Maintaining proper water circulation is essential for a thriving reef aquarium. The various inhabitants such as corals, fish, and invertebrates rely on water movement to replicate their natural environment in the ocean. An aquarium wavemaker is a useful tool in achieving this necessary motion and is a crucial component when setting up a tank. Our recommended aquarium wave maker is the Hydor Koralia Evolution 1400\/1500 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 1400-1500 GPH<\/a>; it has proven to be an effective choice in promoting water circulation and maintaining a healthy reef environment.<\/p>\n In this guide, we\u2019ll discuss why you need a wave maker and how to choose the best wave maker for your situation. We\u2019ll also explore individual product reviews so you can find the best aquarium wave maker for your tank.<\/p>\n Our favorite wavemaker is the Hydor Koralia Evolution 1400\/1500 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 1400-1500 GPH<\/a>. Hydor has a strong reputation in the fishkeeping industry, which means you\u2019re going to get a quality product. The Evolution has been around for a long time so thousands upon thousands of aquarists have used this model successfully before you. It doesn\u2019t have all of the bells and whistles of some of the newer models, but we value its reliability, especially for such a crucial piece of equipment as a wavemaker.<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t In the ocean, water is constantly moving and circulating. Aquarium wavemakers are designed for marine and reef aquariums to simulate ocean conditions and create a natural environment for your corals, fish, and invertebrates.<\/p>\n An aquarium wave maker is a small machine that simulates water surges. They create small waves in your saltwater aquarium, creating more natural conditions for your tank inhabitants.<\/p>\n In addition to creating a more natural ecosystem for your marine tank, wavemakers also circulate potentially toxic substances in your water. The movement of these substances helps reduce concentrated pockets, making it more likely your fish, coral, and invertebrates will remain healthy.<\/p>\n Another benefit of wavemakers is that they help deliver food to corals and other invertebrates that cannot search for food without some assistance. Nobody is going hungry when a wavemaker is around!<\/p>\n Depending on the model, some wave makers allow you to choose from rolling, smooth, or turbulent waves. Some also allow for a feed mode for specifically targeting the proper spreading of food for your invertebrates and corals.\u00a0<\/p>\n Because of these reasons, wave makers are a critical piece of equipment for a healthy, functioning saltwater tank.<\/p>\n If you are new to aquariums, there are a lot of different pieces of equipment to learn. There are multiple types of pumps with different functions that we break down below. Not all are suited to wavemakers so it is important to understand before making a purchase. The three types of aquarium pumps are:<\/p>\n Not surprisingly, these are pumps used for filters. They are designed to create a high water pressure stream and have an impeller to resist back pressure. As a stand-alone pump, it is not suited for wave-making. Filter pumps stick with filters.<\/p>\n The purpose of a circulation pump is to pump water from one area to another. They are also known as return pumps. Typically, their ideal placement is the bottom of a sump or an external placement. While extremely important, they are not suitable for wavemaking.<\/p>\n Powerheads are powerful. They produce a narrow, high-pressure water flow. They can be paired with diffusers to soften the water flow. They are notorious for sucking up small fish (sorry Tetras!) because of their design. They can be used with wavemakers but must be paired carefully to make sure they\u2019re compatible.\u00a0<\/p>\n Another factor to consider with wavemakers is the difference between AC and DC Wavemakers.\u00a0<\/p>\n AC wavemakers are the older models of wavemakers. They\u2019re plug-and-play and less customizable. Because they\u2019ve been around forever, they have proven parts and engineering, meaning they\u2019re reliable and less prone to failure. They also tend to be cheaper than DC wavemakers. The downside of AC wavemakers is that they\u2019re usually louder and consume more energy to run, making them more expensive long-term.\u00a0<\/p>\n DC Wavemakers are the newest technology. They can be programmed with controllers so if you want max control on your tank, DC is the way to go. They use less energy than AC wavemakers,\u00a0 produce more gallons per hour, and are typically quieter.\u00a0 They\u2019re typically more expensive. Given their ability to customize, they\u2019re also less reliable, especially on the budget end of the scale.<\/p>\n Tank size matters. Think through the size of your tank and the type of corals you keep (or plan to keep) when selecting a wavemaker system.<\/p>\n Tank size and coral type will determine GPH (gallons per hour) tank turnover. Tank turnover is how many times the water in your aquarium is circulated every hour.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n If you have a 55 gallon tank that\u2019s predominantly LPS coral, you should aim to have an internal flow rate of 550-1,100 GPH.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pump placement is an important part of figuring out the best aquarium wave maker for your tank.\u00a0<\/p>\n The ideal state is eliminating all dead zones in your aquarium; for best results, you want water to freely circulate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Depending on the shape of your aquarium, we typically recommend purchasing multiple smaller powerheads with your wave maker over a single large one. This allows you to position each pump for maximum water circulation. This is especially important if you have an aquascape<\/a> with extensive hardscaping where dead zones are more common.\u00a0<\/p>\n Another factor to consider is coral growth. What works for positioning when you\u2019re first getting started won\u2019t likely work when your tank matures and coral grows.\u00a0<\/p>\n Using multiple powerheads preserves your ability to be creative and adapt to your living, changing ecosystem.<\/p>\n Aquarium equipment can be noisy. Depending on the size of your set-up and the requirements, it can become very noisy, especially in communal areas.<\/p>\n Whenever possible, prioritize quiet operations. Your filter, pumps, and wavemakers will add up, so best to choose the quietest equipment when you can.<\/p>\n Different wave makers have different mount styles, ranging from suction cups to magnets. You\u2019ll also want to know the thickness of your aquarium glass. If it is too thick, some mounts might not work. If it is too thin, you might crack your glass, especially with a powerful magnet.\u00a0<\/p>\n Overall, we recommend magnetic mounts versus suction cups.<\/p>\n Adjustability is an important element for your wavemaker. Your tank will grow and mature over time so you\u2019re going to need equipment that can adapt. Or else plan to spend a lot of extra money on equipment.<\/p>\n Getting the right flow in your aquarium can take a few attempts in adjusting both flow rates and placement. Also, if multiple pumps can be synced to your controller, you will have a better chance at creating good water circulation.<\/p>\n Aquarium wave makers commonly come with two parts: the pump (powerhead) and controller.\u00a0<\/p>\n They can be purchased separately. It feels like it goes with saying, but If you purchase them separately, make sure the controller is compatible with the pump.<\/p>\n The purpose of an aquarium wavemaker is to produce waves like fish, coral, and invertebrates would experience in the ocean. However, a traditional powerhead alone can only provide a directed stream of flow that can be disruptive, as it doesn\u2019t stimulate natural waves. Wavemakers diffuse this directed flow, making it more natural.<\/p>\n Corals in a reef tank need different types of water flow; some prefer variable flow and some prefer consistent water flow. A lot of corals need both types. In order to achieve this range of water flows, wavemakers with multiple possible settings are your best option. Wavemakers also help to disperse food and nutrients for your corals<\/a> and invertebrates.<\/p>\n Wavemakers are helpful for removing dead zones (areas that lack water circulation). In freshwater tanks, this is important for oxygen distribution. In saltwater tanks, eliminating dead zones helps prevent cyanobacteria from growing. If left unchecked, cyanobacteria can destroy the stable ecosystem of your saltwater tank.<\/p>\n Wavemakers are easy to install. Suction cup mount and magnetic mount models will differ slightly. With suction cups, simply stick them to the aquarium wall. That\u2019s it. Super simple.<\/p>\n Magnet mounts are similarly easy. Stick the dry side magnet on the outside of the aquarium and put the wet side magnet on the inside of the aquarium. They\u2019re attracted to each other so once they line up, your wavemaker will have sticking power.\u00a0<\/p>\n Installation is the easy part. Positioning wavemakers is more complex and driven by the needs of particular corals. We recommend diving into this coral guide<\/a> for more details. The details are too extensive for the purposes of this guide.<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t The Hydor Koralia Wavemaker is a popular model. Hydor is a long-established brand with a great reputation so you know you\u2019re buying quality if you go this route. However, Hydors have become less popular over time with the increased popularity of DC-powered wavemakers\u2019 controllable features.<\/p>\n This model is specifically built for nano tanks so this will not be an appropriate choice for a larger tank. Expect a GPH (Gallons per Hour) volume of 240 to 565, depending on the model.<\/p>\n Features:\u00a0<\/p>\n Pros:<\/p>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t This is our favorite wavemaker and powerhead combo. It is essentially the same offering as above but meant for larger tanks. It comes in four different sizes, too so you can choose the right one for your aquarium.<\/p>\n This is an AC wavemaker, meaning it brings tested technology that is easy to use and reliable.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can also adjust this model 180 degrees, which means it is ideal for corner placements in your aquarium.<\/p>\n There are different versions of this wavemaker so make sure you order the most recent for the most up-to-date technology.<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014-<\/p>\n Features:<\/p>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/p>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t Hygger is a trusted brand in the fishkeeping world. They have a reputation for high-quality make and materials, and this option represents the brand very well.\u00a0<\/p>\n The dual heads provide more flexibility around directionality and flow, which is useful for keeping high flow rates to simulate environments like fast-flowing rivers.<\/p>\n This option has 360-degree rotation capabilities, giving you maximum flexibility inside your tank. This is a fully submersible powerhead that cycles 2000 GPH, making it ideal for aquariums ranging from 75 to 130 gallons. It is suitable for marine, tropical and freshwater setups.<\/p>\n Features:<\/p>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/p>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t This Jebao wavemaker has a\u00a0 solid reputation with customers and reviewers. We love this option because it has more settings and options than nearly every other model on the market. This particular model has 8 potential flow rates.<\/p>\n It is easy to install via the magnet mount. Users report this is a very powerful and small wavemaker (about the size of a golf ball) so it is not suited for nano<\/a> or small tanks.<\/p>\n This model uses a 4-pole impeller design for the best energy efficiency and water flow rate.<\/p>\n Features:<\/p>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/p>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t This IceCap kit is highly customizable and includes a controller that can connect to Wi-Fi so you can program and monitor your pumps through an app on your mobile device. This is an excellent option for someone who wants to keep tabs on what is happening with their tank.<\/p>\n This kit is easy to configure. You can also upload your settings to the cloud in case of power outages or human error. That means when the power comes back online, your pump will automatically start working correctly.<\/p>\n For additional flexibility, the controller can also power a second pump if you purchase one. Additionally, this pump can be mounted either vertically or horizontally.\u00a0<\/p>\n Features:<\/p>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/p>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t This is the quietest wavemaker on the list. This kit includes a complete system with a pump, controller (capable of running two additional pumps), and remote control.\u00a0<\/p>\n The quiet output of this kit comes from thick silicone pads on the magnetic mounting brackets which help absorb sound. Don\u2019t be fooled \u2013 some people equate quiet operations with a lack of power. That is absolutely not the case with this option.<\/p>\n These pumps are small and quiet, but they are powerful. You can choose from three different pump strengths of 660, 1050 or 2100 GPH.\u00a0<\/p>\n Additionally, this kit is easily customizable with several different modes so you can customize flow throughout the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Features:<\/p>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/p>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t If you have a big tank \u2013 100+ gallons \u2013 this is probably your best bet. It is powerful and can move significant volumes of water while also staying silent when on full power.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The motor automatically adapts its speed to maintain efficiency, which means it uses approximately 50% less power than conventional pump motors.<\/p>\n The powerhead has 360-degree adjustability which provides flexibility in your water flow set-up. This is helpful long term as your corals grow and mature.\u00a0<\/p>\n Features:<\/p>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/p>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/p>\n The ideal wave pump and wave maker placement is in the middle to upper portions of your aquarium. If you place it too low, you risk disturbing the substrate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Also, avoid mounting too close to the water surface. If the wavemaker is too close to the water surface, you could create waves that are too big.<\/p>\n Additionally, you will want to think about aesthetics when placing your pump and wavemaker. If your lights create shadows in certain areas of your tank, those could be good places to place your wave pumps as they will be naturally disguised. Black backgrounds in your tank are also helpful for hiding pumps.\u00a0<\/p>\n Lastly, keep your pump cables organized. Hanging cables are distracting and not aesthetically pleasing.<\/p>\n Wave makers are not a necessity for arowanas. \u00a0Aquarists typically use wavemakers for water circulation. Some even get creative and use a two-part system \u2013 one wavemaker to move debris and waste from the bottom of the tank and a wavemaker at the top to move water towards surface skimmers<\/a>. This helps naturally move and remove waste from the tank, which helps keep water conditions more stable.<\/p>\n Also, the waves can help keep your arowanas busy with swimming so they\u2019re less likely to be aggressive.<\/p>\n No, guppies don\u2019t like a strong current. In nature, their natural environment is ponds, lakes, and rivers with slow-moving waters that have a mild current<\/a>. Therefore, if you add a wavemaker to your guppy tank<\/a>, you\u2019re likely to stress them out.<\/p>\n Yes, cichlids generally seem to like wavemakers. It is not a necessity in a cichlid tank<\/a> but they do have a number of benefits. They help circulate heat and food so all fish have equal access to warmth and food. It also helps to move waste around the tank, which makes it easier for your filter intakes to grab it.<\/p>\n That being said, too many waves that are too strong can be stressful for your fish so make sure to select a wavemaker that is properly sized for your fish. Also, make sure there are plenty of current breaks in your tank with rocks, driftwood<\/a>, and decor so the fish can escape the current if they\u2019d like.\u00a0<\/p>\n Wavemakers are essential for keeping your corals, invertebrates, and fish happy and healthy, especially in marine tanks. Wavemakers have a range of functionality, so it is important to know the pros and cons of your choice. Additionally, you will need to factor in your aquarium specifics such as size and wavemaker positioning in order to make the best aquarium wave maker selection for your situation.<\/p>\nBest Aquarium Wave Maker Options:<\/h2>\n
What is the Best Aquarium Wave Maker?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy do you Need an Aquarium Wavemaker?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Types of Aquarium Wave Makers and Pumps<\/h2>\n
Filtration Pump<\/h3>\n
Circulation Pump<\/h3>\n
Powerheads<\/h3>\n
AC vs DC Wavemakers\u00a0<\/h2>\n
How to Find the Best Aquarium Wave Maker for your Tank (Factors to Consider when Buying a Wavemaker)<\/h2>\n
Tank Size and Tank Inhabitants<\/h3>\n
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Tank Placement<\/h3>\n
Sound Levels<\/h3>\n
The Mount<\/h3>\n
Adjustability<\/h3>\n
Compatability<\/h3>\n
Benefits of an Aquarium Wavemaker<\/h2>\n
Simulates Natural Waterflow<\/h3>\n
Ideal for Corals and Invertebrates In Your Tank<\/h3>\n
Eliminates Dead Zones<\/h3>\n
How To Install An Aquarium Wavemaker\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Where Should I Place my Aquarium Wave Maker?<\/h2>\n
Best Aquarium Wave Maker Options:<\/h2>\n
Best Aquarium Wave Maker for Nano Tanks: Hydor Koralia Nano 565 Circulation Pump for Aquariums, 565 GPH<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Hydor Koralia Evolution 1400\/1500 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 1400-1500 GPH<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Hygger Submersible Aquarium Powerhead 2000GPH Fish Tank Wavemaker Circulation Pump for Freshwater Saltwater<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Jebao OW-40 Wavemaker 317-3963 GPH with Controller and Magnet Mount<\/a><\/h3>\n
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IceCap Powerhead 2K Gyre Pond Pump, Cross Flow Submersible Water Pump for Aquariums, WiFi controllable\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Current USA eFlux Accessory Wave Pump, 660 GPH | Ultra Quiet, Compact Size<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Tunze Nano Stream with Controller<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Aquarium Wavemaker FAQs\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Where should I place my aquarium wave maker?<\/h3>\n
Do Arowanas need wave makers?<\/h3>\n
Do guppies like current?<\/h3>\n
Do cichlids like wavemakers?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion \u2013 Best Aquarium Wave Maker<\/h2>\n