Wavemaker Discussion

[fishstyles]

Just wanted to know some of your opinions on wavemakers in freshwater tanks? I personally have two in there to keep better circulation and to prevent waste build up in the corners of the tank knowing it would get moved towards the filter intakes.

The one slight concern I have is that with small Tetras I worry they could possibly get sucked in and bladed. I for one noticed they swim against the flow so they can't be against the idea I just get very concerned it could cause accidents. I was thinking of cutting a circle shape out of some sponge foam and sticking it to the front of the wavemaker, would this be a good idea? I am open to any ideas and input.

 

[itiwhetu]

Never tried or thought to much about it. Would have thought the currents created would be to strong for most freshwater fish. I like two internal filters one at each end of the tank.

 

[fishstyles]

Never tried or thought to much about it. Would have thought the currents created would be to strong for most freshwater fish. I like two internal filters one at each end of the tank.

Yeah there is that... Maybe the current would be too strong? I have two external filters a Oase BioMaster Thermo 600 on one end and a smaller fluval filter on a 300 litre tank.

 

[663]

Wave maker

The circulation pump I use doesn't have foam over the intake cone, which is what you looking for? Also, the functionality of the unit is a bit of a surprise for price.

 

[fishstyles]

Wave maker

The circulation pump I use doesn't have foam over the intake cone, which is what you looking for? Also, the functionality of the unit is a bit of a surprise for price.

That looks an interesting wavemaker however I was actually thinking of putting foam over it to prevent fish getting caught inside

 

[663]

Sorry FS, I saw what you want to do through the lense of my own limitations. Meaning I'm not a DIY sort of brother, mostly.

 

[fishstyles]

Sorry FS, I saw what you want to do through the lense of my own limitations. Meaning I'm not a DIY sort of brother, mostly.

I put the foam on the front of the wavemaker however the current was pretty much killed. Opted for using a media bag and put that over the wavemaker.... Seems to have done the trick from what I can tell

 

[fishstyles]

I actually have another question if anyone could answer it. Are freshwater fish more likely to get sucked into a wavemaker when the lights are out than when they are on? I ask because I am undecided if to turn them off at night.

 

[663]

I put the foam on the front of the wavemaker however the current was pretty much killed. Opted for using a media bag and put that over the wavemaker.... Seems to have done the trick from what I can tell

That's solid solution. You mentioned that you had tetras. Were they being tossed about too much prior to your fix?

 

[Colin_T]

If you keep fishes that come from slow moving water, they should not have a wave maker in their tank.

If you use a wave maker, have it on a timer and let it run for 30-60 minutes a day. Leave it off the rest of the time.

 

[663]

I actually have another question if anyone could answer it. Are freshwater fish more likely to get sucked into a wavemaker when the lights are out than when they are on? I ask because I am undecided if to turn them off at night.

They'd have to be very small for that to happen. Also, I was under the impression that many fish required a few hours of as close to pitch-black as they can get?

 

[663]

If you use a wave maker, have it on a timer and let it run for 30-60 minutes a day. Leave it off the rest of the time.

In general, or does this depend on the fish you keep?

 

[fishstyles]

That's solid solution. You mentioned that you had tetras. Were they being tossed about too much prior to your fix?

They weren't getting tossed around due to the actual wave maker facing the front glass. In fact they would swim in to the current a lot of the time.

 

[fishstyles]

If you keep fishes that come from slow moving water, they should not have a wave maker in their tank.

If you use a wave maker, have it on a timer and let it run for 30-60 minutes a day. Leave it off the rest of the time.

To be fair the only reasons I am using them is to move the waste from the substrate and pushing it in to the external filter. The other reason is for surface agitation to oxygenate the water.

 

[Utar]

I have had a wavemaker in my 55 gallon running continuously for a few weeks now. I don't have any fish in this tank small enough to worry about. I have the wavemaker attached down low in the middle pointing towards the substrate. But this one was the slowest and cheapest I could find.