i went from an ampmaster to a tunze master recirculation pump.
the ampmaster was dead quiet and worked really really well up until the seals started to wear out in about two years and started to slow down (but didnt leak).
so...
i decided to try a tunze master recirc because of the incredible rep that tunze has.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium...e_master_recirculation_electronic.asp?CartId=
the first one i got made a loud rattling sound that i couldnt figure out. i contacted roger on the tunze forum and got the best customer service i have received from any product rep.
he sent me a new pump and has worked flawlessly.
it is a little noisier than the ampmaster but the hum is quite low. i cant say i would have it in a living room set up as all my equipment is remotely located in the garage and noise isnt an issue.
would i get another tunze recirc pump?
it is a definite maybe. so far, the reliability has been bullet proof and i have had it, i am guessing, for a year or so.
it shows no sign of slowing up or any annoyances i have noticed with other external pumps...seal wear being the biggest one it seems.