[dermp]

Another question

Are they any good for a reef tank. I have 2 powerheads on my 72 gallon and was going to add a third. Are wavemakers good? Its the WAVEMASTER PRO it's used and I can get it for half price!!

Does anyone on here have one is it worth the cash?? What differences can I expect.

CHEERS
:beer:
DERM

 

[Jimmer]

Wavemaker goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood.

Basically you want something to simulate the rhythmic motion of the ocean. Its also important to have that motion to reduce the amount of "dead" flow spots on your substrate.

Be warned, I have heard stories of them burning out Ph's because of the constant surging of the pump.

 

[Reefer Addict]

I use a wavemaker on my 55 and it makes a big difference IMO. It's more of a 'natural' style waterflow rather than a constant stream.

Jimmer's correct about powerhead burnout... some pumps just can't handle it. I have MaxiJets and they work great for this kinda thing, since they have a built-in centrifugal start on the impellar.

I'm also using the Aquarium Systems Natural Wave timer, with 4 powerheads set at 20 second intervals (2 on, 2 off).

 

[dermp]

Sounds good I think I might get it and I also would be using maxijets.

 

[Ray1214]

Would SeaSwirls be a better way to go? That way you don't have to burn out a powerhead.

Ray

 

[thefatman]

i've heard nothing but bad things about the sea swirls..

like burning out in under a few months. but i've never used one, so that info is jsut from reading others posts.

 

[Alice]

Jay, are you sure about the Sea Swirls? Most people I know who have them have been satisfied with them. I'm wondering if you're thinking about those ZooMed pumps...can't remember the name of them right now, darn it!

Alice

 

[mnreefgeek]

Jay, are you sure about the Sea Swirls? Most people I know who have them have been satisfied with them. I'm wondering if you're thinking about those ZooMed pumps...can't remember the name of them right now, darn it!

Alice

I think that they're called Power Sweeps

 

[Alice]

Yup! Thanks Chad

 

[Hommeworks]

Best alternative is a surge device! I've seen them in action and would love to install one.

 

[laddy00]

I use an Ocean Currents Oscillating return head. It doesn't need power like the others. Works like a sprinkler head. Some people don't like these but if you soak them in vinegar once a month to clean them out they seem to work just fine.

 

[Phantom Phish]

I have a couple of the Sea Swirls on my return lines, have been running them about 8 months now. Never had a problem with them. Also have 4 MJ powerheads on a wavemaster pro, all behind my rock and periodically blowing them off to keep detritus from settling. I like the idea of a surge device though.

 

[thefatman]

you are right.. my apologies.. what i heard bad things about were the Zoomed Power Sweeps!!

too much info crammed into my fat head in too short a time

 

[Guest]

imo it depends on what type of corals are being kept...sps like lots of current...not direct current so yes they work wonderful in that respect...in a softy tank i think you wouldnt need em

 

[dermp]

Right on!! Depending on the price I might or might not get it!!!

 

[MiddletonMark]

A number of my corals have perked up since adding a Wavemaster Pro [used, like yours] to my setup about 6 weeks ago. Works nice, IMO. Have it on `gentle' and the rhythmic flow / slowing has made the Anthelia spread like mad, the SPS happy ... nothing has seemed to fare worse for it.

I also like it aesthetically ... have 2 colonies of Anthelia, each in one of the streams from the ph's flow through rocks ... and the `blown in the flow' with rhythmic stillness is really nice. Could watch them for hours, except I'd probably be asleep.

Have them on Maxijets, and while I can hear a very quiet noise when one of them turns on now - they seem no worse for the wear.