Which wave maker??

[ZachariahBeanzz]

Hey there, As the title suggestions I’m kind of stuck with a wave maker suggestion. I’ve looked at a lot, and watched stuff, but can’t seem to come to a conclusive result. I’m working within a little budget here; something around $70. The tank I’m getting is an IM 20g fusion, and looking into only LPS and softies. For now, the pumps I think would be my best bet would be the Jebao SLW-20, or the hugger DC wake makers (specifically the “hygger Adjustable Flow Aquarium Wave Maker 24/7”) What are your thought?

 

[bluemon]

It's just slightly out of the budget range, but have you looked at the Jebao DMP-5? I think you'll come to appreciate that the wire is outside the tank

 

[FUNGI]

I'm sold on any Hygger...(biased). I replaced my Maxpects 350's with two of their large wavemakers......
easy set-up, easy slave mode, multiple ways to control/ modes, and for me, SUPER silent and easy to clean.

 

[Shnetts]

The slw line is amazing for the price!

 

[TankYouVeryMuch]

I just got a Hygger wave maker and really liked it—until it broke two hours later (it started making a rattling noise, and the LED display on the controller started losing elements). The cheap stuff can be hit or miss. But then again, I tried to replace it with a Fluval and it was even worse straight out of the box. Eventually I just cranked up the return pump and moved my nozzles and I think I’m OK without.

 

[FUNGI]

I just got a Hygger wave maker and really liked it—until it broke two hours later (it started making a rattling noise, and the LED display on the controller started losing elements). The cheap stuff can be hit or miss. But then again, I tried to replace it with a Fluval and it was even worse straight out of the box. Eventually I just cranked up the return pump and moved my nozzles and I think I’m OK without.

Thats a bummer....I've had mine for over 2 years....no issues at all......

 

[ZachariahBeanzz]

I just got a Hygger wave maker and really liked it—until it broke two hours later (it started making a rattling noise, and the LED display on the controller started losing elements). The cheap stuff can be hit or miss. But then again, I tried to replace it with a Fluval and it was even worse straight out of the box. Eventually I just cranked up the return pump and moved my nozzles and I think I’m OK without.

Sorry to hear you had such an issue with yours, which pump did you use?

 

[mmorrison55]

Look on marketplace for used. you can sometimes stretch your budget and get more for less.

 

[TankYouVeryMuch]

Sorry to hear you had such an issue with yours, which pump did you use?

hygger Lite Wave Maker for 10-50 Gallons Aquarium​

 

[ZachariahBeanzz]

I’ve been looking around, and saw the Hygger 5W 1050 GPH Mini, this seems pretty good? But I’m not entirely sure, any suggestions would still be great. I was reading about the SLW, and they seem to be pretty flimsy?

 

[ZachariahBeanzz]

I was looking bit more, and would 2 Hydor Koralia Nano 160s work? They seem pretty good, and Ive seen a couple people have used them for the same tank I have

 

[Anna K]

@ZachariahBeanzz I actually just had this sale ad for Hyggers come into my email if you're still looking for a wavemaker. It's not just Hyggers, you might be able to find something you like.

 

[thamnasteroid]

For a budjet of that size, I would recommend just going for an AC powerhead. Sicce and Tunze are your most reliable options.

 

[ZachariahBeanzz]

@ZachariahBeanzz I actually just had this sale ad for Hyggers come into my email if you're still looking for a wavemaker. It's not just Hyggers, you might be able to find something you like.

Oh nice! I looked at some wave makers, and saw the Hygger Mini 14w Pro Aquarium Ultra Quiet Wave Maker, after looking at it for a bit, I think this would be a good fit for my tank. Just curious, do you have any experience with this wave maker?

 

[Anna K]

@ZachariahBeanzz I actually just had this sale ad for Hyggers come into my email if you're still looking for a wavemaker. It's not just Hyggers, you might be able to find something you like.

Oh nice! I looked at some wave makers, and saw the Hygger Mini 14w Pro Aquarium Ultra Quiet Wave Maker, after looking at it for a bit, I think this would be a good fit for my tank. Just curious, do you have any experience with this wave maker?

I don't, but Hyggers were something I looked at before I upgraded my tank and got Nero 3's

 

[Airedale Reef]

I was looking bit more, and would 2 Hydor Koralia Nano 160s work? They seem pretty good, and Ive seen a couple people have used them for the same tank I have

Yes, absoloutly. I used Koiralia for my first budget build back in the day...good times.
I have since upgraded to eccotech, but didn't have any issues with the Koralia, and would recommend for this tank with your current budget.

 

[ZachariahBeanzz]

Yes, absoloutly. I used Koiralia for my first budget build back in the day...good times.
I have since upgraded to eccotech, but didn't have any issues with the Koralia, and would recommend for this tank with your current budget.

Thanks! For getting two, should I get the 240s or the 425s?

 

[Airedale Reef]

Yes, absoloutly. I used Koiralia for my first budget build back in the day...good times.
I have since upgraded to eccotech, but didn't have any issues with the Koralia, and would recommend for this tank with your current budget.

Thanks! For getting two, should I get the 240s or the 425s?

Backing up a bit here…the amount of flow needed for your tank is really dependent on what type of corals you are wanting to keep. You may find yourself upgrading at some point in the future.

In short, given your 20 gallon tank, I’d probably suggest 1, 425 for now as it is rated for up to 30 gallons.

 

[ZachariahBeanzz]

Backing up a bit here…the amount of flow needed for your tank is really dependent on what type of corals you are wanting to keep. You may find yourself upgrading at some point in the future.

In short, given your 20 gallon tank, I’d probably suggest 1, 425 for now as it is rated for up to 30 gallons.

Oops , I thought I added the coral I wanted in my original post. But, I’m looking into LPS and softies. Thanks for all the help!

 

[bradreef]

I vote for a dmp-10 with a wide flow cage. This will get cords out and have versatile flow.

Jecod Jebao DMP/65/55/45/40/35/30/25/20/15/10/5 Flow Guards, Dryside Support Hangers & Disassembly Tools - Etsy

This Aquariums & Tank Decor item by TurbulentFlowDesign has 33 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Winter Garden, FL. Listed on Jun 3, 2025

www.etsy.com