The same is true for the smaller two models of the
Eccos -- bigger canister but same pump head, motor,
assembly. Ehiem always rates it's bigger models with a
higher flow rate even if the pump is the same. It cannot be
that two filters with the same pump are rated according to
the same rules if the larger canister, which presents more
resitance to flow, is rated higher than the smaller
canister. But hey are darn nice machines anyway,
regardless of the apparently mutable laws (of Eheim)
physics. ;-) That's all just my personal opinion, but you
can check out the part numbers on the filter parts yourself
;-)
The eccos are generally cheaper than the Professional or
Pro IIs. It's like an economy version of Eheim that
competes for the same market as Filstar, Hagen, and Via
Aqua. Just a tad louder but have built in priming
mechanism. Just based on value for the buck, I'd buy an
Ecco before a Pro/II model unless I got a really great
deal. I confess I have more than one of both. Any of the
Ecco models would work for a 30 gal tank.
Also, the Filstar canisters are much cheaper than Eheims. A
tad louder, like the Eccos but I've had a couple running
several years without any problems.
Scott H.