What Size Aquarium Wavemaker Do I Need?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n![\"what](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_569,h_763\/https:\/\/salttankreport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screen-Shot-2020-03-20-at-8.06.11-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThis is the ultimate guide to choosing the right size aquarium wavemaker for your saltwater tank.<\/p>\n
You might also want to check the<\/span><\/span> best affordable wavemakers for a saltwater aquarium.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nIn this comprehensive guide I will cover:<\/p>\n
\n- How to choose a wavemaker<\/li>\n
- Types of wavemakers<\/li>\n
- Wavemaker size vs tank size<\/li>\n
- Wavemaker maintenance<\/li>\n
- And much more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Creating enough current and water movement<\/a> is crucial to maintaining the health of your saltwater aquarium. Fish, coral, rock, and other livestock depend on it and there are several benefits to having proper water movement in your reef tank. Without it, your corals will not survive.Water flow promotes gas exchange<\/a>, which increases oxygen and decreases carbon dioxide. Corals will appreciate water flow to keep their tissues healthy allowing them to grow and maintain vibrant colors.<\/p>\nThey also depend on it for bringing them food like phytoplankton and zooplankton to catch with their polyps. Water flow will also remove and clean waste from within and around the corals.<\/p>\n
Liverock is going to play a huge role in the overall health of your tank. It holds most of the beneficial bacteria that your tank needs. The more porous the rock is the better. The porous surface of live rock will contain millions of bacteria that will break down ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate keeping it cycled.<\/p>\n
How To Choose The Right Size Wavemaker<\/span><\/h2>\nThe manufacturer of the wavemaker will give a maximum tank size rating and flow rates. Use this as a guide and take it into consideration. But there are a few more things you will need to consider:<\/p>\n
How much water flow do you need?<\/h3>\n
Well, that will depend on a few different factors. What do you plan to have in your tank for livestock? Certain corals like softies will only require low flow, LPS corals prefer low-medium flow, and SPS corals will do better with high water flow rates.<\/p>\n
Certain fish also prefer different flow rates. For example, a Copperband Butterflyfish prefers to have low water movement whereas Clown Tangs prefer high water movement.<\/p>\n
You will often hear the term turnover rate being used when determining water flow in your tank. This is basically a number given to the number of times your main water volume will be cycled or turned over in your tank. A general rule of thumb to aim for is a 20-30x turnover rate for the water volume in your tank. For example, if you have a 100-gallon reef aquarium with LPS corals, aim to have your water turnover at least 2000-3000GPH. If you are keeping SPS corals, you may need to increase this number.What is your aquarium size?<\/h3>\n
The size of the aquarium will also play a role in determining the size of the wavemaker. Larger tanks will likely require multiple wavemakers where smaller tanks may only need one. In our example above, a 100-gallon tank that is 5 or 6 feet long will need 2 wavemakers placed on each side of the tank that equals your desired turnover rate.<\/p>\n
You can have both wavemakers that are rated for 1000+ GPH each. This will allow you to position them in different locations and get better water movement eliminating dead spots in your tank. Multiple smaller units are better than one larger one.<\/p>\n
A smaller tank will usually only require one wavemaker. Although you can still have multiples. If you have a 30-gallon tank and aim for a 20X turnover rate, you will only need a wavemaker rated for 600GPH. One unit like the new Jebao SLP-10 wavemaker<\/a> is more than suitable in this case.<\/p>\nWhat do you use for the substrate in your tank?<\/h3>\n
If you are using a fine sand that will blow around easily, then you will need to choose a wavemaker that isn\u2019t so strong to blow the sand all around the tank. Some people who have more demanding corals like SPS will require a high flow rate. Therefore it\u2019s common to see these tanks with bare bottom glass instead of sand just for this reason.<\/p>\n
Do you really need a wavemaker for saltwater tanks?<\/h3>\n
The answer to this question is it depends. I know, I can\u2019t stand it when people answer with \u201cit depends\u201d. But in this case, it really does depend on what you plan to keep in your saltwater tank for livestock.<\/p>\n
If you are keeping a fish only tank, you can get away without a wavemaker if you have other methods of turning over the water in the tank.<\/p>\n
You can use a hang on filter<\/a>, internal filter, or canister filter which will provide some water movement. Wavemakers also play an important role in removing detritus from your tank.<\/p>\nInstead of the detritus clumping up in the corner of your tank, a wavemaker will help keep it moving in order for the filtration to get rid of it.<\/p>\n
Many people with bare bottom tanks will use strong water flow to keep the bottom glass clean and free of detritus.<\/p>\n
But of course, if you are keeping fish and corals that require water movement, then yes you need to have one or more wavemakers in the tank. Liverock in the display tank will also require water movement for the beneficial bacteria and overall efficiency.<\/p>\n
Check out: Best affordable wavemakers for a saltwater aquarium<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\nHow many wavemakers do I need?<\/h3>\n
As mentioned, larger tanks may require more than one wavemaker. Not only is it more beneficial to have multiples, but it gives you a backup if one were to fail. It\u2019s great to have a backup. Smaller nano tanks may only need<\/a> one wavemaker.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s common for very large saltwater tanks to have several powerful wavemakers. For example, a 500-gallon tank that is 8 feet long will need plenty of water current and may use 6-8 large pumps to produce enough current.<\/p>\n
Types Of Wavemakers To Choose From<\/span><\/h2>\nYou will have 2 options to choose from:<\/p>\n
\n- AC wavemakers<\/li>\n
- DC wavemakers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
AC wavemakers are the older technology plug and play systems. They are very basic just plug them into the outlet to turn on and unplug to turn off. Nothing fancy and they don\u2019t have any special features.<\/p>\n
There are several brands of AC wavemakers on the market and typically these will cost less than the newer DC models. A problem with this type is the larger wavemakers are normally louder when operating which I can\u2019t stand.<\/p>\n
I like my wavemakers to be silent!<\/p>\n
An example of a great AC wavemaker is the Hydor Koralia 3G<\/a>. This model is improved over previous versions and is very reliable and affordable.<\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_820,h_312\/https:\/\/salttankreport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Seachem-Tidal-Power-Filter-15.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nDC wavemakers are much newer technology and have plenty of great features and advantages. They don\u2019t use as much power to operate them which is a huge bonus if you have a large tank.<\/p>\n
They are generally more powerful than the AC units and are very quiet. They can also be used with controllers which can be used to program different settings and wave modes.<\/p>\n
The newer wavemakers on the market today are very well built with some amazing features. You can even program them through your smartphones!<\/p>\n
An example of a great DC wave maker is the Orlushy DC12000<\/a>. These pumps are known for their reliability and quality design.<\/p>\nHow To Reduce Flow On Aquarium Wavemakers<\/h3>\n
If you have a basic AC wavemaker like the Koralia above, you won\u2019t be able to control the flow rate. These pumps are designed to push a constant amount of water without pulsing or changing flow rates. There is no built-in option for reducing the flow.<\/p>\n
Some AC wavemakers and powerheads like the Sicce Voyager 3<\/a>, have a manual flow control by adjusting a dial on the front of the unit which will allow more or less water through it.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThis is the ultimate guide to choosing the right size aquarium wavemaker for your saltwater tank.<\/p>\n
You might also want to check the<\/span><\/span> best affordable wavemakers for a saltwater aquarium.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n In this comprehensive guide I will cover:<\/p>\n Creating enough current and water movement<\/a> is crucial to maintaining the health of your saltwater aquarium. Fish, coral, rock, and other livestock depend on it and there are several benefits to having proper water movement in your reef tank. Without it, your corals will not survive. Water flow promotes gas exchange<\/a>, which increases oxygen and decreases carbon dioxide. Corals will appreciate water flow to keep their tissues healthy allowing them to grow and maintain vibrant colors.<\/p>\n They also depend on it for bringing them food like phytoplankton and zooplankton to catch with their polyps. Water flow will also remove and clean waste from within and around the corals.<\/p>\n Liverock is going to play a huge role in the overall health of your tank. It holds most of the beneficial bacteria that your tank needs. The more porous the rock is the better. The porous surface of live rock will contain millions of bacteria that will break down ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate keeping it cycled.<\/p>\n The manufacturer of the wavemaker will give a maximum tank size rating and flow rates. Use this as a guide and take it into consideration. But there are a few more things you will need to consider:<\/p>\n Well, that will depend on a few different factors. What do you plan to have in your tank for livestock? Certain corals like softies will only require low flow, LPS corals prefer low-medium flow, and SPS corals will do better with high water flow rates.<\/p>\n Certain fish also prefer different flow rates. For example, a Copperband Butterflyfish prefers to have low water movement whereas Clown Tangs prefer high water movement.<\/p>\n You will often hear the term turnover rate being used when determining water flow in your tank. This is basically a number given to the number of times your main water volume will be cycled or turned over in your tank. A general rule of thumb to aim for is a 20-30x turnover rate for the water volume in your tank. For example, if you have a 100-gallon reef aquarium with LPS corals, aim to have your water turnover at least 2000-3000GPH. If you are keeping SPS corals, you may need to increase this number. The size of the aquarium will also play a role in determining the size of the wavemaker. Larger tanks will likely require multiple wavemakers where smaller tanks may only need one. In our example above, a 100-gallon tank that is 5 or 6 feet long will need 2 wavemakers placed on each side of the tank that equals your desired turnover rate.<\/p>\n You can have both wavemakers that are rated for 1000+ GPH each. This will allow you to position them in different locations and get better water movement eliminating dead spots in your tank. Multiple smaller units are better than one larger one.<\/p>\n A smaller tank will usually only require one wavemaker. Although you can still have multiples. If you have a 30-gallon tank and aim for a 20X turnover rate, you will only need a wavemaker rated for 600GPH. One unit like the new Jebao SLP-10 wavemaker<\/a> is more than suitable in this case.<\/p>\n If you are using a fine sand that will blow around easily, then you will need to choose a wavemaker that isn\u2019t so strong to blow the sand all around the tank. Some people who have more demanding corals like SPS will require a high flow rate. Therefore it\u2019s common to see these tanks with bare bottom glass instead of sand just for this reason.<\/p>\n The answer to this question is it depends. I know, I can\u2019t stand it when people answer with \u201cit depends\u201d. But in this case, it really does depend on what you plan to keep in your saltwater tank for livestock.<\/p>\n If you are keeping a fish only tank, you can get away without a wavemaker if you have other methods of turning over the water in the tank.<\/p>\n You can use a hang on filter<\/a>, internal filter, or canister filter which will provide some water movement. Wavemakers also play an important role in removing detritus from your tank.<\/p>\n Instead of the detritus clumping up in the corner of your tank, a wavemaker will help keep it moving in order for the filtration to get rid of it.<\/p>\n Many people with bare bottom tanks will use strong water flow to keep the bottom glass clean and free of detritus.<\/p>\n But of course, if you are keeping fish and corals that require water movement, then yes you need to have one or more wavemakers in the tank. Liverock in the display tank will also require water movement for the beneficial bacteria and overall efficiency.<\/p>\n Check out: Best affordable wavemakers for a saltwater aquarium<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n As mentioned, larger tanks may require more than one wavemaker. Not only is it more beneficial to have multiples, but it gives you a backup if one were to fail. It\u2019s great to have a backup. Smaller nano tanks may only need<\/a> one wavemaker.<\/p>\n It\u2019s common for very large saltwater tanks to have several powerful wavemakers. For example, a 500-gallon tank that is 8 feet long will need plenty of water current and may use 6-8 large pumps to produce enough current.<\/p>\n You will have 2 options to choose from:<\/p>\n AC wavemakers are the older technology plug and play systems. They are very basic just plug them into the outlet to turn on and unplug to turn off. Nothing fancy and they don\u2019t have any special features.<\/p>\n There are several brands of AC wavemakers on the market and typically these will cost less than the newer DC models. A problem with this type is the larger wavemakers are normally louder when operating which I can\u2019t stand.<\/p>\n I like my wavemakers to be silent!<\/p>\n An example of a great AC wavemaker is the Hydor Koralia 3G<\/a>. This model is improved over previous versions and is very reliable and affordable.<\/p>\n DC wavemakers are much newer technology and have plenty of great features and advantages. They don\u2019t use as much power to operate them which is a huge bonus if you have a large tank.<\/p>\n They are generally more powerful than the AC units and are very quiet. They can also be used with controllers which can be used to program different settings and wave modes.<\/p>\n The newer wavemakers on the market today are very well built with some amazing features. You can even program them through your smartphones!<\/p>\n An example of a great DC wave maker is the Orlushy DC12000<\/a>. These pumps are known for their reliability and quality design.<\/p>\n If you have a basic AC wavemaker like the Koralia above, you won\u2019t be able to control the flow rate. These pumps are designed to push a constant amount of water without pulsing or changing flow rates. There is no built-in option for reducing the flow.<\/p>\n Some AC wavemakers and powerheads like the Sicce Voyager 3<\/a>, have a manual flow control by adjusting a dial on the front of the unit which will allow more or less water through it.<\/p>\n\n
How To Choose The Right Size Wavemaker<\/span><\/h2>\n
How much water flow do you need?<\/h3>\n
What is your aquarium size?<\/h3>\n
What do you use for the substrate in your tank?<\/h3>\n
Do you really need a wavemaker for saltwater tanks?<\/h3>\n
How many wavemakers do I need?<\/h3>\n
Types Of Wavemakers To Choose From<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow To Reduce Flow On Aquarium Wavemakers<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1000,h_695\/https:\/\/salttankreport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Sicce-Voyager-3-Stream-Aquarium-Pump-1200-GPH-99.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_277\/https:\/\/salttankreport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screen-Shot-2020-03-20-at-5.08.54-PM-1024x277.png\")
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