Recirculation/wave maker pumps

[herlin518]

Hi folks,

I am in the process of setting up my first Reef Tank. It is going to be a 90 Gal, 48xx18x25. I have tried to find a thread that talks about the different options for these pumps. I can find a scattering of a entries that talk about the WP25a, Tunze, etc. But was hoping to get all of the thoughts and information in one spot. So, can we disucss that here? Or can someone point me to a good thread or website?

Thanks

 

[Mike J.]

It depends a whole lot on what amount of money you want to spend. In my 75 gal. I have a two big Sicce Voyagers plugged into a Koralia Smart Wave. Cheap but effective.

Go to the wholesaler sites and see what they have to offer. Like Bulk Reef Supply and Drs. Foster & Smith. You can actually spends weeks learning just about water flow in a reef.

Go the tank threads in this forum and see what others are using on the 90 gal tanks.

 

[ithk21620]

It depends on what type of tank you plan to set up as well, softies and LPS don't need as much flow as a SPS tank.

 

[gregr]

It depends on what type of tank you plan to set up as well, softies and LPS don't need as much flow as a SPS tank.

That is so true. And there are so many options that I think you're best off spending a night or two browsing threads on the various forums. I've used quite a few different powerheads over the years- some good, some great. Some are harder to set up than others- like Sea Swirls- they need to be plumbed in but they're awesome. Easier are controllable pumps like Tunzes, Ecotechs, etc. They are also awesome, much easier to set up but they cost a lot. Recently Jebao has come out with knock-offs that are a fraction of the price. Other non-controllable options like Seios and Korallias can work well but the flow won't have that sought after randomness that the controllable pumps have. Many people keep thriving reef tanks without varied flow though so it's not really an absolute must. Like pretty much every aspect of this hobby- there's tons of choices and opinions. What works for me are two WP40s running on an Apex controller. Spectacular- could not be happier. You'd want WP-25s on a 90, and the Apex is not necessary (the pumps come with their own controllers)- but it is far and away the best thing I ever got in this hobby