I think for the smaller, normally stocked tanks, that is tanks that do not need 2 fx5s, fx5s make sense. If however, one start to run 2 fx5s on the same tank, then bigger Eheims win. A word about capacity. Flow rates mean nothing if the biological surface area is not there; so even if the flow rate is slower, you will find 2260 can carry more fish load. I have not found bypass an issue with my eheim pro 2s. I will see when I open my 2262 later; but from what I hear from others, that's not an issue for the model.
I am not as impressed with Eheim's pro 3 stuff; and having worked in the electronics industry, I do not like little chips controlling something really mechanical. I do not trust that at all and really unnecessary.
Lastly, Having to service the filter once every 8 month - 12 month instead of every 2 month is worth more than a couple of hundred dollars to me even for a year(yeah, I am lazy. )
I am not as impressed with Eheim's pro 3 stuff; and having worked in the electronics industry, I do not like little chips controlling something really mechanical. I do not trust that at all and really unnecessary.
Lastly, Having to service the filter once every 8 month - 12 month instead of every 2 month is worth more than a couple of hundred dollars to me even for a year(yeah, I am lazy. )