An aquarium powerhead or wavemaker is a kind of propelling device that can add an edge to your aquarium. Some fish keepers use them to make their tank more attractive and to simulate a natural environment for their fish. This is why you may be looking for the best aquarium powerheads.
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Aside from adding oxygen for the water, the aquarium powerheads can also help in keeping your fish healthy and active. What’s more, some systems use them, such as UGF or under gravel filter systems. You can also attach them to protein skimmers and other aquarium equipment that you may have.
Most of them are powerful enough to create waves but you have to make sure that it is okay for your fish tank so that it doesn’t blow the fish away. This is why you should look for the powerhead flow rate first.
Top 5 Aquarium Powerheads
Here are our top picks for the best aquarium powerheads:
Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump
This aquarium powerhead is a circulation pump that has a flow of up to 425 GPH so it has a quite strong, but not too strong flow that’s okay for nano reefs.
It also has a compact design so setting it up with your other aquarium equipment may not be that bothersome or cumbersome to do with. It also has a low energy consumption so you can feel at ease with your electric bill.
We also liked the magnet-suction cup support for free positioning so that you can aim it directly where you want in your aquarium.
Also, it has compatibility with wave timers, if you have them. The unit is compatible with both freshwater and marine aquariums and will work with any 110-volt system.
Things We Liked
- Great for nano reefs up to 9 gallons
- Strong positioning magnets
- Low energy consumption
- Good water flow
- Wave timer compatibility
Things We Didn’t Like
- The impeller may have a rattling sound
Upettools Aquarium Circulation Powerhead
As a submersible circulation powerhead, this one works on 110-120 volts systems with a flow rate of up to 3,170 GPH so it can be ideal for really large aquariums.
As a wavemaker, this one has different directional flows so you can customize it to create your own ecological fish sanctuary. The suction cup is quite solid for installation.
It comes with its set of equipment for installation, such as the wave pump head, powerful sucker, movement blade, rotation adjustment, power cable, and the dense filter cover to shield the unit.
Running at only 12 watts of power, you can combine it with other wave making systems and it can also be easy to install and dismount for repositioning.
Things We Liked
- Ideal for cichlid tanks
- Great flow rate
- Customizable directional flows
- Solid suction cups
Things We Didn’t Like
- There is no speed regulator
FREESEA Aquarium Wave Maker Power Head
Made with a magnet at the bottom, it is easy to fix this onto your fish tank and can be moved with any external magnet outside.
Its flow rate can be adjustable with the included flow switch on the outlet. This means that your fish don’t have to suffer from very strong currents.
The high-strength wear-resistant shaft also makes the unit durable based on its copper construction.
The 360-degree rotation makes this unit easily adjustable depending on the tank design that you have and the behavior of your fish.
With 6 watts of power, it can be used for tanks from 20 to 60 gallons with a flow rate of about 1,056 GPH. It is even backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things We Liked
- Durable materials
- 360-degree rotation
- Magnet bottom
- For tanks from 20 to 60 gallons
Things We Didn’t Like
- The cord is probably too short for some tanks
Super Aquatic JVP-102A 1300Gph Aquarium Circulation Pump
This powerhead is meant to be used alone without any wave timer or controller.
It has a 12-watt power that works on 120V/60Hz voltage systems. It uses a magnetic motor that is grease-free and there’s no need to be oiled so that you can rest easy with the maintenance.
The aquarium powerhead can be best for those who have 10 to 20 gallons. Cleaning it can be done with an old toothbrush.
It has a flow rate of 1,300 GPH and it has a low noise level. You can also depend on this powerhead for its durability due to the suction cup included.
Its ceramic impeller shaft can make it more ideal for bigger tanks due to the better impeller power.
Things We Liked
- Easy to clean
- No oil needed
- 12 watts of power
- Durable suction cup
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not applicable with wave timers
Odyssea EX 250 DX Internal Filter Powerhead
Working on 110-volt systems, this one is probably meant for small to medium-sized tanks as well with a flow rate of 250 GPH.
It can be used for tanks that are 30 to 40 gallons in size and it can be installed with the use of suction cups that are included. It can be used for both saltwater and freshwater tanks just fine.
Since it is a submersible filter pump, you can use it on its own or you can combine it with your own existing internal filter.
You can even use it for an under gravel filter. The foam is also replaceable by having a custom cut foam. The flow can be directed easily in any direction and you can also use a disposable filter floss material.
Things We Liked
- Great for small and medium-sized tanks
- Good flow rate
- Can be used on its own
- Works for internal filters
Things We Didn’t Like
- The filter housing could be designed better
AquaClear Powerhead 20 – 110 V, 127 Gallons per Hour
As a powerhead that has an easy installation, it has a low profile unlike other systems out there.
It is meant for tanks that can take up to 127 gallons per hour (GPH) of flow rate, such as those that are 20 gallons more or less.
The design is meant to give you silent operation. We also like the fact that it can be used on its own as a water mover.
You can use it for an under gravel filter system or you can also use it with a pre-filter sponge.
You can also adjust the amount of water flow depending on your fish’s needs and tank preferences.
Since the output, aerator input and flow are all adjustable, you can customize it fully unlike other units.
Things We Liked
- Can be used standalone
- Low noise levels
- Good flow rate
- Can be used with UGF
- Fully customizable
Things We Didn’t Like
- The intake doesn’t fit USA standard pipe or tubing sizes
SunSun JVP-110 Mini Wavemaker
Ideal for tanks that are sized from 30 to 60 gallons, this small yet powerful mini wave maker has a submersible and oil-free motor so it is not only easy to maintain but is also quite easy to set up.
It can be adjusted to its flow due to the 360-degree rotation. The unit comes with its own 4.5-foot cord.
Installation can be easy due to the inner wall suction cup. It has a flow rate of 528 GPH and yet it doesn’t get in the way of corals and other plants that you may have in your aquarium.
It also doesn’t have a loud noise. If your propeller has air, you can also make bubbles to make your aquarium interesting and fun.
Things We Liked
- Easy to set up
- 360-degree rotation
- For tanks 30 to 60 gallons
- Can make bubbles
Things We Didn’t Like
- The flow strength is not adjustable
Cobalt Aquatics MJ Water Pump
As a powerhead that has 7.5 watts of power, it has a flow rate of 160 gallons per hour.
It uses high-strength nylon infused fin-system for its impeller so that it can move water easily without having sand, dirt, pebbles get in its way due to the flexing system.
The suction cup has a triple design to make it easy to install.
The 6-foot power cord also helps you to set it up without having to look for an outlet. The rotational design makes it great for aiming anywhere.
You can use it for various aquarium accessories, such as a nano aquarium, wavemaker, protein skimmer, calcium reactor, UGF, and the like. Â It is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Things We Liked
- Compatible with CO2
- Good flow rate
- Flexing system
- Durable impeller
Things We Didn’t Like
- A sponge filter may reduce the output
AquaTop PH-8 Power Head for Aquarium
Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater use, this unit has a flow rate of 158 gallons per hour.
It has 8 watts of power so it can be okay for your electric bill. Since it is fully submersible, it won’t create as much noise as expected.
Working on 120V / 60Hz systems, this powerhead can be ideal for those with UGFs or under gravel filters.
High strength ABS material is used for the material for durability. It can be compatible with other Aquatop supplies, such as UV lamps as well.
You can use its venturi air intake for added water flow. You can also use it even for ponds as an outdoor filter. It can be ideal for 55-gallon tanks.
Things We Liked
- Compatible with UV lamps
- Can be used for ponds
- Fully submersible
- UGF compatible
Things We Didn’t Like
- Lack of clear instructions
Jebao OW WaveMaker
If you want a fish tank wave maker that can be controlled wirelessly (with a separate control), this one may be a choice for you.
It has a single-touch feed mode and you can use it for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Since it has a small profile, its sleek design may not get in the way of your other aquarium gear.
It can be ideal for most bio cubes and it can attach using a magnet. You can just set the speed so you can definitely use it for a replacement for a single-speed pump.
It can also be rotated in different directions. Since it is quiet even on the highest settings, it can be ideal for minimal noise.
Things We Liked
- Low noise levels
- Sleek profile
- Okay for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Easy installation
- Adjustable speed
Things We Didn’t Like
- Could have a kickback tendency
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Before choosing the best aquarium powerheads, here are some things to know about:
How do I choose the best aquarium powerheads?
To choose the best aquarium powerhead, you should look for:
- A good flow rate that fits your tank size
- Low noise levels
- Easy installation
- Adjustable speed
- Reasonable warranty policy
Why should I buy an aquarium powerheads?
Most aquarium powerheads have the advantage of:
- Creating depth in your aquarium
- Adding oxygen to your fish
- Keep water from being stagnant
- Can be fun for your fish
How do I use aquarium powerheads?
Installing them can be easy – most of them are attachable using a magnet or sometimes using suction cups. Just refer to the user manual of the aquarium powerhead unit so that you can install it properly without any faulty.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, our top pick for the best aquarium powerheads is the Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump because of its ideal size for nano reefs up to 9 gallons.
To hold it together, it has strong positioning magnets while it also presents low energy consumption for those who are beginners in fish keeping.
It has a good water flow and a wave timer compatibility. Although its impeller may have a rattling sound, this is a minor con if you’re not very meticulous with noise.
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