Wave maker and powerhead

[The Wandering Will]

Brand new to reef keeping. I'm currently in the equipment acquisition phase. I have a 55 gallon tank and my goal is to have a reef tank with decorative macroalgae and the prettiest fish possible for that size. I want to both cause shimmer and see coral/plants sway from "waves."

I'm thinking of a powerhead pointed towards the surface and then a wave maker for the middle.

Is this viable?

Do you have suggestions?

My budget for these two items combined would ideally be under $100, if it is possible. I do like the wave makers that are photo sensitive because this tank is in my bedroom.

 

[blaxsun]

"Shimmer" has more to do with the lighting than anything else, but yes - you can probably get a pair of wavemakers for under $100 (Tunze, Sicce). Not sure what you mean by "photosensitive" though.