The differences in flow 'style' between the different propellor pumps are pretty minimal - the differences are in quality, features. Pricewise, from the top, I tihnk
Vortech - go look there are huge pros, also a couple of big cons. You're going to love them or hate them. I think they have a speed controller out now.
Tunze turbelle streams - the original designers. Big range, with some big volume ratings. Super reliability, single and multi controllers for speed controller (6000 + single controller is big bang for the buck), light sensors to slow them down at night.
Seio - some quality problems, have they got that controller out yet (I think answer is yes in theory, but I've never seen one)
Hydor Korallia - cheap, flow is good, noise not so great, some reliability issues, they've been recalled once.
Also throw in that mix the nano streams fomr Tunze that are great value for money, but initially had some QC problems. If I was looking for pumps for tanks up to a 55 or 4x2x2 120 that's what I would get, and mod them to up the flow (see reefcentral). There are also similar pumps fomr AquaMedic, and others, but I've not seen them
And then, in Europe, the situation is confused even more by the fact that on a rating for euro per litre moved the difference between seio and tunze is very , very little (10 ~ 10% dearer) if you shop around, and if you include speed controllers seio is actually a little more expensive according to some calcs.
FWIW I use original tunzes, with one of them on a single controller. Mins brush streams to create a turbulent vortex, and with the single controller set to vary between 30% and 100% every 15 secs I can get the vortex to move up and down the lengh of my tank. |