Powerheads or Wavemaker?

[legolas100]

Without getting into branding or other wars :uzi:

im starting up a 4ft tank, 120/60/60cm and i want to know your opinions on a wavemaker im considering

Resun Waver-15000~~

Advanced control system
Produces 3 different waves/whirlpools
Small 2000L
Medium 8000L
Large 15000L
The small-medium-large waves change automatically in turn to create natural wave effect
Duraation of different waves adjustable to produce best condition for fish and coral
Adjustable submersion depth of waver
The low voltage DC pump ensures safety of the product

Transformer Output Volt: 24V
Power: 30W
Wave Sort:
Small 6.5W 2000l/h 10-20s
Medium 12.5W 8000l/h 5-15s
Large 25W 15000l/h 2-10s

now for the same money i can get either this single wavemaker or buy 3 5000L/h powerheads,

my question is, which do i go with? aiming to keep soft corals and possibly some LPS later down the line,

i realise the wavemaker will give me less freedom in the way of small flow adjustments like 3 powerheads would but i like the idea of the varying flow,

any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, its actually for my little brothers tank, you can follow the thread here:
http://www.fishforums.net/index.php...__st__20__s__86f6529a99b0387d4f585026b5701d18

cheers everyone

 

[reefvilla]

I would probably go with the wavemaker and then later on you can always add a small power head if needed. Random flow is what you really want.

I bought a Hydor wavemaker with two magnum 6 pumps and it does great Except, it doesn't have a way to randomize the flow.


Which one are you?

 

[reefvilla]

Nevermind, missed the part where you said its your little brothers tank.
How old is he? Thats cool that your helping him out!

 

[legolas100]

LOl yeah, he's 13, ive got a 47 Gal myself but he managed to score a 4ft tank, stand, sump, skimmer, return pump and all plumbing for $300NZ which is like $200 american, pretty good deal i think

okay well maybe the wave maker will be the way to go then, where should i mount it? middle on the back wall?

BTW it has 2 corner overflows

 

[reefvilla]

Mine are mounted on each side of the tank blowing long ways across the tank. Helps to give it the back and fourth motion. I have seen a lot of people with single wavemaker heads just putting it on one side and let it blow across..... the off and on flow will creat movement.

Best is to put the water in and just place it around till you find a place that works.
Tell your brother "Good score!!"

 

[legolas100]

thanks for your help, oh i will, hes very pleased with himself haha

 

[kclewis]

i say go with a controller of some kind. you can pick up a rkl for like $100 new. then use the wavemaker function it has. then you have the expandability of monitoring ph, temp, salinity, and lighting timer function in a all in one package. this way your hands are not tied to a wavemaker.