Packard POCF5 5 MFD Run Capacitor Kit
The Packard POCF5 is positioned as the go-to OEM-style 5 µF run capacitor kit for aquarium pumps and controllers, prized for its tight tolerances and durable construction that reduce motor heating and prolong pump life. Compared with broader universal kits on this list it trades a bit of versatility for a closer fit to factory specifications and predictable electrical performance, making it a cost-effective choice when you need an exact replacement with long-term reliability.
Quick swap
Mini powerhouse
Quick swap
Mini powerhouse
Review Summary
"Users report the Packard POCF5 is a reliable, well-built 5 µF run capacitor kit with solid long-term performance and easy installation; occasional buyers note a premium price but few failures."
Steady hum
Contains a 5 µF run capacitor rated for typical small pump motors (commonly 250VAC).
Steady hum
Contains a 5 µF run capacitor rated for typical small pump motors (commonly 250VAC).
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Packard POCF5 is positioned as the go-to OEM-style 5 µF run capacitor kit for aquarium pumps and controllers, prized for its tight tolerances and durable construction that reduce motor heating and prolong pump life. Compared with broader universal kits on this list it trades a bit of versatility for a closer fit to factory specifications and predictable electrical performance, making it a cost-effective choice when you need an exact replacement with long-term reliability.
Quick swap
Mini powerhouse
Steady hum
Contains a 5 µF run capacitor rated for typical small pump motors (commonly 250VAC).
Compact replacement can with insulated leads and basic mounting hardware for quick swaps.
Quick swap
Mini powerhouse
Steady hum
Contains a 5 µF run capacitor rated for typical small pump motors (commonly 250VAC).
Compact replacement can with insulated leads and basic mounting hardware for quick swaps.
$10-30 USD
Supco Universal Round Capacitor Kit UCK5
The Supco UCK5 is a versatile, budget-oriented universal round capacitor kit designed to cover a wide range of small motors and aquarium controllers; it includes common lead adapters and clear labeling to simplify DIY replacements. Unlike single-value OEM kits, Supco’s strength is broad compatibility and lower up-front cost, which makes it an attractive option for hobbyists who need one kit to service multiple pump models without sourcing exact OEM parts.
Universal fit
Round profile
Universal fit
Round profile
Review Summary
"Customers praise the Supco UCK5 for broad compatibility and good value, with most finding it durable and straightforward to install; a few mention fitment issues with nonstandard housings."
Tool-free hook
Universal round capacitor kit covering common run values used in aquarium pumps and controllers.
Tool-free hook
Universal round capacitor kit covering common run values used in aquarium pumps and controllers.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Supco UCK5 is a versatile, budget-oriented universal round capacitor kit designed to cover a wide range of small motors and aquarium controllers; it includes common lead adapters and clear labeling to simplify DIY replacements. Unlike single-value OEM kits, Supco’s strength is broad compatibility and lower up-front cost, which makes it an attractive option for hobbyists who need one kit to service multiple pump models without sourcing exact OEM parts.
Universal fit
Round profile
Tool-free hook
Universal round capacitor kit covering common run values used in aquarium pumps and controllers.
Pre-wired leads and multiple capacitance options to help match OEM specifications.
Universal fit
Round profile
Tool-free hook
Universal round capacitor kit covering common run values used in aquarium pumps and controllers.
Pre-wired leads and multiple capacitance options to help match OEM specifications.
$15-40 USD
MARS 12909 Motor Start Capacitor Kit
The MARS 12909 is a motor start capacitor kit built to deliver the high surge current needed for hard-starting aquarium pumps and controllers that struggle to reach operating speed. It stands out from run-capacitor-focused products in this list by providing stronger starting torque and robust dielectric construction; while pricier and bulkier, it’s the technically correct choice when start-assist or improved reliability on aged motors is the priority.
Powerful start
High torque
Powerful start
High torque
Review Summary
"Technicians say the MARS 12909 start capacitor kit delivers dependable starting performance and holds up over time, though a minority report early failures under heavy or continuous high-load use."
Rugged housing
Includes motor start capacitors designed to provide the extra torque needed for larger aquarium pumps.
Rugged housing
Includes motor start capacitors designed to provide the extra torque needed for larger aquarium pumps.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
The MARS 12909 is a motor start capacitor kit built to deliver the high surge current needed for hard-starting aquarium pumps and controllers that struggle to reach operating speed. It stands out from run-capacitor-focused products in this list by providing stronger starting torque and robust dielectric construction; while pricier and bulkier, it’s the technically correct choice when start-assist or improved reliability on aged motors is the priority.
Powerful start
High torque
Rugged housing
Includes motor start capacitors designed to provide the extra torque needed for larger aquarium pumps.
Typically supplied with discharge resistors and mounting hardware appropriate for start applications.
Powerful start
High torque
Rugged housing
Includes motor start capacitors designed to provide the extra torque needed for larger aquarium pumps.
Typically supplied with discharge resistors and mounting hardware appropriate for start applications.
$25-60 USD
Genteq C305L Run Capacitor Replacement Kit
Genteq’s C305L run capacitor kit targets premium performance and efficiency for sensitive aquarium electronics, offering low-loss dielectric materials and tighter manufacturing tolerances that minimize motor noise and power draw. Compared with the Packard and universal kits, Genteq positions itself as the higher-end option with better thermal ratings and longer expected life—an investment that can reduce replacement frequency and energy costs for continuously running pumps.
Precision match
OEM-grade
Precision match
OEM-grade
Review Summary
"The Genteq C305L is commonly rated as OEM-quality and long-lasting, with users noting excellent fit, consistent capacitance over time, and high reliability in pump/controller applications."
Long-life
OEM-style run capacitor matching common Genteq specifications used in pump controllers.
Long-life
OEM-style run capacitor matching common Genteq specifications used in pump controllers.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Genteq’s C305L run capacitor kit targets premium performance and efficiency for sensitive aquarium electronics, offering low-loss dielectric materials and tighter manufacturing tolerances that minimize motor noise and power draw. Compared with the Packard and universal kits, Genteq positions itself as the higher-end option with better thermal ratings and longer expected life—an investment that can reduce replacement frequency and energy costs for continuously running pumps.
Precision match
OEM-grade
Long-life
OEM-style run capacitor matching common Genteq specifications used in pump controllers.
High-reliability construction with insulated terminals and stable capacitance across temperature ranges.
Precision match
OEM-grade
Long-life
OEM-style run capacitor matching common Genteq specifications used in pump controllers.
High-reliability construction with insulated terminals and stable capacitance across temperature ranges.
$20-50 USD
AmRad USA2236 Universal Capacitor Kit
The AmRad USA2236 is a value-focused universal capacitor kit that bundles commonly used run and start values, connectors, and mounting hardware to get aquarium pumps and controllers back online quickly. It competes directly with Supco by offering practical coverage for multiple applications at a slightly lower price point, making it a sensible choice for hobbyists or small aquarists who want convenience and cost savings over OEM-brand specificity.
Broad compatibility
Value pack
Broad compatibility
Value pack
Review Summary
"The AmRad USA2236 is appreciated for its universal fit and low cost, but reviews are mixed due to occasional compatibility problems and some longevity concerns reported by repeat users."
Quick install
Wide selection of run and start capacitor values to cover most aquarium pump and controller needs.
Quick install
Wide selection of run and start capacitor values to cover most aquarium pump and controller needs.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The AmRad USA2236 is a value-focused universal capacitor kit that bundles commonly used run and start values, connectors, and mounting hardware to get aquarium pumps and controllers back online quickly. It competes directly with Supco by offering practical coverage for multiple applications at a slightly lower price point, making it a sensible choice for hobbyists or small aquarists who want convenience and cost savings over OEM-brand specificity.
Broad compatibility
Value pack
Quick install
Wide selection of run and start capacitor values to cover most aquarium pump and controller needs.
Includes mounting hardware, pre-wired leads, and clear value labeling for fast field repairs.
Broad compatibility
Value pack
Quick install
Wide selection of run and start capacitor values to cover most aquarium pump and controller needs.
Includes mounting hardware, pre-wired leads, and clear value labeling for fast field repairs.
$30-70 USD