even now when it cuts out for 2mins I sometimes notice and turn to see if it comes back on. always seems to work. your right on saying its a high pump and I myself didnt take into account the taps once fitted to top. This is why I gave a cupboard size needed and not a pump size,to make life easy for anyone thinking of buying one.I was lucky it fitted its not a nosie pump though just incase anyone is woundering but if you do have air in system sometimes it bubbles. this can be sorted by better placement of any air stone you have and runing pump inlet/outlet pipes straight with no kinks.

it turns it self off?

yes its got a smart computer chip.....which turns off daily and purdges the system for 1minute releasing any air blocks,,,it self set ups etc etc,,,brilliant machine,,it comes with sponge media. but rest you provide yourself, i use sponge and pond filter bio media<cheap and effective