Yeah, thats how it always works. I agree with you on all the above points. I run aquaclears on nearly all of my African tanks. They're easy to maintain, quiet and efficient. I run emperors on my discus tank for the additional aeration/biological filtration. They also have smaller vents on the intake tube so they don't suck in floating leaves from the plants I don't take care of. Just figured I'd check with members before I buy new. I need them before the next meeting, otherwise I'd wait for the auction.