Ecotechs. I know you say don't use that line, but I can tell you from experience.. I used to be on of the people who said "Don't use that line". I thought, "Well, I can't really swing an Ecotech right now. I'll get Koralias and call it a day". And I did. But now I'm only just satisfied with the flow.. If I would have saved up the money for an Ecotech, I would be able to crank it up, instead of having to buy a new Koralia or plan for an Ecotech. Plus, the Ecotech has wave making a feeding features that you just don't get with low tech pumps.
Moral of the story? When people say buy right so you don't buy twice, it's because they buy twice and wish they would have listened to everyone else.. I know it sounds like we're just being obstinate or unhelpful, but we see ourselves in you and we're telling you what we wish someone would have told us (or what we wish we would have listened to). The only exception is if you only feel like you're half-into the hobby.. the only way expensive equipment makes sense is if you're going to have your aquarium for the long haul. If you know you're going to be out of the hobby in a few years, buy a few Koralias. I would not recommend MJs for flow. If you do plan on being in it for the long haul, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by waiting until you have the money or finding a way to make Ecotechs work.
Just my (and I'm sure others') $0.02.
