Circulation Pump vs Wave Maker

[hannak007]

Hello! I set up my first saltwater tank about 2 weeks ago. I am using the Fluval Evo 13.5 gallon tank. Everything is going well and I'm really happy with how things turned out! But the pump in the kit just isn't doing it for us. It's too weak and the anemones in my tank aren't getting as much movement as I want them to. So my dad, who has been getting into the hobby with me, has been researching a bit and now wants to add a circulation pump. But after doing some research myself, I am finding myself a bit stuck. Firstly, what is the difference between a circulation pump and wave maker? Also, I have seen people just completely replace the return pump that came with the kit. Is that a better option for us? Or just getting another device to add to the tank?

Thank you!

 

[smitten with ocean life]

the circulation pump is what move your water thru the filtration system. the wave makers are a separate device that is often magnates onto the side or back of the display tank to keep water movement. if you dont feel like you have enough water movement you could look for a small wavemaker. it also helps with oxygenation by keeping the surface of the water moving. not sure if i said this all right. lol!

 

[hannak007]

the circulation pump is what move your water thru the filtration system. the wave makers are a separate device that is often magnates onto the side or back of the display tank to keep water movement. if you dont feel like you have enough water movement you could look for a small wavemaker. it also helps with oxygenation by keeping the surface of the water moving. not sure if i said this all right. lol!

No, that was perfect! Thank you so much!

 

[UncommonSense]

I’ll add that there is an important distinction here:

— Impeller pumps: designed for lifting water out of water; less power efficient per-gallon moved, intended for water lifting applications! (Commonly known as return pumps, accessory pumps, etc…)

— Propeller pumps: designed for mixing water the pump is submerged in, intended and very power efficient for mixing large amounts of water! (Commonly known as powerheads or wave makers)

This said, you want to use a propeller pump to improve flow in the display tank!