If you are planning to start a marine aquarium then you must be aware that there are a few things such as protein skimmers and wave makers which are absolutely necessary for your aquarium. This article is going to elaborate on the purpose of a wave maker in an aquarium. As well as provide some tips that can help you choose a wave maker for your aquarium.
Wave makers are basically water surge devices that are used in aquariums to produce waves that are similar to that of seas and oceans. These devices stimulate the water and allow water to be circulated in the aquarium which helps provide oxygen to the fish and invertebrates. Wave makers are especially helpful in a marine aquarium since lack of circulation can cause poisonous substances to grow in marine aquariums and wave makers eliminate any such problems. Wave makers also help deliver food to corals and other invertebrates that cannot search for food on their own.
Wave makers are units that allow you to connect power heads and pumps to the control unit. These control units provide options to control the speed and height of the wave. Good wave makers have features that can prevent damage to power heads and pumps and allow you to stimulate both day and night waves in order to mimic a natural environment. Features that allow you to choose from rolling, smooth and turbulent waves are required options in good wave makers. A good wave maker will also provide feeding modes that can help you feed your invertebrates. The cycle time for waves is adjustable in a good wave maker and this feature can help circulate water while removing dead spots that accumulate wastes inside your marine aquarium. Other advanced features may be available in wave makers that can prove beneficial if there is a requirement for those features in your marine aquarium.
Another type of device that is used to create waves is a switching current water director also known as SCWD. Switching current water directors use existing pumps to generate double directional movement in your marine aquarium. These units are beneficial to reef aquariums. A good SCWD will direct water incoming water flow to two alternative outputs and the device will switch alternatively depending on the incoming pressure of the water.
Power heads, timers and pumps are usually sold separately but it may be possible to get a package deal that has all the necessary components to make a wave maker fully functional.