Wavemaker vs. Reef Angel

So, I have a few extra bucks coming and I could use your help. Basically I would like a to employ a wave making system. I am thinking of buying 2 or 3 new Koralia Evos or the New Sicce Voyagers, all in varying sizes to simulate the most dynamic turbulence. To power these I am looking at this:JBJ Ocean Pulse Wavemaker
But since I am spending the dough I may as well get a computer right?

1st Question Will the Reef Angel be able to do the wavemaking functions that the JBJ Ocean pulse will?

2ndQuestion I am extremely intimidated by the programming aspect of the Reef Angel. Is it that easy to program? Can I use it right out of the box?

3rd Question Any important things I need to know about either from anyone's experience?

Thanks all I appreciate the help.

 

Bump

 

I'm under the impression, judging by the picture, that the JBJ unit is on/off, not variable speed like the Tunze and Vortech stuff. If so, the RA will do the same thing for you. You need pumps that are compatible with wavemakers; the new Koralias are compatible, the old ones aren't (they can start up backwards). I don't know about the Sicce pumps.

If not, you need either a pair of Vortechs or a Tunze compatible wavemaker with Tunze controllable pumps.

 

This is pretty much spot on. The RA software out of the box lets you configure two wavemaker pumps with independent timers. So you could set one powerhead to alternate on/off every 20 seconds and then the second one every 45 seconds if you wanted to. It kind of looks like the the JBJ unit drives both with the same timer. Also, if you wanted to you could hook up 3 or 4 or 6 different powerheads to the RA and have each one on an independent wavemaker timer, that's an option too.

If you wanted to take advantage of the second option I mentioned with 4 powerheads, or if you wanted to upload some new software to the controller, you will have to setup the environment on your computer to do so. It's pretty easy to upload different software others have written. Admittedly, the actual programming aspect is a little daunting and can be overwhelming at first, but you probably won't have to worry about it if you stick with the stuff that's already out there. If you really wanted something custom and unique to you, I would just ask the community and they would put it together for you and all you have to do is upload it.

If all you really want is just a wavemaker then both options would work. If you want a wavemaker plus the bonuses of a controller, the RA would be a good option, IMO.

 

Ok so I want to get the RA. Thanks for the insight and now I know why the JBJ unit is $100 dollars less than the next wavemaker. Just on/off I may as well get the computer.

 

You can do a simple Wavemaker with one of those Natural Wave Timers...a lot cheaper than buying a controller for that. They go for less than $50. If that is your sole reason for getting a controller, I'd go with the Natural Wave timer, and some new Evo's.

 

It isn't my sole reason but I want to eventually get a controller. I am wanting to get into higher demand corals and think I need a wavemaker to do it. I would probably get a contoller by the end of the year anyway. 2 Birds one stone kind of thing.

 

You may also want to consider what else is out there and future upgrade options. The Apex has both a Vortech and Tunze module currently out on the market, and the ReefKeeper has a Tunze module on the way (supposedly mid summer), but no mention of a Vortech module. Vortechs don't require a separate controller at all, and come with quite a few features built into the unit (by and large considered both the best powerhead and best controller in the hobby), while the Tunze pumps do require a separate controller unit. Those are fully variable pumps, unlike what the RA or any Apex/ReefKeeper base set with Koralias/Sicces will give you.

 

So I would probably want the controller for the Temp,ph, 3-4 powerheads for the wavemaker,Halides and actinincs and alternating lights for sump and the protein skimmer. Will I be able to relatively easy control all these aspects with the Reef Angel out of the box? And if not will I be able to get online and get the help I need to do this relatively easy?

 

Darn fine point. I think everyone agrees the Vortechs are like the Ferrari of the industry but maybe overkill for my system at this point. (I am house hunting right now and a larger aquarium is in line down the road) I will start doing research on the Tunze stuff now. Thank You, FYI I currently have a 75 gallon with all softies and A Koralia Evo 1400 a max jet 1200 and a maxi jet 600 with a sure flo mod.