Wavemaker Choice

[wallyroh]

I'm looking into wavemakers for my 55G. I've checked various sections and haven't found enough info, so..

55G, 30G sump/refugium, 3G HOB refugium, unskimmed. Mag 7 return pump feeds large spray bar located about 1" above the main tank DSB. 4 Maxi-Jet 900's in the main tank, 3 MJ900 in the sump/refugium.

I thought a decent wavemaker might help since some my of my corals look "windswept" and a few small branches fell off a xenia frag. I cut down to 3 MJ 900's instead of 4.

I've been hesistant after a bad experience with a Natural Wave Wavemaker (basically alternates 2 outlets, 20sec to 3min, third outlet cycle time is 2x of 1 & 2). I tried a few months back and it seemed to drive my small bubble tip anemones crazy. Both started moving all over the tank. They stopped and stayed put as soon as I put the MJ's on this great digital timer I found that stops all the main tank powerheads for 5 or 10 minutes each hour.

I've read mostly good things about the Red Sea wavemaster pro, except for reliability (some break down after a year or two). I don't really have room on top of the tank for a 1/2" Sea Swirl. I'm ruled out a simple one like the SCWD.

Any other recommendations of wavemakers for a 55G?

 

[raddogz]

Have you looked at the Oceansmotions Squirt?

 

[ThunderousTalon]

jbj has a new one. havent read anything about it yet tho. premium aquatics has it advert ont he front of their site

 

[wallyroh]

Oceans motion squirt looks very cool, and I saw the new JBJ wavemakers as well.

I figured I'd give one last try with the NaturalWave again, and set it to about 30 sec fixed alternating, 4 MJ's total, 2 running on opposite ends of the tank at a time (as opposed to 2 MJ's running on the same end, then switching).

Initial impressions are good. My small kenya tree frag is standing quite upright (tends to slouch if water params go downhill) and my small pom pom xenias are looking nice and fluffy, even after the main lights are off and the moonlights come on.

Back a few months ago, I was trying 1.5 - 2 minute periods, with really bad results. Guess I was wrong in assuming that the shorter period would cause more motion and upset my BTA's more (i.e, they ran for the hills), but as it turns out it's just the opposite, or so I think; the longer the powerhead is running (up to a point) the stronger the wave becomes.

 

[redmonkey0019]

Ocean motions all the way...i have tested the 4 way, and I am very pleased

 

[jeffgp]

ya go with OM it will be better in the long run . look at the revolutions as well . never have the same flow .

 

[wallyroh]

Guys, will take another hard look at OM. Would like good results in the long run, plus this OM Squirt would eliminate my main tank powerheads!!! This looks better than the Sea Swirl.

Stupid question: "unwired" means you splice/solder a power cord to the unit?

 

[raddogz]

Yes, you will have to attach a power cord to the unit. It's not too bad if you are comfortable working with splicing an soldering.

I was thinking that the OM Squirt would work with your Mag 7 return pretty well.

 

[redmonkey0019]

I second the mag 7 working well, and also the revolutions are awesome, nice random current. Make sure you research what kind of drum you want in the OM before you commit to one.