Recommend me an affordable wave maker for 90gal

Beefyreefy · Jul 10, 2019

I’m in the market for a new power head/wave maker. I have multiple power heads running currently but have trouble creating a standing wave or (or at least excellent random movement) which is what I’d like. I’ve have the hydor branded wave controller but it’s not adjustable enough to get the water movement I’m looking for. I’ve also tried a infinitely adjustable digital timer but it just doesn’t work well with my old power heads. I’d really like something like the vortech mp line but I can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money, especially if I need 2 of them, lol! So whose got a good recommendation?

Iván Olalla · Jul 10, 2019

Beefyreefy said:
I’m in the market for a new power head/wave maker. I have multiple power heads running currently but have trouble creating a standing wave or (or at least excellent random movement) which is what I’d like. I’ve have the hydor branded wave controller but it’s not adjustable enough to get the water movement I’m looking for. I’ve also tried a infinitely adjustable digital timer but it just doesn’t work well with my old power heads. I’d really like something like the vortech mp line but I can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money, especially if I need 2 of them, lol! So whose got a good recommendation?

Look into jebao and coral box, inexpensive and with the features you want. Some people bash them but for the price is a no brainer, maybe you need to replace them every two years (if not serviced or cleaned) but after 3 sets you're still below of a "name" wavemaker cost wise

Kodock · Jul 11, 2019

Jebao. They have various settings, and I have used them for years. I had a gyre, but they are too loud.

Dr. Dendrostein · Jul 11, 2019

I was given 2 Coralvue 3K, move water with ease . My DT 48 gallons

Hemmdog · Jul 11, 2019

Maxspect gyres are nice for standard 90’s. 330’s

Phil D. · Jul 11, 2019

I am using the Current USA Eflux pump, has 3 different settings and has adjustable flow. Has a hub that you can hook 3 pumps to. Good pricing on Amazon.

Charley75 · Jul 11, 2019

Just tagging along...trying to decide on the same thing

Oliver d · Jul 11, 2019

Jebao/jebcod exellent for there price

reacclimating 2 the hobby · Jul 11, 2019

Gyres +1

dbjonesjr · Jul 11, 2019

I used a Jebao CP-90 on a 90 gallon for six months. It worked well and achieved my desired flow. It wasn't loud at all.

BeejReef · Jul 11, 2019

Jebao RW 8's here. you could go one size higher. Nice random flow without the need for a controller

ReeferReefer · Jul 11, 2019

Icecap Gyre 3k.

DesertReefT4r · Jul 12, 2019

Jebao PP-8 pumps here, 2 in my 75g. They are great pumps at a super low price and they move a ton of water and highy controllable. I have had mine for a little over a year with no problems.

Beefyreefy · Jul 12, 2019

Thanks everyone. I just pulled the trigger on 2 Jebao OW-25’s. Amazon had a good deal and they’ll be he tomorrow. I’ll do a review on this thread for anyone interested. One of my main powerheads crapped out last night so I needed something sooner rather than later so this model fit the bill and the YouTube reviews of it seem pretty good. At $60 a piece, I figured they were worth a shot. I could go through a whole box of them to get up to the price of an MP40!

SneakyTortuga · Jul 12, 2019

Affordable = jebao.

Once you remove affordable and input quality powerhead... . ecotech, maxspext, tunze.

Beefyreefy · Jul 14, 2019

Ok I got my 2 jebao OW-25 wavemakers plus controllers. Initial impression is that they are awesome! Time will tell if they stay great, but for now I couldn’t be happier. They were $60 a piece on Amazon. These little guys move a lot of water and are basically silent. The magnet holds them quite firm, no problems with mounting. The controller is rather basic but has a bunch of functions. Despite the different settings, only one or too seem useful, but that’s ok because I can get a really nice wave going. Realistically, I could have gone with the next size up but that one wouldn’t have shipped for a while so I went with these. Either way, 2 OW-25’s does a fine job of moving water in a 90 gallon 4 foot long tank. I actually was able to replace 4 old powerheads and have more flow with just these two! If I fine tune the pumps to create a perfectly timed wave I have too turn the pump power down to keep it from splashing over the top of the tank. I personally like a ton of flow, so rather than a perfect wave I tuned it for maximum flow with a more random wave to keep it from splashing over. You can tinker with the frequency of the pulses on the different settings until you get something you like. I really can’t imagine needing more than what these offer which is why I’m not sure I can justify a more expensive brand. The only thing I can’t comment on is how long these will last, which is the only reason I think you could justify a pricey brand name powerhead, and honestly, I’ve had expensive equipment die prematurely too. If you need a wavemaker and don’t want t spend a small fortune these are a good choice.