Coralife Wavemakers

[Reef Pilot]

I know Vortech and Tunze are the big names in this space. But haven't heard much about the Coralife Wavemakers. I think they are still pretty new, but certainly a lot cheaper. The big question is whether they are any good, and you just get what you pay for.

Any experience or knowledge about these?
http://coralifeproducts.com/product/...nd-powerheads/

http://reefbuilders.com/2011/08/01/c...vemaker-pumps/

[Avrbuster]

I'll be tagging along to see what others think as well.

I was thinking of buying them as I need to replace some pumps soon, and 2 or 3 Koralia would come close to the price of these (+ or - 200, LOL)
The problem that I have with them is they look ugly and cheap. So I wonder if they are any good.

[Dr_Hicks]

Pricing is decent; however I would be afraid to run these for fear of the suction cup letting go and the pump falling down into the sand bed and causing a storm.

A few more $$ and Coralife should have used magnets for the mounting system.

[Nate]

May not have been dollars that was the problem, perhaps copyright issues?

[Reef Pilot]

Yeah, according to this review, it is a patent issue, plus a few other limitations.
http://www.livingreefs.com/coralife-...er-t36090.html

Here are the instructions. It also says they give you a lifetime warranty, and assume that covers the suction cup.
http://www.coralifeproducts.com/File...structions.pdf

My concern is that the suction cup material may become brittle over time, and if/when it lets go, would not be a pretty sight in your tank with a 2900 gph flow pump dangling on a cord.

[Avrbuster]

After seeing that they have used audio jacks for power connectors, I'm afraid!

I know it can be done, but that has to be one of the worst design Idea's I've seen. You can get Molex two pin connectors or something very similar that would work far better.

But what would I know?

[Reef Pilot]

I bought the 5800 gph (2 X 2900 pumps) on Boxing Day, and just recently got around to installing them in my 100g display tank. I had the Hydor Koralia Evolution pumps in there before, and the new Coralife pumps definitely have a way more flow.

I am just trying out the different modes, and doing the Turbulence mode now, where I have each pump set at a different timing to get more random flow action. Definitely stirs things up in my tank, and my fish and corals will have to get used to the new flow patterns. I like the Feed mode (just touch a button), where it slow them down to minimum flow, and they go back to their current program automatically after a time period. Keeps my floating dry food from ending up in the overflow.

But what is really interesting is that these Coralife pumps fit the old Hydor Koralia magnet attachments exactly and I don't have to use the suction cups. So that concern is now gone. I can use the suction pumps for the lower flow Koralias. However, I am looking to see if I can get a hold of a couple more Koralia magnets, so if anyone has one they want to part out, please let me know.

I am sure these don't compare to the Vortechs, but the price is certainly a lot better. And so far, am very pleased with how they work. Lots of flow mode options, speeds, and timings, so will be trying them out.

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by Dr_Hicks

Pricing is decent; however I would be afraid to run these for fear of the suction cup letting go and the pump falling down into the sand bed and causing a storm.

A few more $$ and Coralife should have used magnets for the mounting system.

I couldn't agree more. IME the suction cup WILL let go. It's just a matter of time.

To the OP, have you looked at the koralias? They are a cheaper alternative to vortech and tunze and they are not half bad. I'm sure most of the vendors on this site could order you in whichever model you'd like.

[Reef Pilot]

Like I said, I am using the Hydor Koralia magnets with my Coralife pumps, so the suction cup concern is gone.

And I did check out the Hydor Koralia Wavemakers,... way more expensive with their controller and pumps. These new Coralife Wavemakers are nice and compact, with a nice integrated controller package.

[Lampshade]

Thank you for the review, I was on the edge about these too. Might just have to go for it, seems like what I need, and less than half the cost of a MP40 is nice. Seems like i won't be trying to DIY a DC pump, these should work. Lifetime warranty, can't go wrong, right? According to this they seem to put out about the same water volume and flow pattern as a tunze 6105: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/7/aafeature
They are slightly more directional, and have a lot more velocity in the centre than the MP40's. But seem to be nice. And apparently they're quiet, which is one thing the MP40's can have issues with.

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I bought the 5800 gph (2 X 2900 pumps) on Boxing Day, and just recently got around to installing them in my 100g display tank. I had the Hydor Koralia Evolution pumps in there before, and the new Coralife pumps definitely have a way more flow.

I am just trying out the different modes, and doing the Turbulence mode now, where I have each pump set at a different timing to get more random flow action. Definitely stirs things up in my tank, and my fish and corals will have to get used to the new flow patterns. I like the Feed mode (just touch a button), where it slow them down to minimum flow, and they go back to their current program automatically after a time period. Keeps my floating dry food from ending up in the overflow.

But what is really interesting is that these Coralife pumps fit the old Hydor Koralia magnet attachments exactly and I don't have to use the suction cups. So that concern is now gone. I can use the suction pumps for the lower flow Koralias. However, I am looking to see if I can get a hold of a couple more Koralia magnets, so if anyone has one they want to part out, please let me know.

I am sure these don't compare to the Vortechs, but the price is certainly a lot better. And so far, am very pleased with how they work. Lots of flow mode options, speeds, and timings, so will be trying them out.