2X Nero 3 vs. ReefWave 25 on a 50G Peninsula

[stnc]

Hey everyone,

I've got a WB 50G peninsula with two Nero 3's (configuration and settings below), but I'm growing frustrated with my Nero's as one pump is more or less dead and it's only been three months (working a warranty replacement), and that's on top of all the issues I've been dealing with using them.

I've been looking at swapping them with the ReefWave 25, but to be honest, I don't have a ton of knowledge about powerheads short of a few brands, so I wanted to pose the question and see if that's a good idea or if there are better options. Being able to control them via an app/wifi is essential, as my custom control setup has three always-on outlets available. I've got a ReefDose 4, so that's a plus to the ReefWave, but I also have a Hydra 32, granted that's pretty self-sustaining so there's less of a need to integrate that with anything.

Settings:

Placement:

 

[MichaelReefer]

I've heard mixed feelings about the Reefwave. I guess its been very common for the bearings to go bad or something along those lines?

 

[stnc]

I've heard mixed feelings about the Reefwave. I guess its been very common for the bearings to go bad or something along those lines?

Oh they do? I haven't heard that. I feel like I see them EVERYWHERE, but maybe I'm confusing the model with another brand.

 

[SPS2020]

I've had two ReefWave 45's in operation on the back wall of my tank for about a year and like them very much.

Regarding a bearing issue, I did have a ceramic spacer (bearing??) which needed to be cleaned with a piece of wet\dry paper as it got a bit tight on the impeller shaft.

 

[stnc]

I've had two ReefWave 45's in operation on the back wall of my tank for about a year and like them very much.

Regarding a bearing issue, I did have a ceramic spacer (bearing??) which needed to be cleaned with a piece of wet\dry paper as it got a bit tight on the impeller shaft.

I see you have them on the back vs. the sides - is there any reason for that? (Sorry, new guy question) - I'm thinking I'd mount mine on the chamber side facing the tank.

As far as % power, what are you running?

 

[SPS2020]

I like the back wall because I get great flow around all corals and the added benefit of them sort of blending into the black background. I didn't want anything on the sides where it could detract from the view.

I run random flow at 60% for 23 hours. At night, the flow reverses for 1 hour at 100% to kick up all the detritus (if any) off the bottom.

 

[stnc]

Got it - interesting approach with the 100% - do you have SPS? I'm concerned about that a bit. Oh, and do you change the direction of the fans? Is that done via the app?

 

[blaxsun]

I've had a pair of ReefWave45's for about 4 months. The controller on one was defective and went dead after about 1 month, but RedSea quickly replaced it under warranty. Other than that, cleaning has been a breeze and zero maintenance thus far. The ability to program all the different waves on a schedule through the ReefBeat app is a huge plus.

For a 50-gallon tank a single ReefWave25 is probably more than sufficient. For that size of tank, you won't typically want to run it more than 30-40% (max), depending on the wave pattern.

 

[stnc]

I've had a pair of ReefWave45's for about 4 months. The controller on one was defective and went dead after about 1 month, but RedSea quickly replaced it under warranty. Other than that, cleaning has been a breeze and zero maintenance thus far. The ability to program all the different waves on a schedule through the ReefBeat app is a huge plus.

For a 50-gallon tank a single ReefWave25 is probably more than sufficient. For that size of tank, you won't typically want to run it more than 30-40% (max), depending on the wave pattern.

Awesome! I think the decision is made then!

 

[SPS2020]

Got it - interesting approach with the 100% - do you have SPS? I'm concerned about that a bit. Oh, and do you change the direction of the fans? Is that done via the app?

90% Acropora, so I like a bit of flow.

The direction is changed manually, just twist. Sort of a 'set it and forget it' methodology. There are 'flow directors' you can purchase (eBay from the UK) which will help keep algae from growing so fast on the impellers. They are pricey, but worth the money as they really keep algae and coraline from building up as fast.

Make sure you choose the correct version as they are different!

Pair of Flow Directors to suit Red Sea ReefWave 25 or 45 wavemaker | eBay

The ReefWave wavemaker pump can be positioned closer to the surface of the water, improving water surface breaking effects but without creating air vortices. The Red Sea ReefWave 25 & 45 wavemakers pictured are not included.

www.ebay.com

 

[stnc]

90% Acropora, so I like a bit of flow.

The direction is changed manually, just twist. Sort of a 'set it and forget it' methodology. There are 'flow directors' you can purchase (eBay from the UK) which will help keep algae from growing so fast on the impellers. They are pricey, but worth the money as they really keep algae and coraline from building up as fast.

Make sure you choose the correct version as they are different!

Pair of Flow Directors to suit Red Sea ReefWave 25 or 45 wavemaker | eBay

The ReefWave wavemaker pump can be positioned closer to the surface of the water, improving water surface breaking effects but without creating air vortices. The Red Sea ReefWave 25 & 45 wavemakers pictured are not included.

www.ebay.com

oh well would you look at that - thanks!