[GuyBFF]

Little Giant makes awesome pond pumps. They're considered very reliable and durable in the pond industry. I'm not sure how that compares to the (what I think) more reliability critical aquarium market.

I think the units are shaft driven (but not sure) however, so unlike a good mag-drive which will only require an impeller assembly from time to time, shaft driven pumps just loose there shaft seal and take on water (failing).

They indeed could however last just as long or longer. Some require oil lubrication, and most are large, but like I say my friend could only qoute pond use.