The #1 Wave Maker for Your Aquarium

Written by Joan W.
Updated: May 27, 2024
Sharjil Khan/Shutterstock.com

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In nature, fish feel the water moving all around them. Swimming against the current helps them build strength. Circulating water keeps your fish active, increases the oxygen in the tank, and avoids the build-up of waste. Wave makers support living décors such as shells or coral, helping them get the nutrients they need to survive longer. Shells and coral depend on the movement of the water for food as well. That’s why it is so important to prioritize purchasing a wave maker for your tank. However, choosing one is not as simple as you might think. 

The size of the wave maker you need will depend on your tank, for example. A general rule of thumb is a turnover rate of 20 to 30 times. For example, a 100-gallon tank would call for a wave maker that can turn over 2000 to 3000 GPH (gallons per hour). However, depending on the kinds of fish, plants, and coral in your tank, you might not need that much flow. To help you choose the best wave maker for your tank, we have taken into consideration the top-rated options available. We’ve made sure to include the best wave makers for a beautiful and dynamic fish tank so that your aquatic life can live healthy lives.

  1. hygger Quiet Magnetic Aquarium Wave Maker
    • Very easy to install
    • Comes with different settings for types of waves
    • Mimics the cycles of the ocean
    • Ultra-quiet
    Check Amazon
  2. Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller and Magnet Mount
    • Eight possible flow rates
    • One-touch feed mode
    • Energy efficient
    • Silent design
    Check Amazon
  3. SICCE Voyager Nano 1000 Stream Pump
    • Features an ultra-low-energy SICCE stream pump
    • Magnet mounting system
    • Easy to take apart and clean
    • Comes with a self-cleaning impeller
    Check Amazon
  4. hygger 1050 GPH Aquarium Wave Maker Pump
    • Features a 360-degree rotating head
    • Quiet and efficient
    • Improve the oxygen level
    • Provides a gentle flow 
    Check Amazon
  5. Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump
    • Compact design
    • Easy to install
    • Natural water motion
    • Low energy consumption 
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Wave Maker for Your Aquarium Today

#1. Best Overall: hygger Quiet Magnetic Aquarium Wave Maker

In our review, the overall best wave maker is the hygger Quiet Magnetic Aquarium Wave Maker for its compact size, powerful wave action, and affordable price.  Thanks to this wave maker, you can simulate the changeable currents of the ocean and provide a healthy environment for your fish and corals. The design, the flow rate, and the wave pattern are outstanding matches for a nano reef.

You can program the wave maker to use different preset waves in five separate time intervals each day, which mimics the cycles of the ocean. It’s also quiet compared to many other wavemakers on the market. The 1600GPH model is made for a smaller tank of three to 25 gallons. The 2600GPH model fits a medium tank between 26 to 55 gallons. This submersible pump also mounts with a magnet on glass up to 4.7 inches thick. 

However, it is important to note that some reviewers found that it sometimes has a tendency to get clogged up — especially with algae. Still, reviewers also mentioned that cleaning it is pretty straightforward.

Pros and Cons of the hygger Quiet Magnetic Aquarium Wave Maker

ProsCons
Small compact-size wave maker pump.Some reviewers mentioned that it has a tendency to get clogged from time to time.
It features a quiet operation.
The controller comes with different programmable wave modes and time intervals.
It creates soft waves that mimic ocean waves.
Overall Best
hygger Quiet Magnetic Aquarium Wave Maker
  • Very easy to install
  • Comes with different settings for types of waves
  • Mimics the cycles of the ocean
  • Ultra-quiet
Check Amazon

2. Best for Variable Flow: Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller and Magnet Mount

The Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller and Magnet Mount features a wide range of flow rate options. This tiny, silent powerhead is about the size of a golf ball and has eight possible flow rates. Your fish will love the current it creates. 

The wired controller has a one-touch feed mode that slows the pump for a period of ten minutes. It allows you to stop the current for feedings, so you don’t waste or lose food to the currents.  Available in three power levels for different-sized tanks, this little wave maker is energy efficient in both fresh water and marine water. In addition, mounting the wave maker is actually pretty simple. It has a magnetic suction base that you can stick to your aquarium. 

It is also secured with a wear-proof ceramic shaft. This means that this little wave maker will last you for longer as it won’t get tarnished from constant exposure to water. The biggest cons we found with regard to this model are that the LED light can be a bit overwhelming for some fish and it can also be dangerous for smaller types of fish.

Pros and Cons of the Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller and Magnet Mount

ProsCons
Features eight different flow rates.The LED light can be overwhelming for some fish.
It can be used in both freshwater and marine aquariums.Can be dangerous for smaller fish.
The wave maker has a magnetic suction base, making it easy to mount in your tank.
It has a wear-proof ceramic shaft to keep it lasting for longer. 
Best for Variable Flow
Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller and Magnet Mount
  • Eight possible flow rates
  • One-touch feed mode
  • Energy efficient
  • Silent design
Check Amazon

3. Best for a Small Footprint: SICCE Voyager Nano 1000 Stream Pump

If you’re looking for a wave maker that leaves behind a small footprint, then try out the SICCE Voyager Nano 1000 Stream Pump.

You can easily simulate waves in your tank with the ultra-low-energy SICCE stream pump. This small and quiet wave maker has a magnet mounting system and stays where you aim it. You can mount it on any tank with glass up to ¾ of an inch thick thanks to the strong magnet. With a stainless steel shaft, the SICCE is easy to take apart and clean. You cannot program different flow rates like with some more expensive wave makers, but you can change the flow manually using the flow adjuster. Instead, it makes use of a 360-degree movable rotor. This motor features a flow adjuster to change the flow manually.

Overall, this is a great wave maker if you’re looking for something small that will provide just the right amount of water circulation in your aquarium.

Pros and Cons of the SICCE Voyager Nano 1000 Stream Pump

ProsCons
The wave maker makes use of an ultra-low-energy stream pump.You cannot program different flow rates.
It comes with a strong magnet that can stick to glass up to ¾ of an inch thick.
Operates quietly.
Best for a Small Footprint
SICCE Voyager Nano 1000 Stream Pump
  • Features an ultra-low-energy SICCE stream pump
  • Magnet mounting system
  • Easy to take apart and clean
  • Comes with a self-cleaning impeller
Check Amazon

4. Best Value: hygger 1050 GPH Aquarium Wave Maker Pump

The hygger 1050 GPH Aquarium Wave Maker Pump is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-quality wave maker at a great price. Select the direction of the current through your tank with this ultra-quiet 360-degree rotating head. Strong magnetic brackets pair with suction cups to keep this wave maker attached to your tank. Quiet and efficient, you can create movement and improve the oxygen level in your freshwater or saltwater tank. This wave maker does not have variable flow rates, but you can swivel the head and direct the flow.

Overall, this is a great option if you don’t want to shell out big bucks on a wave maker. It creates gentle waves in your aquarium which will help create a lot of oxygenation in aquariums. With its efficient circulation, your aquatic life will be made healthier thanks to the hygger 1050 GPH Aquarium Wave Maker.

Pros and Cons of the hygger 1050 GPH Aquarium Wave Maker Pump

ProsCons
The pump features 360° rotation.It doesn’t have different flow rates.
This is a great price for a pump that works well.
It helps to improve the oxygen levels in your aquarium.
Operates quietly.
Best Value
hygger 1050 GPH Aquarium Wave Maker Pump
  • Features a 360-degree rotating head
  • Quiet and efficient
  • Improve the oxygen level
  • Provides a gentle flow 
Check Amazon

5. Best for Small to Medium Tanks: Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump

The Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump is a compact pump that is perfect for small to medium-sized tanks. You’ll get lots of water movement with this compact design. Easy to adjust position and use, this wave maker is quiet, smooth, and easy to install. Unlike other nano wave makers, the flow isn’t in a narrow cone but creates water movement over a much larger area.

Made in Italy, you can set this wavemaker to work in intervals of seconds, minutes, or hours. It is easy to install it thanks to the magnet-suction cup. 

Another amazing feature of this pump is that it is compatible with the Smartwave controller. This type of controller can control many different types of pumps which may be helpful if you have more than one aquarium. Unfortunately, the pump only comes with two different movement programs. However, when you consider the price and overall great function of this wave maker, it is definitely worth getting!

Pros and Cons of the Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump

ProsCons
This is a great option for small to medium-sized tanks as it is compact in size.The pump only features two different movement programs.
The wave maker is quiet in operation.
The wave movement covers a larger area than other nano wave makers.
You can program the pump to work in different time intervals.
It is compatible with the Smartwave controller.
Best for Small to Medium Tanks
Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump
  • Compact design
  • Easy to install
  • Natural water motion
  • Low energy consumption 
Check Chewy Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Wave Maker for Your Aquarium

Many novice aquarium tank hobbyists don’t always understand the need for a wave maker. However, the more research you do, the more apparent their need becomes. After all, a great wave maker will help mimic the natural waves of a body of water. The benefits include increasing the oxygen levels of your tank as well as preventing toxins from building up and allowing food to move around the tank. 

When choosing the best wave maker, there are three factors you will want to consider. These factors include:

  • Does this pump have the right turnover rate for my tank size?
  • Can I install it in my tank?
  • Does it have the features that matter most to me?

Let’s take a look at these factors in more detail below:

Does This Have the Right Turnover Rate for My Tank Size?

Although you may want a gentler flow in your tank, in general, you want the wave maker to be able to turn over your water 20 to 30 times an hour. So, for a 20-gallon tank, you want about 400 to 600GPH (gallons per hour). Several wave makers come in different speeds and sizes, and you want to make sure and get the right one for your tank. You can also use two in a single tank. So, for a 40-gallon tank, you might use two wave makers that are 400 to 600GPH or a single wave maker at 800 to 1200GPH.

Can I Install It in My Tank?

Many wave makers use a magnet that attaches to either side of the tank’s glass. Some are rated for thicker glass than others, so you want to make sure the magnet is strong enough for your tank.

Does It Have the Features That Matter Most to Me?

You can get a simple wave maker very affordably, but if you want to program different flow rates, you’ll need to spend more. Features that may matter to you include color, size, and whether it is a single rate of flow or can vary.

The 2 Different Types of Wave Makers

When it comes to choosing the right wave maker for your tank, it’s important to note that they can be categorized into two different types. Both of these types have their own pros and cons associated with them. However, you’re going to want to understand these differences in order to make the best purchase decision for your aquarium. 

The most common pros and cons include: 

  • Programmable variable rate — Changes water flow periodically to mimic natural water conditions like rivers and oceans. Some have a one-touch pause to allow for calmer water while feeding. Adaptable to your tank’s fish, plants, and coral. More expensive. 
  • Constant rate with swivel head — Less expensive. Some can be paired with an automatic timer to turn on and off periodically throughout the day. A simple way to add water movement to any tank. Lacks variability.

About the Author

Joan Weisman is an experienced freelance marketing strategist and copywriter who helps small businesses expand their audience and stay top of mind with customers. She loves animals and dotes on her cat and dog.

The #1 Wave Maker for Your Aquarium FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why is a wave maker important for my aquarium?

A wave maker is an important part of any aquarium. This is because it is highly beneficial to the fish inside the tank. It helps circulate the water throughout the tank which allows the water to be more oxygenated and also prevents toxic build-up. If you have coral in your tank, a wave maker is even more important. Corals depend on water circulation to prosper.

Can a wave maker harm my fish?

If you are making sure to use a wave maker appropriately, it should not harm your fish. You need to make sure to choose a high-quality wave maker that has the appropriate flow rate for your aquarium’s setup. If the wave maker is too powerful, that’s when you run into issues. Many manufacturers will offer a list of compatible tank sizes for their wavemakers.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.