This post will provide you with a list of the best powerheads for reef tanks, their pros, and cons, as well as recommendations from other reef tank owners who have used them in their tanks.
By reading this article, you’ll be sure to find an option that’s perfect for your needs.
Best Powerhead for Reef Tanks
IceCap Powerhead 2K Gyre Pond Pump, Cross Flow Submersible Water Pump for Aquariums
Best Powerhead for Reef Tank
Innovative Marine Wavelink DC Wavemaker Powerhead
The Wavelink DC Wavemaker Powerhead from Innovative Marine (Buy Online) is the perfect balance between performance and price. This powerful yet quiet wavemaker provides outstanding water circulation in your saltwater aquarium with its 253 to 2300 gallons per hour flow rate.
The Wavelink DC Wavemaker Powerhead from Innovative Marine comes with an adjustable frequency controller that lets you select any mode from 9 preset modes (pulse, sine, surge, stream, turbulent random). You can even link multiple pumps together wirelessly to create a custom system that creates the perfect flow pattern in your reef tank.
hygger Mini Wave Maker Aquarium Magnetic DC Powerhead with LED Display Controller
The hygger Mini DC Powerhead (Buy Online) is the perfect choice for small to medium-sized reef tanks (up to 55 gallons). And its small size makes it easy to hide in your tank without taking away from its effectiveness at producing an optimal current pattern.
This little powerhouse has everything you need to get started on creating a great-looking aquarium including an energy-efficient magnetic propeller and motor, LED display controller with multiple modes, and 24V DC powered controllable wavemaker with auto-off option.
This powerhead has been designed specifically with reef aquariums in mind so you know that you are getting exactly what you need to avoid algae build-up and keep your coral happy. It also features a durable magnetic propeller which makes this product even better than other options on the market today. And this mini powerhead uses only 6 to 20 watts of power, but it has a flow rate of up to 2,600 gallons per hour making it one of the most energy-efficient powerheads available today.
Hydor 12V Koralia Controllable Circulation Pump
The Hydor 12V Koralia Controllable Circulation Pump (Buy Online) is one of the best powerheads for a reef tank. This pump has a variable flow rate of 600 – 1550 GPH which means you can adjust it depending on the needs of your coals and the size of your tank. Plus, this circulation pump is completely silent when starting up and doesn’t have any clicking sounds like some other models do.
If you’re looking for an efficient, silent, and adjustable powerhead that can be mounted magnetically or with suction cups, then look no further than the Hydor 12V Koralia Controllable Circulation Pump.
This pump has been designed specifically for use with Koralia 12V 2-Way or 4-Way systems only. And it comes in three sizes – 900 GPH, 1550 GPH, 3250 GPH – so there’s one that’s sure to be a perfect fit for any size reef tank.
AquaIllumination AI Nero 3 Submersible Wavemaker Pump
The AquaIllumination AI Nero 3 Submersible Wavemaker Pump (Buy Online) is the best powerhead for reef tanks. This pump has a 2000 GPH flow rate and it can be controlled through the MyAI App using a device with Bluetooth connectivity like an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android phone, or tablet. And it’s easy to program this wavemaker as well because it features presets that allow you to set random pulse modes, constant waves, or you can turn it off for scheduled feedings.
This powerhead pump creates an ideal water flow pattern in densely stocked reef tanks that will keep the temperature stable and oxygen levels high, which results in better health for your fish and corals. And when you set this powerhead up properly you will notice an increase in polyp extension as well as a reduction in algae growth.
You can also adjust the modes on this pump to create different types of waves that will help simulate natural ocean conditions or even create more movement if desired. Plus, this wavemaker uses advanced automation control technology so you don’t have to worry about adjusting any settings yourself; just set it up once and let it do all of the work.
CURRENT Dual eFlux Aquarium Circulation Pumps
CURRENT Dual eFlux Aquarium Circulation Pumps (Buy Online) are some of the best powerheads on the market. They have a maximum flow rate of 1,050 gallons per hour and they are fully adjustable. These pumps are virtually silent and include a magnetic swivel mount, LOOP wave pump controller HUB that uses a wireless IR remote control and a micro-USB linking cable.
This dual wave pump bundle from CURRENT has everything you need in an aquarium circulation system at a price point that won’t break the bank. This kit comes with two eFlux Wave Pumps each with a maximum flow rate of 1,050 gallons per hour – perfect for up to 70-gallon reef tanks.
It also includes a LOOP wave pump controller HUB that uses a wireless IR remote control. And it has a fully adjustable flow rate from 0-100%. And you can even sync the pumps as well using the micro-USB linking cable to create complex flow patterns.
And our favorite feature of these powerheads is the magnetic swivel mount which allows you to easily adjust where they are aimed, unlike fixed pumps that can only point in a single direction.
Sicce XStream SDC WiFi Enabled Controllable Wave Pump
The Sicce XStream SDC WiFi Enabled Controllable Wave Pump (Buy Online) has an incredibly energy-efficient motor and is perfect for aquariums up to 160 gallons. It also features a self-cleaning impeller, stainless steel shaft, and 360° magnetic mount.
Plus, you can control this pump with your smartphone, and with just one touch, you can change the speed or turn it off completely. And if you need to clean your tank, all you have to do is press a button on your phone and watch as the impeller automatically cleans itself.
Best of all of the parts inside this pump are easy to remove so it’s simple to clean by hand. And it even has an anti-clog design that prevents debris from getting stuck inside of the impeller chamber.
Jebao RW Series Wavemaker with Controller
The Jebao RW Series Wavemaker with Controller (Buy Online) is one of the best budget powerheads for reef tanks. It has 8 different flow rates from 180 to 2,100gph that will meet your needs whether you have a small or large reef tank.
This pump is easy to install and features an intuitive setup. One thing worth mentioning is this model does work on its own perfectly, but if you have multiple pumps in your tank they will connect wirelessly to other Jebao products using Bluetooth connectivity.
Tunze Turbelle NanoStream Pump
The Tunze Turbelle NanoStream Pump (Buy Online) is a great option if you have a smaller reef tank. This pump combines good looks and high power in a small package, which makes it the perfect choice for smaller tanks or nano reefs. For those who are looking for something that will provide more powerful output at higher volumes, we recommend CURRENT Dual eFlux Aquarium Circulation Pumps. These pumps provide adjustable wave patterns from slow lapping waves to fast crashing surf waves so you can create your desired flow pattern in your reef tank.
Uniclife 3400 GPH Controllable Wavemaker with W-40 Controller
The Uniclife 3400 GPH Controllable Wavemaker with W-40 Controller (Buy Online) has everything you need to create the ideal underwater world for your fish. From a simple control panel, you can adjust the flow speed and frequency of this pump so that it creates multiple waves at different speeds in your tank. This will mimic what would happen naturally in reef environments. Plus, when used correctly, it can help provide oxygenation for fish or keep live corals happy by delivering more food particles their way.
GBGS 40W 3600GPH Smart Wave Circulation Pump with Controller and Magnet Mount, Wave Pump for Reef Tank
The GBGS 40W 3600GPH Powerhead (Buy Online) is an excellent choice for any home reef tank setup. It’s powerful enough to circulate water throughout your entire aquarium and quiet enough so it won’t disturb you while watching TV in another room. This wave maker features 4 different settings, including an adjustable frequency setting and it can be mounted magnetically onto the back of your tank (or sump).
The GBGS 40W 3600GPH Smart Wave Circulation Pump is a powerful and versatile pump that can be used with any type of aquarium, from saltwater to freshwater. This wave circulation pump has been engineered for optimal power efficiency. And it’s compact size allows it to fit in tight spaces without getting in the way, and it has an adjustable speed controller (30%-100%) that will allow you to dial in the perfect flow rate for any type of coral.
Red Sea ReefWave 45 Aquarium Gyre Flow Pump
The Red Sea ReefWave 45 Aquarium Gyre Flow Pump (Buy Online) is the best wavemaker for reef tanks. It has a flow rate of 3960 GPH and consumes 8-45 watts. This pump can be used in any size tank from 2 to 6 feet long. Best of all this gyre flow pump outputs an evenly distributed sheet of water that creates stable natural currents. You can even connect this pump to Wi-Fi through your smartphone or tablet using its built-in controller. And this unit comes with 5 different programmable wave patterns–forward/reverse/alternating flow modes–so you can create almost any type of flow pattern you desire.
IceCap Powerhead 2K Gyre Pond Pump, Cross Flow Submersible Water Pump for Aquariums
The IceCap Powerhead 2K Gyre Pump (Buy Online) will create a linear and even flow throughout your tank, which will help eliminate dead spots in your reef or fish-only tanks. At a maximum capacity of 2000 gallons per hour (gph), this powerhead should be able to handle an aquarium up to 90+ gallons with ease. With only 8-25 watts of electricity needed at max settings, it shouldn’t cost too much on your electric bill either. The pump even includes two sets of propellers – one orange set and one black set – so you can change them out as necessary without having to purchase new ones separately.
How To Choose The Best Powerhead for Reef Tanks
The best powerhead for your reef tank will depend on the type of corals you are trying to grow. If you have soft coral, a powerhead might not be necessary. However, if you have stony or hard coral in your tank, then a powerhead would be beneficial to improve the health of your corals.
The other important thing to remember when picking out a powerhead is how much water it can move per hour, and you want to make sure that you choose a powerhead that is properly sized for your aquarium.
What Size Powerhead for a Reef Tank
The optimal reef tank powerhead flow rate will depend on the type of corals you plan on keeping. However, in general, you want to get a powerhead that is capable of turning over the water in your tank 10 to 50 times an hour.
In a tank that is predominantly populated with LPS corals, you can get away with a powerhead that turns over your tank 10 to 20 times per hour. While an SPS dominant reef tank will require a powerhead that can turn the water over in a tank 20 to 40 times an hour.
Reef Tank Powerhead Placement
A powerhead needs to be placed in the middle section or upper half of a reef tank. Try to avoid placing a powerhead near the bottom of your tank since this can disturb the substrate. Plus, don’t point the current from a powerhead directly at your corals since this can damage their delicate polyps.
Conclusion
The best powerhead for your reef tank depends on the size of the aquarium, your water circulation needs, and what type of coral you are keeping in your tank.
If you’re looking to keep a small-to-medium-sized reef tank that mainly houses LPS corals, then we recommend either the Tunze Turbelle NanoStream Pump or hygger Mini WaveMaker Aquarium Magnetic DC Powerhead. For larger tanks that need higher levels of water flow, we suggest something like a CURRENT Dual eFlux Aquarium Circulation Pump Set.
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
