good wave maker

Looking at getting a wave maker for my tank, couple of questions

1) whats a good brand?

2) which is better the types that turns powerheads on/off , or the type that moves the return flow back and forth.

 

Types like ona nd off can be pretty affordable but require powerheads or prop pumps in the display tank and the pumps need to be designed to start and stop constantly.
Those that switch back and forth can be inexpensive like the SQWD but it restricts flows drastically, about 30% loss, and requires cleaning to keep the gears clean.
Better switching type like the Oceans Motions are more expensive but very durable. I use one in a closed loop situation with an external pump and returns that only require a little Loc Line in the tank so are not as visible.

Another option is using a controller like the Reefkeeper Lite ($99) to not only monitor and control lights, heaters, and return pumps but it also has on-off adjustable time wavemaker function built in its basic unit and program. I also use one of these with two Sicce Voyager powerheads switching every minute and like it a lot. It will also work with the newer Koralia Magnums and the newest Koralia Evolutions or the old Maxijet powerheads.

 

ohh I'm looking for a controller too, so that might be a good solution. thanks

 

That would be a good solution.

The sicce voyager powerheads and the new Korallia evolution pumps are designed to be used with start stop wave makers. Both of these pumps I mentioned are not expensive, although the new korallias are not fully available yet. A Modded maxijet, korallias, and almost all other pumps won't work with the cheap type wavemakers and need a ramping up and down style wave wave maker. Basically those types need an expensive DC emulating driver.

I will probably be getting a pair of Sicce pumps soon and using a cheap wavemaker, unless Hydor can get the new Korallias out sooner rather than later.

I have used a 3/4" SCWD on my 2 previous tanks, and I never had to do any maintenance, not like much could be done outside of soaking in vinegar. I had it running for years with no issues, but they do put strain on pumps, some handle that strain better than others. IME Supreme Mag pumps don't handle it as well as quiet one pumps.

 

I ran a Vortech MP40W in my 58g reef and it provided all the flow I needed after the returns. Love it.

I'm moving it and getting a second one to link to it for the 180 I'm building over the next few months, leaving the old reef with a couple koralias and no real control, just pointing at each other for turbulence.

 

Wonder what the cost benefit is in "making waves" vs. flow restriction?

 

I my self would stick with a reputable name that has been in this industry for a while like Tunze. Yea they are expensive but are built very nice and dependable.

 

Depends what your budget is, if you're looking on the low end you have some good suggestions here. If you have the budget I would recommend looking at Vortechs and Tunzes.

 

since i was looking for a controller too, (and didnt realize most had wave makes built in) I ordered a reefkeeper elite, and 2 koralila evolution powerheads (750 and 1050gph) hopefully that works well for me, but if not ill look at the tunze wavemaker. thanks for info.

 

I use a Vortech MP40W.