Best Wavemaker for the money

[hdsoftail1065]

I've also wanted a cheaper wavemaker and the only things I've really found are: icecap gyres, skimz wavemakers, and the aforementioned jebaos. The icecap ones seem to get some decently bad reviews so I have avoided those. Jebaos also have bad reputations, especially if you use them as a wavemaker. And I just happened upon the skimz ones recently and there's basically zero information out there about them.

To bad the reviews you seen on the Icecap are bad. I run both 1k's in our 32 and 2 3ks in my 144. I extreamly happy with both and plan on ordering them again for our next tank. I have zero problems or complaints with them.

 

[DSC reef]

For a 75 IMO you can't beat the 3k gyre. Never had any issues and the coverage is really good compared to other traditional powerheads.

 

[Kirschy17]

I've run the jebao for several years, still have a 5 year old one in my display. For the price, I'm ok with their performance. I have them in 3 tanks.
Sw2 in both the biocubes and a wp25 and 2 pp8 in my 250L tank.

For your price range, you could do a couple jebao or one of tunze 6055. The tunze is on sale right now for $157
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tunze-turbelle-nanostream-6055-controllable.html

Jebao wins without any doubt when it comes to price and what u get for it. they are really just fine.

 

[Lyman Kerkhof]

I've got 2 icecap 1k gyres on my waterbox 100.3. I saw some of the reviews saying they are loud, but mine are whisper quiet. Really happy with them. The flow they create is awesome and the LCD controller is really easy to use and program.

 

[vetteguy53081]

If you have Apex- the WAV pumps.
Non Apex= Sicce voyager ( quiet and adjustable flow), Jabeo units and The Current E-flux......amazing flow for such a small pump and quiet

 

[WetPets]

No experience with them, but might want to check out Reefbreeders RP-M aka Coral Box RN-1. They are programnable too.

The refbreeders pump works well.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

What would be a good suggestion for a decent wavemaker. I like EcoTech, but can't justify the price. I have a Aqueon for

What would be a good suggestion for a decent wavemaker. I like EcoTech, but can't justify the price. I have a Aqueon for my 38 gallon and it's fine. But would like one with modes.

Just make sure whatever product you choose, they has live tech support. And a ph# to reach them if issues arise. I just bought 2 Ice Cap K3, no ph# to customer service , no video on newest wavemakers I have. I won't make this mistake again.

 

[Snuggs]

3 years into my jeboas. No issues.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Just make sure whatever product you choose, they has live tech support. And a ph# to reach them if issues arise. I just bought 2 Ice Cap K3, no ph# to customer service , no video on newest wavemakers I have. I won't make this mistake again.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I've also wanted a cheaper wavemaker and the only things I've really found are: icecap gyres, skimz wavemakers, and the aforementioned jebaos. The icecap ones seem to get some decently bad reviews so I have avoided those. Jebaos also have bad reputations, especially if you use them as a wavemaker. And I just happened upon the skimz ones recently and there's basically zero information out there about them.

Ice Caps no direct LIVE tech support. Every piece of equipment I buy has live tech support. Not Ice Cap. I won't buy again any of their products, because of this issue

 

[NB Reefer]

I have used both Icecaps and Jebaos. Not knocking the Jebaos, love their DC return pumps, I am loving the 3k gyre. It is not loud like some review mention and works really well moving water. It has to be maintained like anything but I am super happy with my purchase and use of the Icecap 3k Gyre, haven't used the 1k.

 

[YumaMan]

I bought two CoralBox QP-9 from ReefBreeders.com for my 120 gallon tank and am very happy with them. The price is right, and they do the job I need in my SPS dominant tank. If I were buying another pump I would go with the Reef Power RP-M, which sells for $129, is very powerful and has a unique slim profile -- very smart design. Tech support is A+ at ReefBreeders.

 

[YellowFinsReef]

In my experience, with the amount that you pay to replace a jebao, you could save that and get a vortech. Hands down, one of the best wave makers. I would look through craigslist or the for sale section (dry stock) in reef2reef forum.

 

[mattzang]

What would be a good suggestion for a decent wavemaker. I like EcoTech, but can't justify the price. I have a Aqueon for my 38 gallon and it's fine. But would like one with modes.

what'd you end up getting? i think my next purchase is going to be a wavemaker in the jebao - icecap price range. Really interested in the reefbreeders ones and perhaps the skimz one

 

[Ships]

what'd you end up getting? i think my next purchase is going to be a wavemaker in the jebao - icecap price range. Really interested in the reefbreeders ones and perhaps the skimz one

I ended up just getting the Aqueon because it was on sale locally.

 

[Hybrid Ken]

What would be a good suggestion for a decent wavemaker. I like EcoTech, but can't justify the price. I have a Aqueon for my 38 gallon and it's fine. But would like one with modes.

Have you looked at the Maxspec Gyre? They now have a improved controller (be sure to verify you are getting that) that comes with one head and you can purchase a second "head only" to add in so you can sync or anti sync.

 

[theKoolAidMan]

Innovative Marine recently started selling controllable DC pumps for $110 each. Probably the cheapest you'll find along with the IceCap Gyre. I have the IceCap. It moves a lot of water but I have tons of noise issues. I have two and have to run them on alternating forward reverse. Keeping them on random or constant and they get obscenely loud, like hear them from the other room loud after a few minutes. Reversing keeps them quiet.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa...powerhead-253-2300-gph-innovative-marine.html

 

[Ignitros]

Your not really gonna find a controllable one with that price range. You can get a jeobo wave maker but the have a bad reputation

The Jebao may be inexpensive but bang for the buck they're pretty darn good. I would just go in knowing that they aren't going to last as long as say an EcoTech or Maxspect product but for the most part you could replace them 3 times over before you get to the cost of either. I run Maxspect Gyre XF230's on one tank and EcoTech MP10wQD's on another. I've used Jebao with no issues in the past though. You could also go with Skimz pumps as you can link multiples together and have them work collectively.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ss9-0-supersilent-dc-wavemaker-2370-gph-skimz.html

 

[mattzang]

The Jebao may be inexpensive but bang for the buck they're pretty darn good. I would just go in knowing that they aren't going to last as long as say an EcoTech or Maxspect product but for the most part you could replace them 3 times over before you get to the cost of either. I run Maxspect Gyre XF230's on one tank and EcoTech MP10wQD's on another. I've used Jebao with no issues in the past though. You could also go with Skimz pumps as you can link multiples together and have them work collectively.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ss9-0-supersilent-dc-wavemaker-2370-gph-skimz.html

which jebao would you recommend?

 

[Ignitros]

which jebao would you recommend?

You could check out either the OW series or the RW series. They're basically the same. I can't remember which one is the newest. I would strongly consider the Skimz as well since you can purchase them from a legitimate vendor like @Bulk Reef Supply. The great thing about that is they have all the repair parts and do all warranty in house vs dealing with the manufacturer