100% internet-independent system - wavemaker pumps

[Ashibashi]

Hey guys

I'm still slowly working on my first ever reef tank build and lately I've been struggling to find recommendations for equipment that can be controlled with built-in hardware, regular buttons and knobs, with absolutely no mandatory involvement of any apps or the internet.

I'm not opposed to things having optional apps or internet connectivity, or using a controller one day, but the idea of having to screw around with a million random apps for different pieces of kit gives me a migraine. And if I ever were to use a controller, all the things hooked to it would ideally be okay even if a solar flare knocked out the internet in a big hairy apocalyptic disaster.

So, the thing of the day I'm looking for is wavemaker pumps. What do you recommend that will stand the test of time, has a reasonable degree of controllability (rate, patterns etc) WITHOUT having to use an app or the internet?

Thanks!

 

[Ashibashi]

By the way this would be a for a 40g cube display tank.

 

[Spare time]

Sicce voyagers last a very long time and you can control the flow patterns. They are also anemone proof. Voyagers aren't d/c so that's something to consider.

I've heard people praise tunze but the price is ridiculous imo

 

[Jekyl]

Jebao all the way. Cheap and last forever.

 

[Ashibashi]

Sicce voyagers last a very long time and you can control the flow patterns. They are also anemone proof. Voyagers aren't d/c so that's something to consider.

I've heard people praise tunze but the price is ridiculous imo

Thanks! Yes, the ridiculousness of the prices for many of these things really gets to me. Especially considering the apparent basic-ness of what they're physically trying to achieve - albeit I'm fully aware my judgement is novice judgement - makes the price point seem pretty insulting in a lot of cases. It SEEMS like, especially with more modern versions of whatever thing is being pushed, they're cramming in app and internet involvement where there's no good reason to have it just to justify a higher price point.

This is partly the reason I'm so hesitant to touch any of it - if the Next Big Thing is always going to have the bigger and better app or wireless cross-functionality whatever, doesn't that mean that today's latest and greatest tech will be obsolete in a couple of years? I'd hate to find myself down the line with a system fully dependent on some buggy 3-year-old app that's in no company's interest to care about anymore. Yuck

 

[rtparty]

Tunze. You can run Vortechs without Mobius if wanted. They have a battery backup too if needed

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

If it's a 40-gallon cube, and you're building it yourself, then you may have an opportunity to go without wavemakers, but still create a very natural wave-maker-like flow pattern in the tank..

Take a look at your Random Flow Generator Nozzles. It is capable replacing wavemakers if used properly.



We run a 134-gallon cube with just 4 of our RFG nozzles - two on a closed loop and 2 on the returns.

In your case, you would want to look either the 1/2in RFG or the 3/4in RFG, depending on the amount of flow you could provide them.

If you're interested, let me know and I would be happy to help you determine the right size RFGs, and best placement for returns or closed loops.