Wavemaker vs powerheads how to#

However, in a freshwater setup, many of the fish are that much smaller and come from stagnant or near stand-still water conditions. In most cases, wavemakers and powerheads are commonly used in saltwater setups because those fish are used to swimming against such currents and the corals need ample flow to be carried debris and nutrients for food. While a wavemaker isn’t usually necessary in a freshwater aquarium, there are many benefits that come with using one. Should you use a wavemaker in a freshwater aquarium? Wavemakers are good for creating back and forth movement while powerheads can be used to reach stagnant areas of the tank and to help move water past equipment, like a heater or a UV sterilizer. In comparison, powerheads move concentrated water in one direction and are best used in pairs where each is creating turbulence against the other.īoth wavemakers and powerheads look pretty similar to each other, but the desired result in the aquarium is quite different. This is done by a motorized propeller that creates an ebb and flow of water in the tank, moving a much broader and less focused wave.

Wavemaker vs powerheads how to#

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about wavemakers, how to find the right one for your tank, and the best available options in your price range for your freshwater or saltwater tank! What is an aquarium wavemaker?Ī wavemaker is also usually referred to as a powerhead, though the two are slightly different.Ī wavemaker does what it sounds like it would do and attempts to recreate the motion of waves or water flow in an aquarium setting. Too strong of a wavemaker can make swimming difficult for fish and even tear at the flesh of corals and plants while not enough flow can cause algae and dead zones. There are a few things to consider when buying a wavemaker, like power, pattern, and of course, price. A wavemaker might not be the first thing on your mind when starting a new aquarium, but water flow is one of the most important aspects of a successful ecosystem.