Wave maker or PH always on?

[jm23]

Someone was asking whether to invest in a wave maker for his new setup and I thought that would be a good topic for discussion. I personally don't have a wave maker and use Hydor Mags running all the time on my tank. They are angled so that they mix currents to cause more random flow and it seems to work well.

Vote and leave a pros/cons list in a post (only first hand experience please unless you make it clear that "I know somebody"). Thanks.

 

[madjoe]

Imo really up to u both work good . More random waves is better . But not necessary again imo. I been useing regular power heads for last ten years and my tanks r fine. I do like the wavemakers mtion but wont spend money on vortects. Im hopeing to get 2 turtles soon

 

[fwadiver]

on off wavemaker will burn out a pump faster, you dont specifically need one, but they are nice to have, create good effect and keep detrium stirred up, without wavemaker, taking a turkey baster and blowing pockets of trapped detrius weekly is a must.

 

[steelwrap]

He had hydor evo's and isn't there a problem with them starting in reverse? I know mine do even when I unplug them.

 

[Funlad3]

Wave makers are great for providing random flow, but a few power heads pointed at each other do still create random turbulent flow, albeit in a more constant pattern. If you can find power heads that work with a wave maker without making noise or breaking, by all means go for it. If not, you'll be fine.

 

[EricTheRed]

I used to run through koralias every 6 months when I had them hooked up to a wavemaker. I liked it much better than constant flow. If you go this route just make you research customer reviews on the ph's and make sure they can handle the constant on/off.