Pet Forum / Aquaria / Marine Reef / February 2004

I have been taking care of a tank for the last couple of months with a wave
maker pro.  I kind of like it.  It provides very random currents which IMO
has made a difference to the corals in the tank.

Thanks,

Scott

There are other ways to do this.  For instance, you could just get a $6.00
timer and set it to turn the pump on and off at intervals.  Either way will
shorten the life of the pump.

It is questionable if it needs to be done at all.  With so many pumps
operating you are likely getting some turbulence anyway.  Aim them so that
they intersect and you will get some variable turbulence.

Here are some ideas and information:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/circmarart.htm

I'm a relative newcomer to salt water, about 8 months now, so take
this for what it's worth.  

I don't have a wave maker of any kind.  A protein skimmer and a
Emperor is all the current in my tank right now.

I bought a torch corral.  It had 5 separate heads.  All in good shape.
After about a month of just being in my tank one of the heads died.  A
month later another head died.  So I did some reading and contrary to
what the lfs person had told me they like current.  So about 2 months
ago I put it in the direct current from the protein skimmer.

The difference has been dramatic.  All three remaining heads have more
than doubled in size and just keep getting better looking all the
time.  It truly was a remarkable transformation.  

I'm in the process of setting up a new 55 salt and am trying my best
to incorporate a wave machine in it.

Ct Midnite