You have a really good point there on the white - I decided against it and went ahead and ordered the black marine version. I figured a pump helps with mixing water and I'd have to get another anyway, so instead of getting a cheapy, I'll probably go ahead and do what you did and use the existing for that and buy a better one for the tank itself. Now going to be searching for the most quiet one I can find within budget (hahaha... "budget"). What pump did you end up going with and do you like it?Thanks. I actually never used the stock pump in the tank. I use it for mixing water and water changes. I could tell when I first looked at it that it was going to cause problems. I’ve had issues with aquarium kit pumps in the past, it’s the first thing I swap out.
before you get the white fluval consider the grim and algae that will buildup on the white background. It’s plastic, you won’t be able to get it clean. The tank will always look grimy. Just something to consider.