Andrew:
HaHa... I check the mail you send to me and knowing you have a ETSS 800 big boy, I will definitely looking for a bigger boy than 800 , LOL!!
Personally I am currently using Macro traditional venturi model ( old Mercedes still runs good ,LOL!!) , my water inlet pump is a Rio (what a sad!!) 4100, pumping 5000L/hr to my skimmer chamber. The second pump is for producing bubbles , it is a external pump with 3600L/Hr @4 Ft , they are pretty loud but working at good condition.
U mention U serve in NAVY at 1989? I am also a NAVY at 1992. ( the time after I graduate from postgraduate school ), I served as a official in NAVY main command center in TPE, I think it is possible that I knew some of your friends or colleagues at that time. I still rememer that time I travel around the island as a weapon / equipment purchasing official....lots of memory..