Powerhead vs wave maker

[Murica]

Hello, I've noticed my detritus was building up so I cleaned my tank and realized I need some stronger powerheads. Any recommendation on brands? I've heard they're all pretty decent but which ones are proven to last?

Secondly, for the top I have two powerheads pointing at the surface creating decent surface agitation. Are wave makers better? If so what's a good brand?

Thanks all!

 

[LetItReef]

For what size tank and budget?

 

[Murica]

Tank is 6 feet long, 2 feet wide and thirty inches deep. Idc about budget, I'd rather save longer for good equipment

 

[Murica]

Also if there is a huge difference with powerhead vs wave maker, can you list them? Or is it simply to mimic an actual reef?

 

[Cory]

Both are important imo. A powerhead jist flows in one direction------> this results in detritus settling and getting stuck in places because its like someone pushing you against a wall and not letting go.

With a wavemaker, theres a forward motion -----> then the water reverses <----- this allows detritus to escape from pockets. Its like someone pushing you against a wall, then pusing you against the other wall opposote.

Why is detrtus bad? It breaks down into po4/no3 and this makes algae grow. Thus needing more gfo to remove po4 or other methods.

You can have two powerheads set up like a wavemaker. But they are very different. A wavemaker moves the whole body of water back and forth. A powerhead just moves part of the water. See a tunze wavebox and compare it to a tunze stream or other powerhead.

A wavemaker wont move detrtus up though. Thats why powerheads are needed to move the water around. They move the detrtus up. While wavemakers move it out of pockets.

 

[Murica]

Both are important imo. A powerhead jist flows in one direction------> this results in detritus settling and getting stuck in places because its like someone pushing you against a wall and not letting go.

With a wavemaker, theres a forward motion -----> then the water reverses <----- this allows detritus to escape from pockets. Its like someone pushing you against a wall, then pusing you against the other wall opposote.

Why is detrtus bad? It breaks down into po4/no3 and this makes algae grow. Thus needing more gfo to remove po4 or other methods.

You can have two powerheads set up like a wavemaker. But they are very different. A wavemaker moves the whole body of water back and forth. A powerhead just moves part of the water. See a tunze wavebox and compare it to a tunze stream or other powerhead.

A wavemaker wont move detrtus up though. Thats why powerheads are needed to move the water around. They move the detrtus up. While wavemakers move it out of pockets.

I checked out the wave box and I think you have me sold. Appreciate the help!

 

[Cory]

I checked out the wave box and I think you have me sold. Appreciate the help!

Great. You could also use two vortecs to make a wave like the wavebox.

 

[Reef 450]

Look at the IceCap gyre they are really good. If u get 2 you will not have dead spots. If u want check out my video.

 

[Murica]

Look at the IceCap gyre they are really good. If u get 2 you will not have dead spots. If u want check out my video.

Do you have to maintenance those frequently?

 

[Rick cowen]

I have this one on my 125gl and love it, many different settings and strength levels of water flow.

 

[Reef 450]

Do you have to maintenance those frequently?

I have mine running for a little over 2 months and they are still running perfectly.

 

[Murica]

I have mine running for a little over 2 months and they are still running perfectly.

What's the process for cleaning them?