Wave maker advice

Weld and Water · 08/01/2017, 07:25 AM

I have a 45 gallon cube tank. Ive been trying for good water movement. My tank is mainly soft coral and a few lps. My main question is whats the difference in water movement between a regular powerhead and a wave maker? Does the turn over rate rule apply to wave makers? What would be my better option between the two? Any other info or advice on these would very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

mcgyvr · 08/01/2017, 08:26 AM

One just pushes water continually.. The other has alternating patterns of flow..

The "turn over rates" are very generic recommendations that just give people a sense of happiness and allow them to follow "something"..The rates still apply for you...

Many feel that a wavemaker has allowed better coral growth and state that with a regular powerhead the growth was "pushed" in one direction as opposed to being spread out more "evenly"..

BUT..In reality its probably more about a "cool factor" than anything else as people have been maintaining successful reef tanks far longer than "wavemaker" style pumps have been out..
So if you want one and can afford one.. Go for it.. Don't expect it to really change anything though..there isn't magic in a wavemaker.. With 2 identical tanks one with and one without I doubt you would see much difference..

jda · 08/01/2017, 08:40 AM

The static flow from a pump produces more dead spots for debris to settle. A "wavemaker" will have less since they provide different kinds of low. Nothing will eliminate all dead spots.

Weld and Water · 08/01/2017, 09:34 AM

I appreciate the info you guys. It has been something of curiosity for me here lately. I understand it probobally adds nothing different than a traditional powerhead. Just exploring my options here

Vinny Kreyling · 08/01/2017, 11:13 AM

Although finicky to clean a GYRE will move a lot of water across your cube.

jda · 08/01/2017, 02:54 PM

It is different, but not a dealbreaker or killer. Heck, ten years ago, it was very hard to get random(er) flow and tanks did just fine. Just be diligent about your cleanup efforts and stuff.

08/01/2017, 07:25 AM	#1
Weld and Water Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: North Carolina Posts: 53	Wave maker advice I have a 45 gallon cube tank. Ive been trying for good water movement. My tank is mainly soft coral and a few lps. My main question is whats the difference in water movement between a regular powerhead and a wave maker? Does the turn over rate rule apply to wave makers? What would be my better option between the two? Any other info or advice on these would very helpful. Thanks in advance! __________________ We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience. ~ George Washington

08/01/2017, 08:26 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	One just pushes water continually.. The other has alternating patterns of flow.. The "turn over rates" are very generic recommendations that just give people a sense of happiness and allow them to follow "something"..The rates still apply for you... Many feel that a wavemaker has allowed better coral growth and state that with a regular powerhead the growth was "pushed" in one direction as opposed to being spread out more "evenly".. BUT..In reality its probably more about a "cool factor" than anything else as people have been maintaining successful reef tanks far longer than "wavemaker" style pumps have been out.. So if you want one and can afford one.. Go for it.. Don't expect it to really change anything though..there isn't magic in a wavemaker.. With 2 identical tanks one with and one without I doubt you would see much difference.. __________________ Who me?

08/01/2017, 09:34 AM	#4
Weld and Water Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: North Carolina Posts: 53	I appreciate the info you guys. It has been something of curiosity for me here lately. I understand it probobally adds nothing different than a traditional powerhead. Just exploring my options here __________________ We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience. ~ George Washington

08/01/2017, 11:13 AM	#5
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Although finicky to clean a GYRE will move a lot of water across your cube. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

08/01/2017, 08:40 AM	#3
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	The static flow from a pump produces more dead spots for debris to settle. A "wavemaker" will have less since they provide different kinds of low. Nothing will eliminate all dead spots.

08/01/2017, 02:54 PM	#6
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	It is different, but not a dealbreaker or killer. Heck, ten years ago, it was very hard to get random(er) flow and tanks did just fine. Just be diligent about your cleanup efforts and stuff.