Do I really need a $100 wavemaker when i already have circulation pumps?

[ScubaSkeets]

Hi folks!
I am running circulation pumps in my aquariums right now. I Am about to pull the trigger on a couple of wavemakers. I get what they do different operationally, but what are the benefits of wavemakers over circulation pumps?
Is it just a matter of simulating the natural environment more? Do fishes/corals really care about that?
Thanks!

 

[JSchwarz]

It doesn't really matter for fish in general. For corals it does as random flow is more beneficial. Circulation pumps create a more unnatural environment where nothing changes and a coral will only have flow from one direction all the time. Random flow that comes and goes helps them with things such as getting detritus off of them or expelling waste. People are still successful without them though. Wavemakers look better with LPS or soft corals where you want to see that random movement.

 

[Waters]

You can really accomplish the same thing with the circulation pumps you already have by using a controller and proper placement of the circulation pumps. What size tank do you have and which pumps are you running? You can create random flow (and even "waves") using nothing more than regular pumps.