If you are new to owning an aquarium, what you might have noticed is that there are many accessories you might have to buy. It is the reason you would want to know more about the aquarium wave maker.
The work of a wave maker is straight up in the name. It will simply help to create the waves in the water to imitate the natural water movement. So, how do you pick the best aquarium wave maker?
That no longer has a question as this guide has the solution. You can learn more about the aquarium wave makers and get to pick the right model at the end of the guide.
Table of Contents
What is an Aquarium Wave Maker?
The fish will always be in a constant movement and there will be some type of wave created as they move. In the open water like the sea or lake, the fish love the waves as they help them move around easily.
It would be great for you to replicate that movement in the aquarium. This is where you get to use the aquarium wave maker.
The wave maker comprises of a power head that acts as pump to create the waves in the water. You can always get a model depending on the size of the aquarium for you to have the best waves created for the fish.
Benefits of Using Wave Maker in Aquarium
1
One thing that will drive more people into picking the wave maker is because the fish is familiar with the currents and wave in the water. The fish will also tend to thrive well as it is something they like. Being in a familiar habitat for anyone also does the same thing.
2
The wave maker will help the coral and invertebrates to access the nutrients in the tank. This is because the corals and invertebrates cannot really move to where the nutrients are located. You can now be sure that the nutrients will be pushed to where it is.
3
It helps eliminate the dead spots in the water. The dead spots in this case those areas that do not move. These areas are likely to be unhealthy for the fish as they do not have fresh oxygen. The wave maker is going to help with the circulation of the oxygen to that area.
4
Well, you can also find that the waves will make the aquarium a pleasant thing to see. Many people visiting your home will always be interested to see how the wave maker works. The plants will be swaying with the fish also be more lively.
The 10 Best Wave Makers For Fresh & Saltwater Aquariums
This wave maker from Hydor is a powerful pump that circulates 565 gallons per hour. It’s the most powerful nan pump the company offers. The compact, non-vibrating design can be used to create any flow and movement pattern you need to keep your aquarium happy and healthy.
One of the best things about this product is how easy it is to install. All you have to do it place the wave maker where you want it inside the tank then use the patented magnetic suction cup support to hold it in place. Simply attach the magnet from the outside of the glass, position it in the right angle, and you’re done.
A cable protector is included along with detailed instructions as to how to install and position it properly. This wave maker can also be connected to a controller and set on a timer for hours, minutes, or seconds. Less powerful options suitable for smaller tanks are also available.
2. Super Aquatic JVP-102A Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker
The Super Aquatic wavemaker by Sun is exceptionally powerful, capable of circulating up to 1300 gallons per hour. This makes it a great choice for tanks that are 100 gallons or more. It’s a little too powerful for anything smaller.
One of the nice things about this design is that, despite being so powerful, this wavemaker is surprisingly quiet. The grease and the oil-free motor operates smoothly so as not to bother your fish and the ceramic impeller shaft is strong and durable for fast and reliable performance.
To install, use the suction cup to attach to the side of any glass or acrylic tank. Then, position it to get the movement you want using the 360-degree articulating ball joint. This allows you to get movement even in those hard to reach areas.
Again, note that this product is meant for large tanks as it is powerful and creates a lot of movement. It’s also not designed to be used with an on/off timer as it is built to run continuously.
3. SunSun JVP-110 Wavemaker Pumps
This is a two-pack of wavemaker pumps from SunSun, perfect for large tanks where you want to place one on each end or if you just want a backup. Each pump moves 528 gallons per hour, an ideal rate for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums.
These pumps are installed using a suction cup to attach them to the inside of the tank then positioned with a 360-degree rotating ball joint so you can create movement anywhere you need it in the tank. The design is totally submersible and, since the motor is oil-free, you don’t have to worry about contaminating the water.
Another thing that’s great about this pump is the price. It’s extremely affordable, particularly when you consider that you’re actually getting two pumps! If you only need one, you can keep the other one until you need it as a replacement or use it in another tank.
4. FREESEA Aquarium Wave Maker Power Head Circulation Pump
There’s a lot to like about this wavemaker from FREESEA. One of the best things about it is the adjustable flow rate. This particular size is suitable for tanks from 20 to 60 gallons without being too powerful or not powerful enough. Just use the outlet switch to adjust as necessary.
Because this design uses a magnet, it securely attaches to the inside of your aquarium and you never have to worry about it falling to the bottom of the tank. Just position it where you want it and attach the magnet to the outside of the glass to hold it in place.
The 360-degree swivel design lets you position the wavemaker right where you need it for the best results. It features an internal motor made of copper alloy to dissipate heat and a high-quality ABS plastic shell and is so durable, it’s covered with a lifetime warranty.
5. Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller
If you’re looking for a wave maker that gives you a lot of control over the flow, check out this one from Jebao. One of the things we like most about it is that it has eight different flow rates to choose from so you can find the right setup for your tank.
There’s also a one-touch feed mode that slows down the pump for 10 minutes so you can feed your fish without worrying about their food getting scattered or sinking too fast. You can rotate the direction of the flow, too, to get movement in the tank right where you need it.
This pump is operated using a wired remote and attaches to the aquarium with a strong magnet so you don’t have to worry about it falling and sinking to the bottom. It’s whisper-quiet and uses a wear-proof ceramic shaft that is designed to last a long time.
This is another great choice if you’re looking for a wave make for a larger tank no smaller than 60 or 75 gallons. The heavy powerhead moves about 3,170 gallons per hour and there are larger versions available for bigger tanks.
Mounting in your aquarium is simple, just use the suction cup to place it right where you want it. Although this pump only has one speed, you can rotate and reposition it 360 degrees to create movement anywhere in your tank.
One of the great things about this product is how simple it is to clean. It was designed with removable pieces that are easy to take apart and assemble which makes doing regular maintenance less of a chore.
Again, this is a pretty powerful wave maker that moves a lot of water. It has a dense cover to protect fish from the motor and can be used to circulate surface water or to help filter the water from the bottom of the tank.
7. Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Pump for Aquariums
This product from Marineland is actually three pumps in one, acting as a powerhead, utility pump, and a wave maker. Just use the included in-box conversion kit to change it from a powerhead to a circulation pump to get the water moving around your tank.
The pump attaches to the aquarium using a series of suction cups so it’s easy to get the placement just right. You can run this pump with a timer if you want, another way in which it’s adaptable to your aquarium setup.
It circulates 500 gallons per hour and is ideal for smaller tanks around 10 or 20 gallons. Note that there are larger versions available that circulate up to 1300 gallons per hour and are meant for tanks as large as 50 gallons. Multi-packs are also available so you can set up more than one in tanks that are over 50 gallons.
8. Jebao CP-120 Cross Flow Pump Wave Maker
For something that’s a little different, take a look at this product from Jebao. Rather than having the typical round fan-like shape that most wave makers have, this product is long and thin, designed to create an evenly distributed flow that simulates a natural wave.
This pump is 11.5 inches long and uses crossflow technology to move water across the entire length of the tank without any dead spots. It circulates as much as 4600 gallons per hour and has various settings to choose from.
Normal flow creates a 360-degree return through the tank but you can also choose pulse mode if you prefer a more intermittent movement. That’s not all, there’s also a reef feed mode that stops the pump for 10 minutes to allow your fish to eat without worrying about the current getting in the way.
One of the best things about this pump is how little noise it makes. It’s whisper-quiet despite being pretty powerful. You can also adjust the flow so you can slow it down if you find that it’s too powerful for your tank.
9. Uniclife Controllable Wavemaker with W-40 Controller
The Unicliffe controllable wavemaker moves up to 3,400 gallons per hour and is recommended for 50-inch tanks between 60 and 150 gallons. Just use the wired control panel to adjust the speed and initiate feed mode so your fish can eat without worrying about the strong current.
This design uses a magnet suction cup base for support which makes positioning easy and reliable. Just place the device inside the tank where you want it and attach the magnet from the outside of the tank. It’s compatible with aquarium glass as thick as 15mm.
After you get the right placement, use the 360-degree positioning to create the ideal current for your setup. Although it’s plenty powerful, this pump operates quietly so it won’t disturb you or your fish. You can adjust between 30% and 100% of full power and lock the controller once you get everything just right.
This wave maker from Hygger is the best choice if you really want to be able to control the direction of the flow. Why? Because it features a double head. Each has a 360-degree ball joint so you can position them independently of each other.
You can use this wavemaker in freshwater, tropical, or marine tanks between 75 and 130 gallons. It’s powerful enough to move up to 2000 gallons per hour. Plus, it’s oil-free and fully submersible so it won’t affect the chemical balance of the water.
Use the built-in locking suction cup to mount the pump on the inside of the tank and position the heads to create the movement you need to maintain the health and balance of your tank. The power cord is just over nine feet long which makes it easy to position just right.
In addition to being powerful, this pump is also super quiet and has rubber ends to reduce noise. Plus, it’s constructed using anti-corrosion titanium impellers that are durable and made to last.
How Does an Aquarium Wave Maker Work?
Many people who have not used a wave maker before would not be sure what the wave maker was all about. Well, the wave makers are important to help create the waves in the water of your aquarium.
As for the operation, the aquarium wave makers will combine low pressure and high water volumes so as to create a wave effect in the aquarium. Depending on the model, you can get one controlled by a digital controller that allows just how much of the wave you want.
The wave maker comes with an impeller whose function is to pump out the high volume water that is under low pressure. This is what creates the wave just like the flow motion of the ocean.
How to Install Aquarium Wave Maker?
Setting up the wave maker in your aquarium does not have to be hard. You need to start with the mounting mechanism.
Most of the wave maker will have the same mounting mechanism of using a suction cup. Make sure it is attached properly to the pump or head of the wave maker.
Proceed to attach the wave maker to the inner wall of the tank. If it is fully submersible, you can go ahead and submerge it if it is something necessary. Make sure that the intake is in the water and the pump is pointing to where you want the water delivered.
Plug in the power cord and turn it on. Just like that you are good to go.
You might also want to check the manufacturer installation process as you may have to assemble a few things.
What Size Wavemaker for Aquarium?
You will not have to worry much about this as the manufacturer always indicates it on the wave maker.
For example, a wave maker with the flow rate of 800 gallons per hour would be perfect for aquariums from 30 gallons to 60 gallons. The powerful wave makers are often reserved for larger aquariums.
Where to Place Wavemaker in Aquarium?
When it comes to placing the wave maker in the aquarium, there is a lot that goes into finding the right spot.
At first, it might not be easy as not all the places will generate the right waves that you might want. Some positions would mean creating high waves that hit the glass, creating a lot of noise. It is therefore a bit of trial and error until you find the area that works great.
Conclusion
At this point, you should be in a position to make up your mind when it comes to picking the best aquarium wave maker.
Although they tend to vary in size and price, there are few differences with each of the models reviewed. You simply have to pick the one you think will take care of your needs effectively.
You still have to keep in mind the size of the aquarium to determine which model would be perfect. Go ahead and pick a wave maker that will make your aquarium perform even better.
This is an excellent little wave maker! I’m using Hydor Koralia in a 55 gallon planted tank to supplement my return that is running at 400 gph. This pump solved the issue I was having with low flow spots in the tank. I placed it underneath the return and the tank has just the right amount of current now.
How much power do I need a wave maker to produce. I have a 72 gallon bow cichlid peacocks what size wave maker do I need?
This is an excellent little wave maker! I’m using Hydor Koralia in a 55 gallon planted tank to supplement my return that is running at 400 gph. This pump solved the issue I was having with low flow spots in the tank. I placed it underneath the return and the tank has just the right amount of current now.
Until nơ, it still works great and has no problem. Thanks so much for your review