I found nothing that can compare with the amount of water moved by stream pumps, esp. for the wattage. I run two 6080 pumps in my 225. They are rated @ 2200gph and the pair cost the same as one 6110 plus controller.
If you have more money,
, then a controller and a pair of 6100 pumps @3300gph each would work.
This tank has had a pair of closed loops. I once run a smaller Iwaki, 3MD and Mak4 in a combo of return pump and closed loops.
example;
Mak4 pump -$230C @100 watts @1100gph.
Tunze 6080 -$250C @20 watts @2200gph. {rough numbers}.
I have also played with educators on a Mak4. Purchased a pair of 3in. ones. First, they were no good on the Mak4 running as a return pump. To much surface splash, so the educators had to be a fair bit under the water. As there is back pressure on the pump, drilling the usual anti-siphon hole never worked, {squirted me in the face, :shock: }. The back flow when shut down was to much for me.
Running as a closed loop worked well though. The pair of educators, easily over powered the 6080 on the other end. However, I thought they were just as ugly as the stream pumps, {which I dont mind, as they look kinda cool}. I have mentioned that perhaps as the educators screw into a 3/4in. fitting, that on a new tank, drill and fit a 3/4in. bulkhead into each end pane of glass and screw the educators into there. May look pretty good.
One other thing, I would split the return as I did, to lessen the back pressure created by the educators.
In the end, I got my other 6080 pump back, {a friend was using it, while I was playing around}. To me, they were the best for my purpose and as mentioned, I dont mind the look. My friend is installing the Mak4 closed loop and pair of educators on his new 180. I can let you know how they worked there.
