Yea or nay on wave2k?

[apayne]

I have been looking at the Wave2k for some time now, but have not pulled the trigger.
I would like to hear what people who are using them or have used them have to say about the wave maker and its performance, and if they are still using it? If not, why?

I think this is a good way to produce a natural looking wave, but have not seen one personally.

I would be using it in a 75 gallon tank.

Any incite would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

[xtm]

I don't own one, but have done tremendous amount of research because I'm also planning to get a wavemaker. The general consensus is that the Wave2K is effective.. however it is noisy and the rubber bands are prone to failure.

[Dwarf Seahorses]

wave2k's work pretty good but don't expect to get a more than a years use out of it. Xenus wavemakers make awesome waves and they're made by Sfiligoi so they're engineered well.

[Noise]

I used to think I wanted one, or the Tunze. But after reading that they shorten the life of your tank (the tank itself, as in the seals will fail sooner) I decided against it. Plus the price.

Another thing to consider is whether or not your tank is long enough. I also read that they are ineffective in tanks shorter than 6'. But I could be wrong about all of this.

I did see the Tunze in action in a tank once, and it was very cool.

[apayne]

Dwarf Seahorses
Can you use this wavemaker by its self? Or does it need other pumps?

Thanks,
Aaeon

[KenStanley]

My tunzies has worked flawlessly for 8 months now the acros and montis are flourishing. I can't imagine anything doing a better job. By the way my tank is 48"L and the wave box works great.

[Konadog]

Originally posted by Noise
I used to think I wanted one, or the Tunze. But after reading that they shorten the life of your tank (the tank itself, as in the seals will fail sooner) I decided against it. Plus the price.

Last time I saw a W2k working, it didn't really make a wave per say. It makes a upper level surge, then a lower level surge. It's nothing like the Tunze wave maker that actually makes a rocking motion. There use to be a video of one working, I'll see if I can find the link.

[Trnman32]

I have a wave2k on my 4' 120 in the center and it is a hair algae magnet,mine is getting yanked this weekend as soon as I scrape some xenia off it,it worked well at first but it only pushes water out the front side and the back side does zip,but the whole thing blocks water movement in the tank which sucks before I got this thing I had no hair algae now I'm fighting it daily,IMHO I would stay away from these!!SANTA is bringing me two 6101 tunzes for X-MAS

[Dwarf Seahorses]

No, the Xenus wavemaker doesn't need additional pumps. Search for it the aquarium obsessed sponsor forum.

[apayne]

I would love to see a video of the Xenus working in a stocked tank.

Thanks for the iinfo,
Aaron

[flounderfish]

Any DIY Wave box ideas? I just cant justify 500 on one little box.

[Noise]

So does the wave2k not induce any stress on the aquarium?

As for DIY, there was a thread regarding this. I haven't seen that thread in a while, but I haven't looked into these types of wavemakers in some time.

Also let me apologize if I give out or gave out any wrong info on these wavemakers. It has been a while since I looked into this topic.

[fishysteve]

I had one for a few months until it stopped working. They are POS in my opinion. The motors run too hot, and the belts are finicky.

[Konadog]

Originally posted by Noise
So does the wave2k not induce any stress on the aquarium?

Judge for yourself, I found a video on the Wave2k website Look on the left side for the video links.

[tizzy]

It seems like the primary goal of the Xenus is to increase the natural look of light by producing glitter lines (also increasing the overall light intensity by up to 20%) and increase gas exchange, as opposed to creating a true surge movement.

Video:

http://www.aquariumobsessed.com/images/Xenus.wmv

It may be good to pair this with a true underwater wavemaker for a full effect.