Best powerhead/wavemaker on a budget

[Jonreefer]

That just sounds like being lazy. just because its still running doesnt mean doing some regular maintenance doesnt help it out. I personally would never let any junk build up on my pumps. as soon as i see anything growing on them or they look dirty they come out for a cleaning. I guess thats the detailer in me or just taking the extra bit to keep them clean and running best as they can

 

[Vahanyos]

I use Jebao's for a very cheap alternative to power heads. You honestly may not need one with a controller either. One can be constantly on one end, while your MP10 is on reefcrest mode, and it'll create good random flow still

 

[Fourstars]

I just purchased this a few months ago and very impressed. All pumps should be maintained an a monthly basis.
AUQA GADGET MIDSIZE WAVELINK DC POWERHEAD.

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

Go for Tunze Stream non-DC model. You're almost guaranteed to get a working product out of the box that will last for years which is more than you can say for Reef Breeders Coral Box RN-1 which is a cheap piece of junk. I bought a RN-1 last week. The thing arrived defective with a bad impeller magnet (warped, impeller shaft not center) plus the controllers are a joke. Lots of features and most of them don't really do anything. Adjusting the flow power also does next to nothing. I set the power at 1 out of 20 and it was still pumping 600-800 GPH. The natural mode and reef modes are also laughable compared to what a Eco-tech Vortech does.

 

[Hemmdog]

To be fair, good pumps don't need cleaned that much. I only clean my Tunze pumps when the coralline covers the grates and they no longer flow - this is years. I never clean a AC return pump. While there is certainly no problem with cleaning a pump, this is like asking people who bought a certain car to change oil every 500 miles when every other car can go 3000-5000 miles or even 15k nowadays. I am totally with anybody who doesn't want to hear people complain about failures with a jeabo stuff when they knew when they bought them that they needed more work - this all has to be figured into the total cost of ownership.

If I had to change my oil every 500 miles I’d become a Prius person real quick lol..

 

[MaiReef]

+ the Current Loop system. Incredible control with a inexpensive, quiet alternative.

It even has a feed mode which is great

 

[BranchingHammer]

+1 Reefbreeders RPM. Great powerhead with lots of wide flow that reaches everywhere

 

[justmee]

Isn't the reefbreeder the same as the Coral Box RN-1 which cost just a tad lower?

 

[BranchingHammer]

Yes, but the difference is that Reefbreeders covers theirs with a 1 year warranty

 

[Bigbadfishy]

Jebao is awesome

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

Yes, but the difference is that Reefbreeders covers theirs with a 1 year warranty

That is incorrect. They cover theirs with a 1 1/2 year warranty but they also cover the other one for one year.

 

[neoGeorge]

How is it all of you have had such terrible luck with multiple jebao pumps and I have NEVER had one fail?

I have a dct12000 on my pond (3 years now) and they are not supposed to be used outdoors. I have the controller in a zip lock back under a rock! LOL!

Now, that being said, I clean the wavemakers once a month and the pumps every other month. But, I did this with other brands as well.

To be fair, the only pump I have ever had fail outright was years ago and it was a no name ebay thing that was so loud, I was glad it failed.

I've had my Jebao wavemaker for almost 3 years now - still works great.

 

[Rossmont]

@saullman, as mentioned earlier you can choose among a full range of our Mover pumps which are controllable AC (constant stable flow rate even with poor maintenance).
This means that since at present your choice is on a budget, the Rossmont Mover range is designed to be an affordable solution with a high quality materials, ceramic bearings, ACS (Auto Cleaning System), magnetic support, made in Italy, 3 year warranty.
The good is that you'll be able to buy separately the Waver controller (2 channels available) to adjust the speed in the future and this is not possible with any other brand.
The controller has an iOS/Android app and you'll be able to perform a schedule during the day with the maximum flexibility.
For a 45 gal tank we would recommend a Mover M1500 which is retailed at 69$.

 

[samnaz]

Jebao PP-4 or SW-4

 

[Jon Fishman]

Maybe I misunderstood the "budget" part of the question, but I use 2 of these, and they are great.....

https://www.amazon.com/Hydor-Korali...35281&s=gateway&sprefix=MP10+p,aps,185&sr=8-1


You never said anything about fully controllable etc.... so if for 'behind the rocks' just leave it on and forget about it......

 

[saullman]

Before I upgraded I used the Current Loop system and 2 of the small power heads. Did dang great and still running and use your phone with it. could sell you one of their small ones cheap if you want

PM'd you

 

[BedrockIOMC]

PM'd you

Got ya, I replied

 

[saullman]

So far tunze is looking good to me. I have their skimmer and love it. They make quality products that last. Good warranties and customer support. I'm going static this time vs variable to save some money. If I didn't have the MP10 I would get something better, but for a secondary powerhead that's fine.

 

[jda]

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.

 

[SDK]

a

@saullman,
The controller has an iOS/Android app and you'll be able to perform a schedule during the day with the maximum flexibility.
For a 45 gal tank we would recommend a Mover M1500 which is retailed at 69$.

Using the IOS app, can this unit be programmed to a different flow pattern and power at different times of the day? I'm looking for something that can automatically change to a gentle, constant flow after lights out..

Actually- I have the same question on the Reefbreeder RPM if anyone would care to pipe in. I currently have a Jabao that works fine, but is only capable of "set and forget" repeating patterns...