Wavemaker vs powerhead

Murica · Jun 17, 2017

Powerhead vs wave maker

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Powerhead-vs-wave-maker.310727/

Figure I'd try it out in the general forum... I would like to fix this issue soon so I'm just looking for a few opinions.

Dr. Reef · Jun 21, 2017

Both are important in their own ways. I like to have both working togather to make sure stuff don't settle.
Currently on my 300 gal system I have gyre 280 with mp40.

BlueCursor · Jun 21, 2017

Waves can weaken tank seals over time. Just something to consider.

Murica · Jun 21, 2017

BlueCursor said:
Waves can weaken tank seals over time. Just something to consider.

Yikes I had no clue. Would you say most reefers do waves or no? In other words is it worth it?

Dr. Reef · Jun 21, 2017

I have been in this hobby for 20+ yrs with 4 tank upgrades. All 4 tanks were custom made by glasscages. And we all know glass cages did not use to have a good reputation which they have come a long ways but they still lack craftsmanship and their silicone work is not all that great.
With all those deficiencies and with continous use of wave maker in all my tanks starting from maxi jets on reef keeper in early days to gyre 280 today I have never had a tank fail due to any reason. Just my experience.

BlueCursor · Jun 22, 2017

I have two gyre 250s. But I don't create waves with them, I just move a ton of water in a random fashion. There are many cases of people who have had failures with waves. Also, most manufacturers specifically call out that a wave machine invalidates the warranty.

Murica · Jun 22, 2017

BlueCursor said:
I have two gyre 250s. But I don't create waves with them, I just move a ton of water in a random fashion. There are many cases of people who have had failures with waves. Also, most manufacturers specifically call out that a wave machine invalidates the warranty.

Do you have to clean those often?

BlueCursor · Jun 22, 2017

I clean them once month or two. They are a pain to clean, unlike the MPs. I take a toothbrush to the netting a couple times a month which is much easier. Cleaning requirement will vary by your nutrient levels, coralline growth, algae growth, etc.

The MPs I rarely cleaned because I never had any issues with them except coralline on the outer housing, which didn't really matter.