacing a receiver because older pumps may require a conversion plug to connect to the newest receiver.
Generation 1 Receiver
The Generation 1 receiver was used with the earliest Aquascape Adjustable Flow Pumps.
Main features
- Used a separate wireless remote to turn the pump on or off and adjust water flow.
- Did not connect to the Aquascape Smart Control App.
- Pump connected to the receiver using the original 3-prong push-style connection.
- Designed primarily to provide basic adjustable-flow control.
What changed later?
Generation 1 established the adjustable-flow pump and receiver system, but control was limited to the receiver and its remote.
Generation 2 Receiver
The Generation 2 receiver continued to use remote-controlled adjustable-flow technology.
The Generation 2 Remote and Receiver Kit was used with pumps such as the AquaSurge PRO adjustable-flow pumps, including models introduced around 2015.
Main features
- Wireless handheld remote control.
- On/off control and adjustable pump flow.
- Continued to use the 3-prong push-style pump connection.
- Updated receiver and remote system used with the second-generation adjustable-flow pump platform.
- Did not provide the full Wi-Fi and Smart Control App functionality available on later receivers.
Important compatibility information
Generation 1 and Generation 2 pumps use the same older-style connection when upgrading to the newest Generation 4 receiver.
Aquascape identifies both Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 pumps as using a 3-prong push connection.
Generation 3 – Smart Control Receiver
Generation 3 represented the major transition from a primarily remote-controlled pump to a smart, Wi-Fi-connected pump system.
The Generation 3 unit is commonly identified as the Aquascape Smart Control Receiver, Item #45038 and 45039. These receivers has since been discontinued and replaced by the Generation 4 Smart Pump Receivers.
Major improvements
- Added connection to the Aquascape Smart Control App.
- Allowed pump operation from a smartphone or tablet.
- Added remote flow adjustment through the app.
- Added customized pump scheduling.
- Supported monitoring of pump energy use through the Smart Control App.
- Included on-board power and flow controls.
- Could also be paired with the optional Aquascape Universal Remote.
- Required a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network for Smart Control connectivity.
Connection change
Generation 3 introduced a different pump-to-receiver connection from the Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 three-prong system.
Because of this connector change, different adapters are required depending on which generation pump is being connected to a newer receiver.
Why Generation 3 was important
This was the generation that changed the Adjustable Flow Pump from essentially a remote-controlled pump into part of the Aquascape Smart Control ecosystem.
Instead of needing to be within range of a handheld remote, users could control and schedule the pump through the Smart Control App wherever app connectivity was available.
Generation 4 – Smart Pump Receiver
The current receiver is the Generation 4 Smart Pump Receiver, Item #45064 and Large Smart Pump Receiver, item 45065.
It replaces the discontinued Generation 3 Smart Control Receiver #45038 and #45039 respectively.
Generation 4 retains the smart capabilities introduced with Generation 3 while updating the physical receiver, pump connection, and electrical protection.
Major improvements
- Aquascape Smart Control App operation.
- Smartphone and tablet control.
- Pump on/off control.
- Adjustable water flow.
- Customized scheduling.
- Alexa voice-control capability.
- Integrated control panel.
- Digital numeric display.
- Durable metal receiver housing.
- Weather-resistant quick-connect pump fitting.
- Resettable breaker switch that can shut the receiver down when a defective pump creates an electrical problem.
- Optional Universal Remote compatibility.
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.
New quick-connect system
One of the most noticeable Generation 4 changes is the updated pump connection.
Older pumps can still be used, but the correct conversion plug must be installed.
Can an Older Pump Be Used With a Generation 4 Receiver?
In many cases, yes.
Aquascape designed the Generation 4 Smart Pump Receiver so older Adjustable Flow Pumps can be adapted to it.
Generation 1 and Generation 2 pumps
Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 pumps use the original 3-prong push connection.
To connect one of these pumps to a Gen. 4 receiver, Aquascape specifies:
- Smart Control Conversion Plug #45040, which converts the older three-prong pump connection to a female quick-connect fitting.
- The male-to-male conversion plug used to complete the connection to the Gen. 4 receiver.
Generation 3 pumps
Generation 3 pumps use a different connection.
To connect a Gen. 3 pump to the Gen. 4 Smart Pump Receiver, use the Male-to-Male Conversion Plug #45062.
Receiver Generation Comparison
| Generation | Primary Control | Smart Control App | Pump Connection | Major Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen. 1 | Handheld remote | No | 3-prong push connection | Original adjustable-flow receiver |
| Gen. 2 | Updated handheld remote/receiver | No | 3-prong push connection | Updated adjustable-flow pump and receiver platform |
| Gen. 3 | Receiver, Universal Remote, and Smart Control App | Yes | Updated connector | Introduced Wi-Fi and Smart Control capabilities |
| Gen. 4 | Receiver, Universal Remote, and Smart Control App | Yes | Weather-resistant quick-connect | Metal housing, updated connection system, and resettable breaker protection |
Which Receiver Should I Use as a Replacement?
For most current replacement applications, the Generation 4 Smart Pump Receiver #45064 is the replacement receiver.
The previous Smart Control Receiver #45038 has been discontinued.
Before replacing a receiver:
- Identify the generation of the pump.
- Inspect the pump-to-receiver electrical connection.
- Determine which conversion plug is required.
- Confirm that the pump model is compatible with the replacement receiver.
Important: Not every Adjustable Flow Pump uses the same receiver. For example, Aquascape states that Smart Pump Receiver #45064 is not compatible with the SLD 5000-9000 Adjustable Flow Pond Pump. This pump requires Smart Pump Receiver #45065. Always verify the specific pump model before ordering a replacement receiver.
Key Takeaway
The biggest changes between Aquascape receiver generations are:
Gen. 1 → Gen. 2: Updated remote-controlled adjustable-flow system.
Gen. 2 → Gen. 3: Addition of Wi-Fi and the Aquascape Smart Control App.
Gen. 3 → Gen. 4: Updated quick-connect system, more durable metal housing, and additional electrical protection through a resettable breaker.
Older Adjustable Flow Pumps do not necessarily need to be replaced when upgrading the receiver. In many cases, the proper Aquascape conversion plug allows the older pump to operate with the current Generation 4 Smart Pump Receiver.