40 gallon breeder wavepump

reefguy4429 · Apr 18, 2026

I'm currently building a 40 gallon breeder reef tank and am planning on mostly lps and soft corals. I have been struggling to determine which wavepump(s) I should get for the tank. I've heard it is best to get two wavepumps so as to create a more dynamic and random flow but that can get expensive. So here are my options: 2 Jebao SLW-10s, 1 Jebao DMP-10, or just save up for the Nero 3.

I've heard mixed reviews on the Jebaos which is why I am leaning towards a Nero 3, but those are quite expensive, and I would eventually like 2. Do you think 1 Nero 3 would suffice? and same question for the Jebao DMP-10. Flow seems like such an important part, but impossible to find a definite yes on.

Justfebreezeit · Apr 18, 2026

One nero 3 would work for corals that don't mind low flow.

Imo you don't want to run it above 70% to often as it's pretty noisy at these percentages.

Fish Fan · Apr 18, 2026

Flow is hugely important for healthy corals

I think you may see some push back to the Chinese made Jebao, and especially the DMP's that directly take on the venerable ($$$) EcoTech Vortech pump, but, I've largely heard very good things about them. I have two Jebao DMP-10's running on a 25 gallon since January, no issues so far, and I have two DMP-60's stashed away for my next build. And for nearly 25% the cost of the equivalent EcoTechs. For the money, I think they are worth a shot.

After that, and if you don't mind the cords in the tank (one of the biggest benefits of the VorTech and DMP pumps), you could look at almost anything, such as some of the inexpensive Hydor powerheads. Hydor also makes a controller that adds more flow options and randomizations for their circ pumps.

If you a short on cash at the moment, get one pump now and see how it goes. As mentioned above, you may be fine with one pump with some of the easier-to-keep, lower-flow softies and LPS. If you find you need more flow down the road, you can add a second pump at that time.

Back in the day, we had completely "dumb" powerheads for circulation; no fancy wave makers with controllers or pulsing, etc. You could purchase two very inexpensive powerheads and a couple of simple light timers from the hardware store. Set the timers up so that one pump runs for 20 minutes, then both pumps run for 20 minutes, and then the opposite pump runs 20 minutes, and so on each hour. Believe it or not, this worked very well for circulation in the way-back, and I see no reason it wouldn't work today too. With the timers out there now, you could have the pumps cycling even more times/hour

Consider keeping your eyes open for some new-in-box or gently used circ pumps on the marketplace here on R2R or on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. I tend to find a lot of my gear on these markets.

Good luck!