Guide to Buying the Best Wave Maker for Aquarium

It may sound weird and unnecessary at first: a device that could “create” waves in an aquarium. However, every individual well-versed with the mechanisms of reef tanks would recommend installing a wavemaker. This is so helpful that its benefits outweigh the expenses you would be spending on purchasing one.

To further understand the importance of a wavemaker, this article will present some of the benefits of buying a unit – from its aesthetic benefits to its benefits for your fish species. Also, after a careful elaboration on how a wavemaker works, you will discover several tips and things to consider in choosing the best wavemaker for an aquarium. You would also need to know some of the best wavemakers to choose from, so we give these options to you to expand your choices.

Benefits of a Wavemaker

Here are some of the helpful uses of wavemakers that you should consider:

Fish are used to waves

Inherently, fish are very used to living in an environment with currents and waves. Even if you are in a body of water that appears to be tranquil, there are still constant movements observed, so this holds true for fish both in saltwater and freshwater. By using wavemakers, you would be able to mimic the natural habitat of the fish – that which they are familiar, too. By making them feel at home, you allow them to grow more naturally through a healthy method.

Helpful for corals and invertebrates

Considering that corals and other invertebrates are immovable, they could not go to their nutrients, so it has to be the other way around: their nutrients going to them. But how can this be made possible? With the motion provided by wavemakers, nutrients can come to your corals and reefs, helping them thrive.

Facilitates the elimination of dead spots

There may be some dead spots in the water that are not moving. These could be harmful to your fish, as the oxygen they contain may not be fresh. This can be avoided using a wavemaker.

Prevents harmful wastes from accumulating

Fish wastes and some uneaten food may be left in the water or stuck in the corals. While you can always do your cleaning, in between intervals, waves could help sweep them away. It prevents these wastes from gathering around. Not only are gathered wastes an unpleasant sight, but they can also be harmful to your fish.

Makes the aquarium look more pleasing

Watching the aquarium is pleasing in the eye. Its visual appeal, though, maybe increased using a wavemaker. Waves are relaxing to watch, and it gives your aquarium more dynamism and action.


Factors to Consider in Buying Wavemakers

Now that you know the benefits of purchasing wavemakers, you need to know what to consider in buying one. Following these tips would help you save expenses and make sure that you’re purchasing the most efficient unit.

These are the things to consider in choosing the best wave maker for the reef tank:

Price

Of course, one of the important things that need consideration is the affordability of the unit. Some units with extra features maybe a little more expensive than others. The trick is examining each of the features and identify if they would justify the unit’s cost.

Installation and usage

You would want to buy a wave maker that is easy to install and easy to use. Make sure that the unit comes with guidelines for installation and usage.

Durability

You would want a long-term unit – that which you could rely on. This is why you need to examine what material the unit is made of. You have to make sure that it would not quickly wear off so that you would not need to buy it over and over.

Safety

Wavemakers use electricity, so they need to be plugged in. Now, since it involves parts near the water, you need to make sure that it would be safe to use the device. Please check for safety certifications to identify how secure the unit is.

Customer Support

When the unit features a warranty, you can feel assured that you can always come back to the seller if something happens. Accommodating customer service also means that you can always ask for help should you have questions and problems

These are all general considerations in choosing a wavemaker. However, you also need to take a look at particular features that can further help you identify which would work best for you:

Components

There are two main parts of every wavemaker. These are the pump and the controller. You may buy them separately, but you have to make sure that they are compatible with each other. Some controllers can be able to control more than one single pump unit.

Turnover

You need to examine the amount of water that the unit pumps. This amount is often expressed in GPH (gallons per hour) or LPH (liters per hour). An efficient pump is that which can pump at least twenty times your reef tank’s volume. This means that if your tank has the capacity of 30-gallon, you would need a unit pump with an output of at least 600 gph.

Efficiency

Every unit has different efficiencies. This is defined as the number of turnovers that the unit can perform per wattage. You would want that which has a high flow rate but could consume less energy.

Adjustability

You should be able to change the direction of the flow and the flow rate ultimately.

Mounting

There are several mounting options you can choose from magnetic mounts, suction cups, and clips.

Noise

You don’t want a wave maker that is too noisy, for it might be too disturbing for you and your fish.


The Top Wavemakers Reviews

1. Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump

Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump

This pair of speakers is ideal for outdoor and indoor use. What’s great about this product is that it is mounted in an open-air and is very versatile. This can easily be installed on the ceiling or the wall and maybe placed vertically or horizontally. It creates a great sound with its high-efficiency speaker system that provides a load of 8-Ohm and is compatible with most stereo receivers at home or in your boat, producing crystal clear music. If you don’t want it mounted, you can also use it as a bookshelf speaker since it comes with rubber feet to keep it secured on any surface.

Specs

  • Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump has a flow rate of 1050 to 1150 gallons per hour, meaning it could work for tanks that have a capacity of up to 60 gallons.
  • Weighing around 1.2 lbs, it has a dimension of 6 x 3 x 3 in.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to set up
  • Quiet operation
  • The controller is splash-resistant
  • It does not take too much space

Cons

  • It makes a clicking sound when turned on
  • Only two different water movement programs

2. IceCap Generation Aquarium Flow Pump

IceCap Generation Aquarium Flow Pump

This unit uses a crossflow technology that allows it to circulate a really large volume of water through the whole reef without creating high-pressure hot spots that could damage corals and invertebrates.

This unit allows a horizontal movement of water in the reef tank. This happens by making the water flow contact the opposite side of the reef tank and then circulating back to the pump. This mechanism is commonly called the gyre flow pattern, which the Gyre Advanced Controller controls.

This unit features an OLED display that would allow for easier setup and more convenient programming. There are five water movement modes pre-programmed in the device: gradual pulsing, pulsing, random pulse, constant speed, and the alternating gyre.

In case you want to feed your corals, you can set this unit’s 10-minute feeding timer. This water pump can also be programmed to ramp up and down for 24 hours to mimic tidal flow patterns.

Specs

  • This unit is compatible with reef tanks with a capacity of 25 to 100 gallons, with a water flow of up to 2,000 gallons per hour.
  • This requires the power of 100-240V/ 50-60Hz.

Pros

  • Easy to mount
  • Could move a lot of water
  • Excellent timer
  • Helpful pre-programmed features

Cons

  • Might be noisy sometimes

3. Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit

Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit

This pump kit is unique from other wave makers because it features a remote control system, making it more efficient and advanced. Its operation is also really quiet. There are more than three wave modes you can choose from and which you can quickly and effortlessly program using your remote control.

There’s Wave Pulse Mode mimics a pulsing wave motion, with alternating speeds of 0.2 to 7 seconds. You can also adjust this flow from 20% up to 100%. To simulate surging water action, you can use the Surge Mode. Mimicking gyre flow is the gyre mode that can synchronize two of the wave pumps. If you desire a steady flow of water, you can try the Stream/Steady mode. This only shows how flexible the unit could be.

This unit also features a Feed mode that could turn the pump off for 10 minutes in case it is time for fish and coral feeding, preventing the food from being pushed to skimmers and filter systems.

Specs

  • This unit allows water flow of up to 660 gallons per hour.
  • It comes with a foam cover, swivel bracket, LED pump display, remote controls, magnetic mounting bracket, DC transformers, and complete instructions for installation.
  • Weighing around 1.3 pounds, it is compact with 6.3 x 5.7 x 3.7 in dimension.
  • This could work for a tank with a capacity of around 35 gallons.

Pros

  • Magnetic mount
  • Very easy to set up
  • Wireless control
  • Could program several water flow modes

Cons

  • Propriety power plugs are used
  • The controller is compatible only with Current water pumps

4. EcoTech Marine Smart Wavemaker

EcoTech Marine Smart Wave Maker

This device has a minimalist design that could contribute to the aesthetic of your aquarium. More importantly, it uses a magnetic mount and could keep the cord out of the tank, making it look clutter-free. It features a controller that could help you program several wave modes you can choose from. These modes are constant speed mode, expanding pulse mode (which you can control), short pulse, gyre mode, and much more.

This device also has a built-in battery backup port that could run your tank at a lower speed if you’re running out of battery. This comes with instructions for installing and controlling the device. Its operation is also quiet to mimic a tranquil environment.

Specs

  • This features a sponge guard. Could work for tanks of up to 50-100 gallon capacity, with 1,000 GPH water flow.
  • Comes with an instructional guide and control. The motor is magnetic and out of the water.

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Quiet operation
  • Keeps cords out of the tank
  • Magnetic attachment
  • Flexible with six different wave modes

Cons

  • A bit expensive

5. Jebao OW Wavemaker

Jebao OW Wavemaker

This is an entry-level wave maker that you can surely afford. Its price also justifies the feature that this wavemaker has. Magnetic and easy to install, it features around eight different flow rates you can conveniently control, with feed modes you can utilize in case it is time for fish or coral feeding.

Aside from a magnet mount, this also features a wired controller. Although it does not look much advanced than other wave-makers, this could work for standard reef tanks.

Specs

  • Weighing a little over one pound, this device could work for tanks up to 75-gallons, with models with flow rates that could reach up to 5,200 gallons per hour.

Pros

  • Quiet operation
  • Affordable
  • Eight modes you can easily control

Cons

  • The night mode is not always reliable.

Final Thoughts

Among these five top-rated aquarium wave makers indeed, EcoTech MP40 promises the most efficient work. Aside from its advanced features, it is easy to control and could live up to its claim of creating helpful waves for your tank. Very easy to install and maintain, it is worth trying. Although the price may be unflattering at first, it would surely pay off.

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