I think durability wise it depends. But it all boils down on what you actually need. Targeting wave or just flow within the tank... With vortech if you do not align properly the ceramic bearing might gave way sooner due to the vibration etc.. I have two of them and i love the flow they give. If you have a shallow tank.. you can easily create a resonant wave.Couple with a targetted wavemaker it works well. i wish i can add one more .