Originally posted by RTR
Eheims are the best engineered, best made, quietest canisters, and the most long-lasting. If you know that you are in the hobby indefinitely and not just for a year or two before you lose interest, then Eheims are likely to be the best long-term investment even though the initial purchase price is higher than the other brands. The operating costs are quite low.
I have many Eheims and would not consider any other external canister, as I have units which have been in daily use for well over 20 years without problems. The older units (Classics) are not as user-friendly as the newer ones (Pro), but are still my choice units. ..... Totally silent, very effective, and usable indefinitely - that is the kind of equipment I don't mind paying a bit more to get.