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10 Best Aquarium Wave Makers in 2024 – Reviews & Our Picks

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By Lindsey Stanton

hygger mini wave maker for aquariums

Wave makers are a great addition to an aquarium because they recreate the natural effect of waves ebbing and flowing. This not only helps create a stress-free environment for marine life, but it also helps improve oxygenation in the water and prevent the buildup of debris within an aquarium.

This gentle water flow also moves food throughout the tank, allowing slow-moving invertebrates access to food that may otherwise settle outside of their reach.

These reviews cover the 10 best aquarium wave makers to help you choose a wave maker that will take your aquarium to an ocean wonderland. Your fish, corals, and even plants will appreciate the gentle flow of manufactured ocean waves, allowing you to ensure your aquarium is the healthiest and happiest it can be.aquarium plant divider

A Comparison of Our Favorites for 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
SunSun JVP-110 Powerhead Wave Maker SunSun JVP-110 Powerhead Wave Maker
  • Best overall product
  • Ultra-quiet processing
  • Improves oxygenation
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker
  • Available in 3 sizes
  • 360Ëš wave generation
  • Prevents debris buildup
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Jebao Marine Submersible Wave Controller Jebao Marine Submersible Wave Controller
  • Includes wave attachments
  • 10-speed controller adjustable flow
  • Can be used in ponds and fountains
  • Uniclife Controllable Wave maker Uniclife Controllable Wave maker
  • 360° wave generation
  • Controller is easy to use
  • 6 power levels and 8 pulse degrees
  • Jebao PP Series Wave Maker with Controller Jebao PP Series Wave Maker with Controller
  • Available in 4 sizes from 20-150 gallons
  • Can be used in freshwater and saltwater
  • Nighttime sensor slows the flow when the lights go out
  • The 10 Best Aquarium Wave Makers

    1. SunSun JVP-110 Powerhead Wave Maker– Best Overall

    1SunSun JVP-110 Powerhead Wavemaker

    The best overall aquarium wave maker is the SunSun JVP-110 Powerhead Wave maker because it’s functional, effective, and high-quality. This product is made to produce a natural water flow within saltwater tanks.

    This wave maker is fully submersible, and the motor does not require oil, so there is no risk of contamination to the water. It features a 360˚ ball joint that allows for wave generation in all directions within the tank. This product will help prevent waste and debris buildup on your aquarium floor while improving oxygenation in the water. It runs quietly while processing 528 gallons per hour. It’s easy to install in your tank via a simple suction cup.

    This powerhead will not work well for a large tank and is too powerful for a small tank, so it’s best used in medium-sized tanks.

    Pros
    • Best overall product
    • Produces natural water flow within saltwater tanks
    • Fully submersible with oil-free motor
    • 360Ëš wave generation
    • Prevents debris buildup
    • Improves oxygenation
    • Ultra-quiet processing
    • Runs up to 528 gph
    • Easy to install
    Cons
    • Too strong for small tanks and too weak for large tanks

    2. Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker– Best Value

    2Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker

    The best aquarium wave maker for the money is the Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker. It is available in 800 gph, 1,300 gph, and 1,600 gph options.

    This wave maker is completely submersible and features an oil-free motor. It installs easily via a magnetic cupula with an attached ball joint, allowing for 360Ëš circulation of the water. This product will eliminate dead spots within your tank and improve oxygenation. It operates quietly and does not allow debris buildup on the tank floor.

    It does not have flow control, so choosing the correct gph power is necessary to ensure your fish, plants, and corals are not disturbed. This unit it somewhat large, so it is difficult to hide or camouflage within your tank.

    Pros
    • Available in 3 sizes
    • Produces natural water flow within saltwater tanks
    • Fully submersible with oil-free motor
    • Easy to install
    • 360Ëš wave generation
    • Prevents debris buildup
    • Improves oxygenation
    Cons
    • No flow control
    • Difficult to hide

    3. Jebao Marine Submersible Wave Controller– Premium Choice

    3Jebao Marine Submersible Tank Pump with Wave Controller

    For a premium product choice, the Jebao Marine Submersible Wave Controller is the best option. While it is pricey, it has multiple features that make it worth the price.

    This wave maker has a 10-speed adjustable flow, with water flow controller and wave attachments. It can run 3,693 gph, making it an ideal choice for large tank setups. It can be used in ponds and fountains and in freshwater and saltwater setups.

    This wave maker has an automatic shutoff if it senses the water level has dropped too low or something becomes stuck in the rotor. It is made with energy-efficient electronics and can be used daily. It’s ultra-quiet and has a wear-resistant ceramic shaft, helping it last a long time. This wave maker is not a good choice for small tanks and most of its settings are too strong for medium tanks.

    Pros
    • 10-speed controller adjustable flow
    • Includes wave attachments
    • Can run up to 3,693 gph
    • Can be used in ponds and fountains
    • Can be used in freshwater or saltwater
    • Automatic shutoff if water level drops or something becomes lodged in the rotor
    • Energy-efficient
    • Made for daily use
    • Ultra-quiet operation
    Cons
    • Premium price
    • Too strong for small and some medium tanks

    4. Uniclife Controllable Wave maker

    4Uniclife 2100 GPH Controllable Wavemaker

    The Uniclife Controllable Wave maker is a premium-priced product with multiple functions and features. It’s available in three sizes for tanks: 15-30 gallons, 20-60 gallons, and 60-150 gallons.

    This wave maker has a full 360° directional rotation and can be used in freshwater or saltwater aquariums. It’s easy to install via a magnetic suction cup base that allows for various positionings in your tank. It functions quietly and has a clearly-marked and easy-to-use controller. It features a day/night mode that mimics natural wave cycles and a feeding mode that pauses the waves at feeding times to allow your fish a chance to eat without having to chase the food down. It has four wave modes, six power levels, and eight pulse degrees.

    Even though it functions quietly, it produces a pulsing hum with each pulse of the waves. The Uniclife is very powerful, and it’s important to closely monitor it at first to make sure your settings are not too strong for your aquarium.

    Pros
    • Available in 3 sizes for tanks from 15-150 gallons
    • 360° wave generation
    • Can be used in freshwater or saltwater
    • Easy to install
    • Controller is easy to use
    • Four wave modes including day/night
    • Six power levels and eight pulse degrees
    • Features feeding mode
    Cons
    • Premium price
    • Humming sound with pulses
    • May be too strong for sensitive plants and animals

    5. Jebao PP Series Wave Maker with Controller

    5Jebao PP Series Wavemaker with Controller

    The Jebao PP Series Wave Maker with Controller can be used in freshwater and saltwater setups. It is available in four sizes from 20–150 gallons.

    The Jebao features a multi-function controller that can be used for more than one wave maker. It’s easy to install with a magnetic bracket and is powerful while also being energy-efficient. It has a one-touch feeding mode that slows the flow for 10 minutes, and a nighttime sensor that automatically slows the flow of the waves when the lights go out. It has a ceramic shaft that’s built to last a long time, even with daily use.

    This wave maker is too powerful for sensitive plants and animals and small tanks, even on its lowest settings. At higher power levels, it can become louder than other products.

    Pros
    • Available in four sizes from 20–150 gallons
    • Can be used in freshwater and saltwater
    • Multi-function controller can be used with more than one wave maker
    • Easy to install
    • Energy-efficient
    • One-touch feeding mode
    • Nighttime sensor slows the flow when the lights go out
    • Ceramic shaft is built to last
    Cons
    • Premium price
    • May be too powerful for sensitive plants and animals
    • Loud at high power levels

    6. Hygger Mini Wave Maker Magnetic DC Powerhead

    6hygger Mini Wave Maker Magnetic DC Powerhead

    The Hygger Mini Wave Maker Magnetic DC Powerhead is a great option that’s small enough to be easily hidden within your tank, only measuring 1.8 inches by 1.8 inches by 2 inches. It’s made for tanks from 3–25 gallons and is easy to operate.

    This wave maker attaches with a strong magnet and has an LED display controller that allows for various flow modes and power levels. The wave frequency is also adjustable based on sunrise/sunset and day/night cycles. There is also a feeding mode that shuts the product off for 10 minutes during feeding times. It has four power levels, five time period settings, four wave modes, and eight levels of wave frequency. It can be used in freshwater and saltwater setups and can be mounted on glass up to ½ inch thick. The 360° rotation allows for water circulation in your tank to prevent dead spots and maintain flow.

    This product has to be installed 6–8 inches deep in the water for proper functioning. If it is not submerged, the motor will burn out. The controller is not waterproof, and this product is not safe for outdoor use.

    Pros
    • Easily hidden within the tank
    • LED display controller is easy to use
    • Easy to install
    • Sunrise/sunset, day/night, and feeding mode cycles
    • Four power levels, four wave modes, and eight levels of frequency
    • Can be used in freshwater or saltwater
    • 360° wave generation
    Cons
    • Premium price
    • Only available in one size for tanks up to 25 gallons
    • Has to be installed 6–8 inches deep
    • Controller is not waterproof
    • Cannot be used in outdoor ponds or fountains

    7. FREESEA Aquarium Wave Maker Power Head

    7FREESEA Aquarium Wave Maker Power

    The FREESEA Aquarium Wave Maker Power Head is available in two sizes. One is a 6-watt power wave maker that processes 1,050 gph and is for tanks from 20–60 gallons, and the other is an 8-watt power waver maker that processes 1,600 gph and is for tanks from 40-80 gallons.

    This wave maker has 360° wave generation and an adjustable ring with different slot sizes that help protect small fish and invertebrates from getting into the impeller. The impeller is made from anti-corrosion titanium to make it last, even in saltwater. The 6-watt version has one powerhead while the 8-watt has two. The outlet has a simple switch to adjust the flow from weak to strong.

    On the 8-watt version, the two powerheads are connected and cannot be pointed in separate directions from each other. This wave maker is not as quiet as some other models. It’s important to slide the magnets together on installation. If you allow the magnets to clamp together on the glass, it may crack.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Available in two sizes for tanks from 20–80 gallons
    • 360 ° wave generation
    • Adjustable ring allows for changes to slot sizes
    • Impeller is anti-corrosion titanium
    • Can be used in freshwater and saltwater
    • 8-watt version has two powerheads
    • Outlet has simple flow switch
    Cons
    • Noticeable noise
    • 8-watt powerheads cannot be turned separately
    • Magnets must be slid together on installation to avoid cracking glass
    • May be too powerful for sensitive plants and animals

    8. AQQA Aquarium Wave Maker

    8AQQA Aquarium Wavemaker Circulation Pump

    The AQQA Aquarium Wave Maker is a cost-effective wave maker option. It’s available in a 3w power that processes 530 gph and a 15W power that processes 2,100 gph.

    This product has a 360° rotation for directional flow adjustments and has an oil-free motor to prevent contamination of your aquarium water. It features a thick filter cover to protect the impeller, which is made from anti-corrosion titanium and is safe for freshwater and saltwater tanks. The impeller cover also features small slots, preventing small fish and invertebrates from being sucked into the impeller. This wave maker is small enough to easily hide within a tank. It runs quietly and is powerful.

    On installation, the magnet should be slid into place to avoid cracking the tank glass. This wave maker may be too high-powered for sensitive plants and animals. The flow of this product cannot be adjusted, and it should always be fully submerged.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Available in 2 sizes from 530-2100gph
    • 360° wave generation
    • Fully submersible with an oil-free motor
    • A thick filter cover protects the impeller and aquarium animals
    • Small enough to hide easily
    • Runs quietly
    Cons
    • Magnets must be slid together to avoid cracking glass
    • May be too powerful for sensitive plants and animals
    • Flow cannot be adjusted
    • Must be fully submerged at all times

    9. Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Wave Maker

    9Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump

    The Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Wave Maker is available in 240 gph, 425 gph, and 565 gph powers. It is specifically made for nano, small, and medium tanks up to 40 gallons.

    This wave maker has a patented magnet suction cup support that can be used on glass and acrylic aquariums. It can be used in conjunction with wave timers like the Hydor Smart Wave. It’s created to be compact for smaller tanks, making it easy to hide and energy-efficient. It can be set to wave intervals from seconds to hours and includes a cable protector.

    The Hydor Koralia be installed very carefully to avoid damaging or cracking the tank. It should not be used with a tank that has thin glass. After some time operating, this wave maker tends to start producing a rattling noise. It also may not resolve all dead spots within your tank.

    Pros
    • Available in 3 sizes from 240-565 gph
    • Specifically made for nano and small tanks
    • Can be used in conjunction with wave timers
    • Includes cable protector
    • Can be set to different wave intervals
    Cons
    • Should be installed carefully to avoid damage to tank
    • Not a good option for tanks over 40 gallons
    • May produce a rattling noise
    • May not resolve all dead spots within the tank
    • Flow power cannot be adjusted

    10. Current USA eFlux Accessory Wave Pump

    10Current USA eFlux Accessory Wave Pump

    The Current USA eFlux Accessory Wave Pump is a premium-priced wave maker pick. It’s available in three sizes: 660 gph, 1,050 gph, and 2,100 gph.

    It features multiple modes including a wave pulse mode that allows for different flows and timing of wave pulses. Stream mode allows for continuous water flow with adjustable strength, surge mode simulates the water surges found around natural reefs, and a feeding mode turns the pump off for 10 minutes during feeding. It has a swivel bracket that allows for directional water flow based on the needs of your tank.

    It installs easily via a magnetic bracket. This product can be synchronized with an Orbit IC LED light or eFlux Wave Pump Kit. It comes with a prefilter foam guard and cable protector to help protect the equipment and your tank life. The wave pump is an add-on accessory to other eFlux products and cannot be run and adjusted without a wave pump HUB with LOOP IC or Bluetooth controller. These products may wear out within a year and require replacement. The Current USA eFlux does not provide a strong flow, so it may not be a good option for tanks requiring heavy currents.

    Pros
    • Available in 3 sizes from 660-2100gph
    • Features four modes
    • Swivel bracket allows for directional wave generation
    • Easy to install
    • Includes prefilter foam and cable protector
    Cons
    • Premium price
    • This is an add-on accessory to other eFlux products
    • Cannot be operated without separately purchased controller
    • May wear out within a year
    • Does not provide very strong flow
    • Produces loud buzzing sound

    aquarium plant divider

    Buyer’s Guide – How to Purchase the Best Aquarium Wave Makers

    Choosing the Right Wave Maker for Your Aquarium:
    • Tank Size: Choosing a wave maker that is too strong for your aquarium will result in an excessive wave flow, which can increase stress in your tank and lead to problems like overflow, uprooted plants, and fish or coral loss. The gph of a wave maker will give you an idea of the size of tank it can service, but the best way to determine the wave maker you need for the size of your tank is to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and reach out to them directly with questions.
    • Tank Setup: Not all wave makers are safe for use in freshwater and saltwater environments, so make sure any wave maker you purchase is appropriate for the type of water you have. Also, if you intend to use a wave maker in a pond or fountain, it’s extremely important to ensure you pick one that is safe for outdoor use.
    • Flow Needs: Some corals, plants, and even fish will die in high-flow environments, so a low-flow wave maker should meet the needs of your tank. In most situations, a flow that is too low will be less dangerous to the well-being of your aquatic animals and plants than a flow that is too high.
    • Adjustability: Not every tank needs a wave maker with adjustable wave flows, power levels, and modes, but having the ability to adjust the wave maker at your disposal is a nice feature to have. It’s important to have adjustability if you plan to make changes to your tank, like bringing in new types of fish or corals that may require a different flow than what you may have already been using.
    • Cleaning: Eventually, every wave maker will need to be cleaned. Algae, plants, and waste debris can get into the impeller, leading to buildup and clogs. Some wave makers are made to be easily taken apart for maintenance and cleaning, which will help you get the most out of your wave maker for the longest amount of time. If your wave maker is difficult to clean, then it is more likely to experience a buildup of matter that will shorten its useful life.
    • Warranty: When you pick a wave maker, make sure you have a thorough understanding of how long the warranty lasts and what the warranty covers. Some warranties will only last a few months while others can last 3 years or longer, and some will cover normal wear and tear while others will not. It’s vital to know exactly which warranty you’re getting, so you know if you have any recourse with the manufacturer if there is a problem with the product.

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    Conclusion

    For the best value wave maker for your aquarium, the Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker is an excellent choice, but it’s more than just affordable, it’s also highly functional. The premium product pick is the Jebao Marine Submersible Wave Controller since it’s effective, high-quality, and multi-functional, while the best overall wave maker for aquariums is the SunSun JVP-110 Powerhead Wave Maker for its functionality and efficacy.

    Regardless of the needs of your aquarium, there’s a product in these reviews to meet your needs. Smart, adjustable, multi-functional, nano, or whatever else your aquarium might need can be found here. Knowing the needs of the plants and animals in your aquarium is the best place to start when it comes to choosing a wave maker. A wave maker that’s too powerful will result in stress within your aquarium, while too little wave flow can cause dead spots, debris buildup, and an unnatural-feeling environment.

    These 10 best wave makers for reef tanks all come with their own set of pros and cons, which can help you narrow your search for the perfect wave maker for your tank.


    Featured Image Credit: Hygger

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