Personally I really think in this hobby, you get what you paid for. Last thing you want is getting something cheaper then regretting it later and buying the expensive one anyway. I'm not saying it's the end all and be all of pumps. Just my 2cents. Fluval do affordable pumps for the AC range. Waveline and reef octopus are pretty decent for the affordable DC range. Honestly if the wife didnt give me a bigger budget in would of went with a Sicce, hits all the broad points for a good pump, price, durability, noise reduction and power consumption.