Wave Maker Suggestions

[JimmyOrangeSeed]

So, I am trying to get these ball rolling but I am trying to do it on the cheaper side. Been looking at different Koralia wavemakers but I am not 100% sure what would be best. I have a 75g reef tank. The only thing giving flow is my return pump which it 450gph.

I was looking at getting the Hydor Koralia Smartwave (its about $50). I want to hook up two pumps so I can have one on each side of the tank. I had a 750 gph Koralia a few months ago but it burned out. The 750 Koralia's run like $30. Should I go with 2 of these for my 75g? Should I go higher/lower? I have never owned a wavemaker so I am not 100% sure how much flow I should be shooting for, without blowing coral of rock layful:

 

[SAZAMA]

vortechs are king IMO

 

[Haulin Oates]

I got a korelia wave make and didn't really like it... Ended up with a red sea pro wavemaker and 2 korelia 1650s and 2 korelia 425 nanos on my 120g. Once money allows, I will be upgrading to MPs

 

[daveydoodle]

Vortecs certainly are the best, but not everyone has the extra $ lying around. I have a 75 gal currently with heavy rock work and mostly soft corals. I have a Koralia 1450, 1050 and two nanos. The two Nanos run constantly, however are only in there because I have them extra, they're not really needed. I'm running the larger two pumps of the Hydor Smartwave which works fine. It can create enough of a chaotic and random movement to be effective. That being said, it's not ideal. I just got the Red Sea Wavemaker which is better. Starting from scratch, I'd recommend just jumping into a RKL to start with. I'll go with the Reef Keeper Elite eventually (when Brian sells me his), I just need to fix a few other issues first. As far as amount or size of pumps, I just bought an additional 1450 so running those two alone will be enough for my tank. If you're keeping stony's, you may want a little more. Hope this helps with what I've experienced from mine.

 

[09bumblebee]

I'll never sell it to you! Anyone else need a rke?

 

[JimmyOrangeSeed]

Okay. So 750s are too small then.....

I would love to get some of the more expensive wavemakers but that will be something for the future. Putting my wife through med school is priority #1. Once she graduates I will be able to get the most bad *** aquarium I can think of.

I have an RKL. I just now realized that you can set it up as a wavemaker. I just use it for lights atm. I am going to have to figure out how it works and just try using it for now.... silly me!

 

[Haddonisreef]

I'll never sell it to you! Anyone else need a rke?

You just got it! Why?

 

[daveydoodle]

Give Brian a few more months with his new NASA inspired RKE and he might be able to help you out. As far as size, it really depends on what you're keeping and how you direct your flow. It's common for people to place their powerheads in the back corners and direct them towards the front glass which causes water flow in multiple directions. You can also create a circular pattern with one directed across the front and another across the rocks or behind them. Really, it's up to you and your inhabitants. I imagine two 1050's + your return would work well. I go a little higher because I'd rather have more to work with than not enough. It's all trial and error. I still don't have mine dialed in exactly so I develop small detritus pockets, or algae patches from not enough flow. My new BLUE MAXI MINI anemone seems to like the tank though...oops, sorry Brian. Trade you for your RKE??

 

[09bumblebee]

You just got it! Why?

It's a joke between doodle and myself.

 

[daveydoodle]

He's insanely jealous I picked up that beautiful Maxi Mini Anemone from Lyle, while I'm ****ed he found a RKE with every accessory known to man for a great deal of Reef Central! Karma's a B*#@!

 

[09bumblebee]

It's fine I found someone who will give me 100$ for that awesome ato I have