Best powerhead/wavemaker on a budget

[Rossmont]

Yes absolutely.
With the Rossmont inTouch app you have the chance to use chart points to set power of pumps based on the time of the day and also add different presets (wave effects) over the chart.
We call it Hybrid schedule. Look at the picture below taken from one of our demo video so you can understand how flexible the schedule is. And since you have 2 independent channels you can drive our return pump (Riser) on the other and calibrate the minimum power for every feeding operations so you won't have any wasted food in the sump and many other advantages.

 

[kkiel02]

My k4 is still going. Which is surprising as I don’t think I’ve cleaned it about 2 times in probably 10 years. It’s cycling my rock/algae in my brute in the garage with an old heater I kept from my old 180g tank.

But I think I got real lucky with this pump. I used it for mixing salt water for my 375g when I got tunze powerheads for the display because the k4 didn’t have a strong enough magnet.

I’ll be needing a nano power head for my coral qt which is only a 20g. So I’m interested in what y’all suggest.

 

[saullman]

If you have some, take frequent visits to eBay, search Tunze and then click on used. You can sometimes get the static pumps out there for $40, or less. While I am not always a fan of used equipment, these are Tunze pumps and not likely to break down anytime soon. It might take a few week, but you will likely find one and be very happy.

 

[Brockly]

I had 3 jebao pp8s die in 1.5 years. To be fair I also had 2 cobalt max jets die too. Cobalt charges more then the original max jets and they don’t last as long in my experience. I now run 2 icecap gyers.

But my jebao return pump has lasted 2 years. I think their returns must be better then their wave makers

And I clean my pumps every 3 months. Not soon enough probably but not too bad either

 

[scarlnano]

I 2nd the Current USA Eflux Wave pumps. I love mine!

I'll 3rd this - I run 2 1050's and a 2100 on the Loop manifold and love them!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Jebao PP series or Nero 5 power heads

 

[JLynn]

I've been very happy with my Aqamai KPS. Aqamai is a new brand that Hydor debuted a couple years ago, and it's been every bit as reliable as the Koralia I had before. It's wifi controllable and programmable, and just $120. Your tank is near the upper limit of what it's rated for (up to 50g), but since this is going to be supporting another pump, I wouldn't think that that would be a problem.

 

[Oldsalt]

If you want to build an inexpensive wave maker that really works, check this out:

https://www.thesprucepets.com/simple-saltwater-aquarium-do-it-yourself-diy-wavemaker-2924673

 

[EHerbert]

I recently purchased this JBJ combo a few weeks ago. Haven't had it long enough to give it a review but so far so good.


https://www.marinedepot.com/JBJ_Oce...hqqmpEe6YL6gtszpDeqOPwklBZVqkuAxoCs7MQAvD_BwE

 

[Whisnantrider]

I ran an icecap 1k in my JBJ45 and was very pleased. They are silent and the procepis good for what you get. I am currently running 2 on my Reefer250.

 

[RJ F.]

FWIW I've been running a jebao return pump and 2 jebao ow-10 (they're new series). For the ow-10 if you look around you can find them for $50 brand new and they're DC controlled so you get alot of options for cheap. I also was using AC powered korlia and tbh I could tell a diff on my electric bill. I'm a fan of DC not only for control ability but also for power consumption. So you could buy an AC powered ph for $40 but in a few months you could have just spent the extra $10 and have more options and less power draw. The thing about jebao is that as you have read, some have the same one for years and others cant make one last for months. I know high alk playa a roll in that but who knows. I personally like jebao for price point and options

 

[Oliver d]

Jebao RW series been running them since 2015 when I started my tank.I just clean them once a month.

 

[saullman]

I ran an icecap 1k in my JBJ45 and was very pleased. They are silent and the procepis good for what you get. I am currently running 2 on my Reefer250.

I think it the budget wasn't an issue, I would buy an icecap.

 

[Oldsalt]

I've been running Aqua one 4 pump wave maker with variable controller for over 9 months and haven't pulled them out to clean yet. I do, however, brush them off in tank every 2 weeks. Still going strong. Came with a 3 year warranty (2 if you don't register them). Only cost $228 Australian (about $200 US).

https://mentoneaquarium.com.au/prod...qua-one-wavemaker-20000-4-pumps-w-controller/

 

[Hermie]

I mean you are talking about a budget, you can get a maxi jet for like 15 bucks on Amazon. If that's too "cheap" for you then tell us... What is your budget?

 

[WetPets]

Check out the reefbreeders dc pump it is $130, low profile, and controllable.

 

[Rlreefing]

Keep your eyes peeled for someone getting out of the hobby or doing upgrades to find good deals. I have found that buying inexpensive equipment that has a reputation to fail is more expensive in the long run. Save up for the mp10.