He could literally buy 2 eheim 2217 for the price of 1 fx6. It may not equal the same gph the fx6 can do but it’s more filters.
Plus the fx6 is on sale for the $340, it’s normally $400 on that site so 2 eheim 2217 for less than 1 fx6.
Two 2217
Wouldn't that be equivalent to a pair of fluval 306?
I am not trying to bring the classic canister debate into this so I apologize it just sort of happened
I have a couple eheims, one is a 2217 which I have had for over 10 years, still works well. Although, I hate how much of a p.i.t.a they are to clean and prime. I had a sunsun which I liked, I had no problems with it but I sold it off.
2 2217's might be a little light for a 180 tho tbh depending on bioload. Used to have an fx5 which I liked as well.
Basically I think it is preference and what you value more; reliability, easy of cleaning, or value