How Important Is a Wavemaker??????

[Great Reefer Man]

I've been kickin' around the idea of buying 4 powerheads and a red sea wave maker. The total is like $215. Just how important is a wavemaker? I have been running a tank for about 2 years now w/o one. What do you think? I just read an auction on ebay for a redsea wave maker. It said that science has proven that random current in a reef tank is more important than light!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!
Please.....your opinion. I would also like to hear from some people who DON'T use one.

Thanx as always!
Dennis

[tlc]

it is a gadget. if you like gadgets get it. i have seen plenty of great tanks without them....

[BigA]

The only thing that really likes wave action is hair algae. I just finished reading a post from Dr. Ron over at RC about that. I think if did add wave action I'd use a seaswirl.

~BigA

[This message has been edited by BigA (edited 05-11-2001).]

[Duncan]

Dennis,
to myself anyway, the object in our closed systems is to provide corals, fish, and basically every critter in the tank with an environment that, as closely as possible, simulates nature. Even though we progress with every year that passes, it seems as though with our technology as it is today we are a far distance from our goal. So if you think about what is provided in nature ie alternating wave action, well I believe that wavemakers are quite necessary in achieving the ultimate goal. I have had, and seen tanks which did much better with a wavemaking device as opposed to one without. This is especially true, in my opinion, of a primarily stoney coral tank. In my current 300 I had to do without an actuated ball valve for some time, and it was not until placing one into action did I receive the growth and health of my stonies that I am use to seeing. I firmly believe that the aquarist should not place corals under a relentless, never changing stream of water. But rather provide a system with alternating currents. As usual, the above is IMHO. HTH.

Duncan.

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Please tread lightly on the reefs of the world.
Visit my world at http://duncansrealm.homestead.com

[cod]

Hello; I'm new to this board,and darn glad to be here! I use a power head mounted at either end of my 20gal.that are
controlled by timers.This dose a good job of alternating
current and keeping detritus moving tward the over flow.One
ph runs an hour then,both are off for 15min.,then the other ph runs for an hour.Total cost,about $50.

[Duncan]

Cod,
WELCOME to Reefland. Enjoy your stay.

Duncan.

------------------
Please tread lightly on the reefs of the world.
Visit my world at http://duncansrealm.homestead.com