Best wavemaker for a 20g tank

[Gumbies R Us]

So, as many of you know, I had to tear down my tank due to a severe algae outbreak. I'm planning on restarting the tank once we get moved in to our new house. One thing I want to get for my tank restart is a wavemaker, which is why I am asking all of you. What is the best wave maker I can get for a 20g? I'm open to all options, both cheap and expensive, experience with said wavemaker, and why you like or don't like specific ones. Thanks everyone!

 

[Anna K]

I don't have a wave marker, but I do have a powerhead (Nero 3) that I think could do the job of a wave marker with the pulse mode option. You can customize it based on intensity, for how long, etc which I think could work for you :) Hopefully, someone else with an actual wave marker will chime in soon!

 

[purpfish]

I don't have a wave marker, but I do have a powerhead (Nero 3) that I think could do the job of a wave marker with the pulse mode option. You can customize it based on intensity, for how long, etc which I think could work for you :) Hopefully, someone else with an actual wave marker will chime in soon!

What’s the difference between a wave maker and power head? a Nero is what I would call a wavemaker

 

[purpfish]

Mp10 would be my choice

 

[bubbgee]

I don't have a wave marker, but I do have a powerhead (Nero 3) that I think could do the job of a wave marker with the pulse mode option. You can customize it based on intensity, for how long, etc which I think could work for you :) Hopefully, someone else with an actual wave marker will chime in soon!

+1 for Nero3. MP10 is also good. The Hygger nano gyre is also good.

 

[MyFirstCar]

I owned a Nero 3 and a jebao, both were about the same. Nero 3 is kinda nice because it looks nicer and takes up less space.

 

[Anna K]

What’s the difference between a wave maker and power head? a Nero is what I would call a wavemaker

I always look at 'wave markers' as the long, thin powerheads and then powerheads as round and robust.
Maybe that's just a me thing both do the same job

 

[exnisstech]

I'm running two MP10s on my IM 20. I had the MP10s already so there was no cost. I don't have much in the tank yet but am getting nice flow while not blowing sand around.

 

[rtparty]

Tunze 6040. Can’t beat the reliability, flow pattern options, and service from Roger if you ever need it

I see Nero pumps fail on the daily with rusted magnets. It’s a common issue

 

[Hunna’s Stunnas]

The only issue I had with my Nero 3 is that it somehow became the “master” of the tank when I added it, which caused my Ai Prime 16 HD to become the “slave”. This resulted in my light constantly resetting itself to Dec 31, 1969, which meant my light wouldn’t be on all day until I’d come home from work and turn it on for a few hours. It became more and more frequent, to the point it stressed some corals out. I lost my holy grail hammer from the stress of the light constantly not coming on.

AI’s response was to move the Nero 3 onto its “own tank”. That fixed the issue, but it’s pretty silly 2 products from the same company can’t work properly on said company’s app that’s supposed to control them.

Edit: here are some pictures of it. I forgot it also jumped forward in time to 2069 a few times. Took these from my post on the ARC forums about it.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I use 2 sicce nano voyagers on my 15 gallon.

 

[BriDroid]

I really like my Nero 3. I love how customizable it is, something that is lacking on the knockoffs.

 

[DHill6]

MP10, have used the MPs on every tank over 15 yrs. The heat is outside of tank, no wires inside of tank, easy to clean, very controllable, they just work well and many years of use. Also I never had a problem with their customer service. I’ve used both MP10s and MP40s

 

[pooootiqe]

MP40 :p

 

[purpfish]

I always look at 'wave markers' as the long, thin powerheads and then powerheads as round and robust.
Maybe that's just a me thing both do the same job

Long ones are gyres I belive

 

[exnisstech]

MP10, have used the MPs on every tank over 15 yrs. The heat is outside of tank, no wires inside of tank, easy to clean, very controllable, they just work well and many years of use. Also I never had a problem with their customer service. I’ve used both MP10s and MP40s

Same. i have 7 MP40s and 2 MP10s. I really like keeping a couple if spare wet sides to swap out for cleaning.
I have Nero 3s and 5s also and find them a hassle to clean with the long cable attached to the motor. Rather than fish the cable out I clean them in container on a stool next to the tank.

 

[Pico_Reefs]

I have a hot take here, but MP10 is horrible for Nanos.

I know people use them and swear by them, but the power adjustment doesn't go down enough for me. I love the Nero 3. I have four of them and have never had any issues. You can adjust the power in 1% increments down to 1%, where the MP's lowest power level is 30% ( I believe maybe 40).

I doubt I would ever buy another one, and I will likely replace the one I do have with a Nero.