Wavebox v Powerheads

[Derek]

I currently have two powerheads in my tank. I was considering getting two more to help move the water around a bit more, then it occurred to me that a wavebox might be more efficient.

What would be best?

[pbnj]

Tank dimensions are really important factors.

Also, tank inhabitants.

[Derek]

5 feet long, 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep.

• Coral Beauty Angel (1)

• Lamarck's Angel (1)

• Blue Angel (1)

• Starkii Damsel (1)

• Marine Betta (1)

• Purple Tang (1)

• Naso Tang (1)

• Orangle Shoulder Tang (1)

• Pink Skunk Clowns (2)

• Mystery Wrasse (1)

[mFrame]

I ran my 90g for about a year with 3 powerheads, when Mark talked me into getting a nano-wavebox. I can't praise it highly enough. There is something about the waves that all of my inhabitants like. My anemones have gone nuts growing and I love to watch the other corals wave in the current. It's something that powerheads alone just doesn't provide.

[Stacy]

I have a 90 and have been wondering this same thing. What kind do you have?

[Robb in Austin]

I think by inhabitants he meant coral.

Get a Vortech, it'll do both! (But, I might be biased.) You might need two though, 1 for flow, 1 for wave=$$$$$$

[JasonJones]

I think the wave from a vortech doesn't compare to the wave from a wavebox. This is my opinion from owning a vortech and seeing many waveboxes.

[Robb in Austin]

True, it's not the same. But it's pretty close.

I think in an ideal world one would have a powerhead, a wavebox, and the return(assuming the tank has a sump).

[Derek]

Wavebox it is.

[mFrame]

Yes, I have a Tunze nano wavebox, two Tunze 6025s, and my split return. By inhabitants I meant mostly corals. My RBTAs, condy, torches, duncans, and feathers look great swaying in the current. But I did notice that a lot more of my fish seem to enjoy the waves as well.

[FarmerTy]

Yeah, I have a Tunze Nanowavebox, two koralia 4's, and my return pump with a spray bar behind the rock work. It worked great in the old setup and I'm hoping for the same in the new.

[Timfish]

Having systems with both, the Wavebox visually is more appealing but as far as the corals go I can't say it's better than powerheads on a timer to cycle them. Some corals definitely do appreciate fluctuations in the current though with whichever approach is used.