Wave maker problems

JoeyJ · Sep 28, 2023

So I've added 2 clownfish to my tank(75 gallons) and when the wave maker is off they free swim everywhere but when ever I turn the wave maker on they immediately run back to their caves and sit there untill the wave maker is off

Btw the wave maker is a aquatop with 1321 gph and is usually positioned to face the middle column of the tank

So like what should I do should I keep it off or on

Derrick0580 · Sep 28, 2023

Leave it on, they will eventually get used to it.

BanZI29 · Sep 28, 2023

are you able to turn it down a bit? or will that mess up your tank flow?

JoeyJ · Sep 28, 2023

BanZI29 said:
are you able to turn it down a bit? or will that mess up your tank flow?

It's only a set flow cant change it but yet(saving for one wirh a controller)

BanZI29 · Sep 28, 2023

Are you able to move it to another location?

Marquarium · Sep 28, 2023

Is the flow high enough that it's blowing your sand all over?

TheBear78 · Sep 28, 2023

They'll get used to it. They may well have never experienced much flow before (assuming they're relatively young and from a shop) so it's a bit strange for them.

Birdman Broham · Sep 28, 2023

JoeyJ said:
So I've added 2 clownfish to my tank(75 gallons) and when the wave maker is off they free swim everywhere but when ever I turn the wave maker on they immediately run back to their caves and sit there untill the wave maker is off

Btw the wave maker is a aquatop with 1321 gph and is usually positioned to face the middle column of the tank

So like what should I do should I keep it off or on

Sounds like they’re not used to that type of flow so there’s two things you can do. You can either buy one that has a controller on it so you can start off at a lower flow rate and then slowly increase the flow rate to where you need it to be, or, leave it in place sounds like they just need to get used to it it. As far as turning it on and off, I would not do that because it’s gonna take them longer to adjust by letting it continuously run they will eventually come out and most clowns like the play flow like that.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Sep 28, 2023

leave it on, its not a very strong wavemaker, you are getting less than 20x turnover. My tanks run closer to 40x turnover.

Your wavemaker should be somewhat pointed at the water surface to agitate the water surface, you don't want a flat water surface.

My only other comment is to add another wavemaker on the opposite end. With just one, you get a one-way flow, IMO it creates a lot of dead flow spots. 2 is always better, especially in a tank that size, that way you can aim them somewhat at each other so they reflect off each other and create a more random flow pattern.