Powerheads and Wavemaker question

[Str8linespeed]

I have a Red Sea Max C130 (34 gallon) tank, that has only been running for just shy of 2 months. Right now I have 2, 425gph Koralia powerheads connected to a wave maker. My question is being the actual viewing area of this tank is only 27 gallons. I've already broke 2 of these pumps with the on/off of the wave maker and do I need a wavemaker?? Or can I just have the power heads run 24/7?

If a wavemaker is a good idea, Ive been looking at the Sicce Voyager 2, 800gph pump that appears to be adjustable, but I cant verify that. Would this be a better pump?

Next question is, What size powerheads should I get for my tank? The ones Im running came with my tank when I bought it used.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

You do not have to use it, as to size it depends somewhat on what you plan to put in the tank.
SPS require higher flow than LPS, Zoas & mushrooms.

 

[mcgyvr]

Powerheads are not wavemakers and should not be cycled on/off as you have found out..
No one needs a wavemaker..
Just turn them on and leave them on.. People have been running successful aquariums for YEARS without having fancy gadgets like wavemakers and LED fixture storm modes/sunrise/sunset timers..

And in general you want something like 30X or more the size of your tank in total flow from the powerheads (including return pump)..So a 30G tank needs around 900-100 GPH or so.. Some run up to 75-100X tank volume for high flow loving SPS corals,etc...
In general you just want to provide some flow around the tank and to not have an dead spots where fish poop,etc.. can collect and rot..

 

[Str8linespeed]

Thank you both for the replies! This is very helpful information. I dont have any SPS corals, but I do have a couple LPS corals in the tank. Along with those I have some leathers, polyps, and zoas.

I will be disconnecting the wavemaker and just running the powerheads as normal.

Im not sure if you are familiar with the Red Sea tanks, but on the C130 the return pump comes in on the right side (as your looking at it). I have that aimed towards the middle and up to break the surface tension and create a nice ripple. The 2 powerheads Im running are mounted on the back and and aimed slightly downward and to the center of the tank so that they cross paths.

Im trying to figure out if I should only run one powerhead on the opposite side from the return pump or continue to run 2. In the same pattern? Thoughts on the flow through the tank?

 

[mcgyvr]

More is always better.. because like I stated you want to eliminate dead spots and typically a single powerhead can't achieve that due to rocks in the way,etc...

So place both and in positions to attempt to reach everywhere/provide flow everywhere if possible..

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Best way to see a flow pattern is a little extra flake food that will get pushed around.

 

[Str8linespeed]

Perfect, thank you again for all the help!