YES or NO -- wavemaker

[specialk]

So looking into picking up a wavemaker (reef fanatic wave creator) from a local swapper at a frag swap coming up ... I have 125 - 6 ft long tank. I have always wanted to get a wavemaker of some sorts so I am just wondering if there are any pros/cons to them. I currently have 2 powerheads running (at opposite ends of the tank) as I am just into the first week of this new tank being setup. For my tank, or in general, is there any reason that a wavemaker would not be a good fit -- or are they a pretty good deal to add to the reef tank? Thanks reefers!!!:bigsmile:

 

[Drea'sReef]

I'm new to the hobby, but I purchased a hydor wavemaker 2 and have seen a big increase of my live stocks activity...

 

[goodtimes]

Not all powerheads can handle being used on a wave maker. Not sure what you have but I would check that out. Also maybe look into a wp-40, maybe use that along with what you currently have.

 

[AquaFX Verified Sponsor]

From what I've read up there are two reasons for wave makers: 1. Corals Love high water activity "natural", 2. Invertebrate's also tend to prefer the varying water flow due to the foods being more evenly dispersed and agitated. Hope that helps. I personally have a pair of Hydors running in my tank on one side with a pulse setting of 30 seconds which works quite well. you can see them on the left side. The pump on the right is currently inactive. View attachment 96611

 

[YodaHart]

Most wavemakers will shorten the life of your pumps. I would ditch it and go with a single wp-40 or (2) wp-25's. Use their built in settings to get random flow.

 

[Railcar79]

I have been looking into wavemakers for a few months. I run powerheads on my controller. For my new tank 72 bowfront reef ready, I am thinking using a SCWD, alternating between the locline, and a sea swirl

 

[specialk]

I am currently running 2 JVP-102 12V powerheads ... Just got done looking at the wp-40. Looks like that may be a good option for me. By the looks of it I can simply throw the one powerhead up at one end of the tank and I would get the wave action I am looking for.

 

[Railcar79]

I run my powerheads more for eliminating dead spots than actual wavemaker flow, I only run the wavemaker setting because it is there, and I spent so much on the controller it seems a waste to not use it