Yes, the trade off is better and actually easier to DIY than the internal method.
So the only way someone will steal this idea, is to make powerheads.

So anyone can DIY a powerhead anyway, and then it's easy.

Now, setting up a similar thing in line is all that needs some detailing out and then it's a wrap.

I'll be doing one sometime soon (For the 120 and the 180 I'm doing).
I'm thinking of using a Danner Mag drive 250 or 350 GPH pump and make a loop with some tubing mods to make a semi venturi intake.
That will be a 1/2" line ball valved off loop from the the 3/4" return lines.
The heater is also 1/2, so I'll have another 1/2" loop split there.
A check valve for the CO2, plus solenoid+ minimal pressure inside the Danner mag drive when the CO2 and pump are off should help prevent any leak related issues.
They seem pretty decent as far as leaks go in the past.

I'm mostly worried about the seal on the Mag drive with 3 ft of head in the line.
When the pump is running, the pressure is suction in and out.
But I'll shut the pump off at night I think.
I could leave it and rely on the solenoid.


Regards,
Tom Barr