Wave maker buying guide

1. The flow rate of the pump must be chosen according to the volume of your tank as well as its type (i.e. salt water or freshwater).

2. The power rating determines how reliable the pump is.

3. The energy rating of the wave maker is important – as the pump runs 24/7, be sure to check that it is energy efficient.

4. Cost is another important factor since prices can vary from about £10 to hundreds of pounds for high-end pumps with digital controllers.

5. Noise level should also be considered since the continual background noise of a pump can get tiresome.

Please note that a high-quality filtration system will reduce the frequency of your water treatments.

Wave makers are designed to boost water circulation by creating a circular vortex in the fish tank. This helps to increase oxygen levels and simulates the motion of waves.

A wave maker performs several roles:

• it creates surface movement to encourage gas exchange between the air and the water which, in turn, increases oxygen;

• it can prevent film formation on the surface of the water;

• it prevents sediment build-up in the tank;

• it encourages the movement of nutrients which is vital for the health of non-moving organisms like coral.

Freshwater aquariums

Bear in mind that most freshwater aquariums do not necessarily need to be fitted with an air pump or bubbler. These systems are usually used more for decoration – with the bubble mounting to the surface – than for practical purposes.

Filtration systems are designed to create water movement and will be sufficient in most cases.

On the other hand, if you have a lot of fish, large fish or fish that consume a lot of oxygen, you will need more air.

In this case, an air pump and a diffuser will provide more than enough oxygen.

These systems comprise a small electric pump installed on the outside of the tank which is designed to draw in ambient air. The air is then sent through small tubes measuring just a few millimetres in diameter to a diffuser set up in the base of the tank. These diffusers are designed to produce a constant stream of bubbles which rise to the surface of the water where they burst.

It's worth noting that the oxygen doesn't come from the air pump itself but rather the movement of the bubbles from the bottom to the top of the tank.

If your fish tank is over 100 litres, you might need several diffusers.

However, this system is not suited to all fish tanks. For example, if you have fish that originate from some of the largest lakes in Africa where currents are very strong, you'll need significant water movement. These fish will appreciate the more energetic circulation provided by a wave maker.

Salt water aquariums

Salt water tanks need a range of accessories designed to simulate seawater conditions. These aquariums are more difficult and costlier to set up than freshwater aquariums. They require fairly intense water movement.

For many fish keepers who specialise in salt water tanks, a wave maker is key in ensuring the success of their salt water or reef tanks (the latter being, of course, more difficult to maintain).

These days, you can find highly developed wave makers which not only supply tanks with the right level of oxygen but are designed to mimic different water movements including swells, waves and surf. Wave makers with digital controllers can work in unison with each other.

When it comes to picking the right flow rate for a wave maker there is conflicting advice. Guidelines suggest picking a pump able to process anywhere between ten times the tank volume per hour right up to 40 times the tank volume for reef tanks. However, bear in mind that these figures don't always match up with reality since each tank has its own set of requirements. The most important thing is to position the wave makers correctly.

It is possible to find mini pumps designed for small fish tanks and nano aquariums. These pumps only produce a few watts of power and feature flow rates as high as 1,000 to 3,000 litres per hour.

Avoid pumps designed to be fitted with suction pads as the pads will wear over time. Similarly, those designed to be hung over the top of the tank tend to cause vibrations and make an annoying sound. The best option for mounting is magnets.

One last word of advice – you should invest in at least two wave makers! It's better to set up two or three wave makers rather than one powerful model. Place the wave makers with care and you will create more consistent movement in the water and prevent creating one excessively powerful current which can cause more harm than good in a tank.