How important is a wave maker?

[Hypen2000]

So I have 3 pumps in my 10 gallon tank with some creating ripples at the top. But I was wondering how important it is to have a wave maker as I’ve seen on some larger tanks? What are the benefits of having one versus just pumps in the water.

 

[James M]

So I have 3 pumps in my 10 gallon tank with some creating ripples at the top. But I was wondering how important it is to have a wave maker as I’ve seen on some larger tanks? What are the benefits of having one versus just pumps in the water.

What do you mean by pumps?
A wave maker is needed to keep marine life

 

[C-Reefer]

What do you mean by pumps?
A wave maker is needed to keep marine life

I believe he means an actual wavemaker (controllable differing levels of flow, like a Vortech or Jebao) as opposed to a constant flow like a Koralia.

IME a wavemaker is far better. I love the else mode on my Jebaos. Put them on opposite ends of the tank, run the flows into each other and random flow from each then colliding is perfect. A constant flow tends to go in one direction which causes wierd growth on coral and also isn't natural.

 

[Marou]

I agree, constant flow causes weard growth on some corals, i do the same with my jebaos, else (random mode) one hitting the other on each side of the tank, the random flow this setup generates is more natural imo.

 

[Hypen2000]

I believe he means an actual wavemaker (controllable differing levels of flow, like a Vortech or Jebao) as opposed to a constant flow like a Koralia.

IME a wavemaker is far better. I love the else mode on my Jebaos. Put them on opposite ends of the tank, run the flows into each other and random flow from each then colliding is perfect. A constant flow tends to go in one direction which causes wierd growth on coral and also isn't natural.

Yea sorry should have been more clear.

Do you guys have a suggestion for a good cost efficient option for a 4’ 100 gallon tank?

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

There's nothing wrong with constant flow. Controllable and random DC pumps are relatively new in the hobby. Back in the day, there were no other good options for high-flow reef tanks aside from constant-flow closed loops powered by an external AC pump. At the National Aquarium, both of our live coral displays use closed loop systems powered by huge, pool-style pumps.

Given the choice, I would choose randomized flow over static flow. I have two DC powerheads in my tank and they're on random cycles up to 100% intensity. But, there's no reason you can't get by with just static flow. I have two static AC powerheads in my QT tank and corals do just fine during the QT period. Most end up growing, some just a little, but some by a lot.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Reminds me I need to throw a "sweep" pattern on my reef to blow up some detritus. Lol

 

[AdamNC]

Yea sorry should have been more clear.

Do you guys have a suggestion for a good cost efficient option for a 4’ 100 gallon tank?

2 used MP40s. I have one dated 2013 and one dated 2016. Both still going strong.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I would echo that random flow is best for any reef tank, regardless of the type of coral kept. Constant flow is okay if you can't have wave maker pumps at the moment, but at some point you and your corals will benefit from random flow.