Avoid These Common Wavemaker & Powerhead Mistakes
Improper Placement
The exact location of your wavemakers or powerheads inside the display aquariums makes a huge difference. The shape of your aquarium, the aquascape, and ease of removal for maintenance are all very important factors when determining the best spot for your pump. Ultimately, you want to achieve sufficient water flow throughout as much of the water column as possible without creating a sand storm or disturbing your corals. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect spot and you may need to periodically move your pumps as your corals mature and grow larger.
Learn More: Where Should a Powerhead Be Placed in an Aquarium?
Picking The Wrong Pump
The type and size of the pump/wavemaker are both important for achieving optimal flow. Different pumps produce different flow patterns. Having the right flow pattern will ensure you're getting the flow to where you need it. The right size pump will ensure you are getting enough flow in those areas.
Learn More: How to Pick the Right Aquarium Powerhead for Your Saltwater or Reef Tank. | BRStv Buying Guide
Not Taking Flow Into Account When Creating an Aquascape
One of the biggest mistakes when adding live rock to a saltwater reef aquarium is not considering how water will flow through and around the rocks. You need the flow to be unobstructed by your aquascape and understand how the aquascape will diffuse or deflect that water flow as it travels. This goes hand in hand with pump placement - create an aquascape that allows for sufficient flow and then place your pumps accordingly.
Neglecting Your Powerheads
It is very important to periodically clean your saltwater aquarium pumps; this goes for both your powerheads and return pumps. Dirty pumps won't perform properly and they won't last as long. It is recommended that you remove and clean your powerheads monthly to maintain optimal performance.
Getting TOO Creative With Pump Programming
One of the biggest benefits of modern DC-powered wavemakers is their controllability. You can change the pump speed and access a variety of different programming options. While this is cool and can be very useful, be cautious of too much tinkering. Utilize these programming features correctly and if you're not sure, start low and slowly increase the pump speed until you find that sweet spot, then leave it alone. Constantly making changes to flow can stress out your corals.
Ignoring Dead Spots
Dead spots are areas of your tank that do not get sufficient flow. In these areas, leftover food and detritus will settle down into the sand bed where it is difficult to remove. Any corals in this area of your aquarium may also react poorly. If you observe dead spots in your aquarium, consider moving your powerheads or adding additional powerheads.
Not Using Feed Mode
Slowing down your pumps when feeding the aquarium is a good husbandry practice because it will make it easier for your fish and corals to capture food and reduce the amount of leftover food that goes to waste.
Periodic Flow Adjustments
Over time, your corals will grow and you will need to adjust your flow. This may be as simple as increasing the pump speed or changing up the programming or you may need to physically move your powerheads to new locations to achieve more effective flow patterns. Every tank is different but rest assured as your tank matures, you will need to make changes and it is important to observe the flow inside your aquarium on a regular basis.
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