Why You Need Wavemakers in Cichlid Tanks

Why You Need Wavemakers in Cichlid Tanks. In this video, I walkthrough the key benefits and placement of aquarium wavemakers.
I also discuss how to tell if you have too much flow, and what our favorite products are today.
If you're interested in any of the products mentioned in this video, feel free to check out the affiliate links below.
- Sicce XStream SDC: amzn.to/3CeAQWp
- Sicce XStream 6500: amzn.to/3BoWbOq
- Sicce XStream 3500: amzn.to/3CC3fqT
- Sicce Voyager Nano: amzn.to/3SyUrHX
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you next week!

[@juliaheinritz3264]

Besides a great explanation of how to use wave makers we get to watch your beautiful fish yet again.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@johncrute27]

@@CichlidBros there's a question I been wanting to know is will japan, taiwan and South Korea ever have their own native cichlid fish species aswell cause I want to also breed it with a jewel cichlid

[@johncrute27]

@@CichlidBros cause Africa has African cichlids t want to know what a taiwanese,Japanese or South Korean cichlid species looks like.

[@reggie2803]

Appreciate the very detailed information.

[@CichlidBros]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jungblud59]

I had 5 cichlid tanks 45 or so years ago, wish those wavemakers were available back then. If you wanted more current, you'd have to get higher volume filtration. That was the only way. Beautiful cichlids! Thanks for sharing.

[@RatchetMonster]

Mr. Holler, iTS ME SISIR! very informational video, sir! Keep up the good content.

[@CichlidBros]

👋🏼

[@markcox8956]

Full of information and interesting facts

[@quinnhawkinson894]

Huge thank you. You guys got me started again and Inow have three tanks, all with SA Cichlids. I just had yet another hydor wave maker die in 24 hours and was looking for a reliable brand. Thank you. I will try your brand. Looks solid. Thanks again!

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome, glad it was helpful. Thanks, Quinn!

[@js7807]

Fluval makes some decent ones . I have a CP4 in my 75-gallon

[@vibesaquatics]

Thanks y’all for the awesome video 👊🏽👍🤗

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching!

[@rs8034a]

Thank you for this video! I've had African Cichlids for several years and always had a problem with debris dead spots - even with a sump. I recently added a wavemaker based on your suggestion and wow! - The sand is way cleaner! It eliminates the need to vacuum.

[@CichlidBros]

Love to hear that!

[@Hyd3rAbbas]

Just the video i needed

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@Fyyt]

I use these in my 3 tanks, it's an absolute game changer!!!🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@CichlidBros]

👊🏻👊🏻

[@Thunder.Aquatics]

Great video!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@robertsmith8795]

Now that I've watched this properly I can see that by having both my filter outlets aimed at the surface for surface agitation, at opposite ends of the tank, I've lost any chance of a proper flow around the tank and have loads of dead spots 🤦 Outputs adjusted and my first ever wave maker ordered for next day delivery. Great video!

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome. Great to hear!

[@BenOchart]

Excellent!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! 👊🏻👊🏻

[@SGScaper]

After buying and trying out many brands of wave makers, a MaxAspect gyre was the winner. In my 6ft 210gal tank, it creats a beautiful circular flow leaving no dead spots in the tank. The gyre flow can be tuned to a very gentle river like flow and all the way to a washing machine flow😂.

[@lboogie738aquatics]

Excellent video. How do you get rid of the floating particles that sit at the top of the tank?

[@krzysztofkopaczewski4319]

Never tryed the wavemaker, but it is tru. The air bubbles do not look natural. I’ll try it soon👍

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice!

[@gogreen666]

Very helpful video. Can you please suggest a wavemaker for250ltr discuss aquarium? Thanks

[@user-gf6uy6hf7x]

Hello! Is there a general rule concerning the wavemaker's output and the gallons of your tank? I'm doing some research for my 100g African cichlid tank. Great video btw!!!🐠

[@twotales7337]

Help. So what should I do to optimise my corner tank (Trigon 190)?? Any advice is appreciated 👊🏼✌🏼

[@user-wp3lp6fp4e]

Hi, What’s the best wavemaker for 9’2 Feet long tank with South American Cichlids?

[@beratsadkoglu7375]

Thanks god I watched this video and decided to add wave maker in my Malawi Tank, but I don't have any idea for choosing the right power. What would be the power you advise for 90 gallons?

[@dennispeleg7843]

Would aquascape such as rocks, affect the circular water flow towards the bottom? I have a dead spot on left side of tank. My wave maker and 2 output hoses flow the water from left to right on top then right to left on bottom. Towards my other canister filter intake but half way through the tank, the dead spots occur and I can physically watch that area of the tank that has no flow.

[@JeffDoehring]

I have a 37 gallon tank that I just switched over from a bubble wall to a wave maker. The fish do appear happier and love fighting the current on top! I placed the wave maker next to the internal filter so it would be pushing the cleaned water out with the current. Is this the correct way to set this up?

[@tonygonzalez4561]

Awesome and insightful video. I usually watch everything cichlid related and really needed this video. Unfortunately, I use hobs in my 75, which probably explains my positioning problem. I never get good floor circulation without disturbing the sand. Do you think maybe I should make them hang on the side, or is it just the fact that they intake from the bottom and flow out from the top? Any suggestions will help.

[@barbulescuionut6063]

😅😅😮😅😮😮

[@PapaKJxo]

Should I keep my wavemaker on 24/7? Im considering having it turn itself off when the lights go off at night, I use the wavemaker only for moving debris around. My canisters and HOBs tackle aeration.

[@WolverineXXX21]

I need to adjust mine I have 90g with two one top right and one bottom left I do have bare spots so I should raise it a bit? Also I have a dead spot somewhat in the back middle section it comes and goes but it’s usually waste build up there so should I place the bottom towards towards the middle ish and a little higher?

[@josefxerri6465]

Hi there, i have a malawi chiclid tank mostly habs and peacokcs, its a 192 gallon tank. I have a fluval fx6 for filtration and 1 of the outlet (which is in the middle of the tank) is pointed upwards to brake up the surface water. What wave maker would be best for ?

[@webera]

Been in the cichild hobby for so many years but didnt know wave maker could be used for air pumps. finally replaced an air pump that was screaming. could hear the air pump noise from the next room. now it is super quite :) thanks for the video.

[@CichlidBros]

Glad I could help!

[@nagendramurthy7054]

Wonderful video. Subscribed your channel. I am from India.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching, and welcome to the channel!

[@robg897]

I have a 75 gallon tank with CA. What size would be a good size of a wavemaker.

[@dennisfrankland4296]

Hi, I your aquariums are awesome. I used to have a six foot American cichlid tank but the fish got too big so sold it. I now have four African cichlid tank and a community tank. Thanks for your advice on the wave makers. I have two waver maker in my main African aquarium but they are not the best so I’m thinking of buying new waver maker so I can get a better flow in my tank. I like the idea of the magnetic and the app to control to flow, that’s a neat idea. I’ve watch a load of your videos but I haven’t subscribed due to costs ect. Ha-pay fish keeping guys.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching! You can subscribe for free 😉… only joining the membership is a cost

[@roelissuPer-321]

Also if you have a 160 cm 80 cm width and 70 cm heigh aquarium with 8 cm sand is it better to setup two wave makers?

[@matman429]

Yep I run 2 in my Malawi tank both are pointed at the weir and yes hardly and debris sits on the bottom.Yes you have to be careful using arogonite sand as it is very light and the pumps will pick it up

[@MsJimbo1960]

Love all your tanks, can you tell me the dimensions of your peacock tank please?

[@steves9589]

If I have a HOB filter and my lid doesn’t allow it to be on one side or another. It’s more towards the middle. Where would I want to put it?

[@tyler97511]

Try a ecotech on a black background the price stopped me for a while but the detritus removal mode made it entirely worth it came from the salty side of the hobby so have a sump and it made my tank cord free

[@jrvej]

Those blue Malawi fish. What type are they. My fish don't swim on the surface. These are nice 👍. Thanks for the video

[@annie.76]

Hi, I’m new to keeping fish. I currently have 2 blood parrot fish in a 40 gallon. I don’t want to overcrowd my tank and want them to be happy & healthy. I would like to add maybe 1 or 2 more different fish. Do you know what would be some compatible options? Thank you!

[@abuanwp]

0:05 - Wave makers can lower water temp by 2°C just put it a little bit higher or closer to the surface so that it can lift more water above the surface.

[@bayou504ctcL9]

Well I have south n central american cichlids and I have 2 new wave makers in the box I never opened I guess because I have dem super air pumps hook to my sponge filters👍👍👍👍👍up on the video

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@pratapkg]

Hello, Can you tell me what power wave maker should i purchase... I have 70gallon aquarium full of peacock Answer would be highly appreciated ❤️❤️

[@sschario60]

I've connected the outputs of two Eheim canisters via a Y connector. Through the spray bar, they create considerable left to right surface agitation across my 75 gallon. A Hydor wavemaker pointed downward and right to left seems to provide significant clockwise circulation. Any detritus not picked up by the filters mostly gather nicely on the sand, just inches short of the intakes. Overall, I'm pleased with this setup. However, I intend to experiment with your idea. Thanks for the sharing the specifics of your system's positioning. 👍🏼

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome. And no problem!

[@sakic1519]

That flametail is looking so fuc.... goood

[@toddmarr1400]

What size wave makers would you suggest for 125 gallon African tank using 2 wave makers and 1 tidal 110, 1 tidal 75? Thanks. Love your content.

[@CichlidBros]

I’d recommend this one. Sicce XStream 3500: amzn.to/3CC3fqT

[@patrickmurray3724]

Hey, great video. Did you loose Shadow, your Geophagus Balzani?

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! Yes, about two years ago unfortunately

[@fendy771]

Do i need wavemaker for goldfish?

[@brianhouston9736]

Ive got a 40gal bowfront Should i get a wavemaker I have 2 johanni, 1 yellow labs, 1 roseline sharks 1 bristlenose pleco

[@user-zn1jd1be4z]

Hi, I have 108 gallon 6 foot long aquarium with African cichlids. I recently added 2 WaveMakers and the gang seem to really like the new flow. My question is how long should you let them run a day. Do you turn them off at night? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@hernanmurillo8925]

I would turn them off during the day so you can see their behavior. If they're aggressive then I'd keep it on 24/7. If they don't then turn it off at night

[@denimlinar1291]

Hey mate. Which or how strong vawe maker should I buy for my african chiclid tank 560L 150*60*60cm filtration - FX6+FX4 I was thinking about Eheim steamon 6500 ? Thank you

[@CichlidBros]

This is my go-to! - Sicce XStream SDC: amzn.to/3CeAQWp

[@FinnegansFish]

I have a 3 ft multi cichlid tank and wondering if I should add some flow. What do you recommend?

[@CichlidBros]

I would recommend a small wavemaker. The sicce voyager nano (or something similar) would be a good option for a gentle flow without disturbing the multis

[@TheRemkoe]

I have a 30gallon tank..is a fan recomanded? I also wanna have some smaller fish (guppy's)..i orderd a 1000l/h fan...is that to much?

[@dhammaboy1203]

Hey Troy - an idea, have you ever done a video on the suitable 'dither' fish for South American cichlids - particularly the larger cichlids? i.e. I would love to have both a chocolate cichlid and a school of rummy-nose Tetras - yet I suspect eventually the tetras might become lunch? I can only really think of Colombian tetras or Congo tetras? If you have covered this topic previously - apologies - I wasn't able to find it on your channel playlists.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I have Redeye tetras in with my Chocolate.

[@dhammaboy1203]

@@Gilsfishroom nice suggestion! I will look into some species profiles!

[@steves9589]

Would you recommend putting a super small wave maker in my 20 gallon Brichardi/Multi tank?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep! Maybe a Sicce voyager nano for example

[@galgamex1703]

Would you recommend a wave maker for a shell dweller tank? 40g breeder multi fasciatus

[@MakoyUnggoy]

Obviously it depends on tank depth, wavemaker strngth etc, but usually yes, wavemakers are fine for shellies

[@nick92028]

One of my favorite things about having a sump tank underneath is that I can put the bubbler, heater, plants, filter, etc. in there and leave the display tank looking more pure.

[@catnamedrambo8461]

That’s a good alternative, but still not getting the benefits of circulation and natural water flow in that instance

[@nick92028]

@@catnamedrambo8461 Where do you think the water goes from the sump? It flows into the main tank and creates as much flow as you want....

[@nick92028]

@@catnamedrambo8461 😂😂🤣🤣 Where do you think the water goes after the sump? It flows into the main tank with as much flow as you want. You can even make more than 1 exhaust. Can point them anywhere.

[@catnamedrambo8461]

@@nick92028 whether it’s a sump or any other filter, wavemakers will bring additional flow and circulation. Even with a pump all the way up, it’s difficult getting enough flow from the return lines alone. It also lets you direct flow without adding multiple outlets, which isn’t an option for many sumps

[@nick92028]

@@catnamedrambo8461 Nearly all sumps are DIY. So there is literally no limit on how many outlets or inlets you have or how big or small they are. No limit on the power of your pump. You can run a spray bar from the sump and have flow running through every inch or the display tank if that is what you wished. And hiding a thin spray bar at the top of the tank would look better than a wavemaker.

[@jeanphilippelandry9381]

After 30sec, i stopped video and ordered fluval cp3 on amazon

[@ingridagreize2594]

I have a question its rlly important I have currently 1 pleco,1 parrot fish,2 little catfishes,3 regular cichlids,1 african cichlid,2 young severums so currently i have 10 fishes for 65 gallon tank and i rlly want to buy 6 more fishes its 2 bala sharks,1 rainbow shark,2oscars and another parrot fish but my question is would 16 fish thess type be enough for 65 gallon? And would the new fish like bala shark and rainbow shark and os cars be agressive to others?Thank you!Waiting for answer!

[@tristangmail7954]

I'm sorry to say this, but your tank is already insanely overstocked... Please don't add extra fish and buy a bigger tank! For the pair of Severums you need at least 75 gallons, that is the bare minimum! The Pleco will outgrow your tank very soon and will be about 20 inches when fully grown. For a pair of Oscar fish you will need at least a 100 gallon aquarium, because they grow over a foot long.... Please inform yourself better next time when creating a community tank because your tiny 65 gallon tank isn't suitable for any of the fish you already own. There are so many informative channels on youtube, like the cichlid bros, who can provide you with a ton of information before you start a community tank. For the record, I'm trying to help you - not attack you! If you care about your fish then please buy a MUCH bigger tank! (look on craigslist or other used options if you are on a budget) For the animals you already own you need at least a 125 gallon tank. (and get rid of the pleco, they don't belong in the hobby but that's my opinion) Good luck, kind regards 👍

[@blakemcclurkin4842]

Would you have 1 wavemaker or 2 on a 129 gallon 5ft oscar tank?

[@CichlidBros]

Either would work. Maybe one strong one

[@Byron4343]

I had a wave maker go down so I ordered a new one. When it arrived I took out the old one and found a small yellow lab chopped in half inside it.. The aqueon brand is not good for small fish.

[@PaulKingMetal]

Do you run your wavemaker 24 hours or you use a timer?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, I do. On my saltwater tank awhile back, I used some different pulsing settings but 24 hours with my cichlid tanks

[@cloudthedj]

how long do you run your wavemaker? all day? with the light?

[@CichlidBros]

All day, never turning off

[@nyfan78]

What % of full power should wave makers be set at for 125 gallon tank?

[@CichlidBros]

Mine are usually all the way up

[@autumngonzalez4859]

What lights do you guys use on your tanks?

[@CichlidBros]

Wide variety. We have a few recent unboxing/reviews though

[@CichlidFanatic]

Do you have the WaveMakers on a timer or do you leave them on all the time? I have mine on a timer but I'm wondering if it would be beneficial if I leave my WaveMaker on all the time in my mbuna tank. Let me know what you think

[@CichlidBros]

I usually keep them on full time

[@timothywheaton9867]

Do you not have a second wave maker in the 180 gallon tank ? I’m using 2 fx6s with 2 wave makers 11 Geophagus and I still have some detritus 😂

[@CichlidBros]

Nope, just the one Sicce. Could try dialing back food just a bit

[@mgacy2957]

My brother bought me a wavemaker for my 55 gal mbuna tank, but it's the XStream 5000. It says its rated at 1320 gph.. is that going to be too much for my cichlids? I currently own saulosi, acei, and maingano cichlids.

[@CichlidBros]

It will definitely be a lot of flow, but might be okay for mbuna. I have the 3500 on my 75 gallon peacock tank and it could take the 5000 likely

[@mgacy2957]

@@CichlidBros Cheers

[@marcuswaller7223]

I have a cichlid and go gourami tank should I still get one

[@CichlidBros]

I would still recommend it in most cases. Could go with a smaller one to be safe

[@benmarrero4294]

I'm new to fish this is my very 1st tank. 75 gallon I have 2 Jack's. 1geo.2 firemouths,1 convict 1blue accura. Do I need a wave fan?

[@CichlidBros]

I would always recommend it!

[@benmarrero4294]

​. Thank you very much! It's truly appreciated

[@1776Jan]

Where do you find the magnetically driven air pumps? I can only find ones that cost around 300$+ USD.

[@CichlidBros]

Our go to's below: - Sicce XStream SDC: amzn.to/3CeAQWp - Sicce XStream 6500: amzn.to/3BoWbOq - Sicce XStream 3500: amzn.to/3CC3fqT - Sicce Voyager Nano: amzn.to/3SyUrHX

[@1776Jan]

​@CichlidBros those are magnetically mounted. Not magnetically driven. I want the cord on the outside of the tank.

[@CichlidBros]

The only wavemaker like that is the Ecotech MP10/40. And you’ll pay well over $300 for that tech

[@1776Jan]

@@CichlidBros OK thanks. I thought so. I have been looking everywhere for an affordable one. I guess I will just add that to the "When I win the lottery" list.

[@manunav7336]

Do you use the wavaker 24 hours

[@CichlidBros]

Yes

[@redcorsair14]

Off topic, but what are those cool looking red headed geophagus?

[@CichlidBros]

Geophagus tapajos

[@r.syawesh3171]

do wave makers make noice ?

[@jc49fishniner4lif7]

I use them in all my tanks and I have them with a timer , I use them more to push all the 💩💩 to my intakes BCUZ I have all the outlets of my filters pointing ☝️ up

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome!

[@JesusGarcia-dw8cn]

Is a single wavemaker enough?

[@CichlidBros]

Depends on the aquarium, but it should be fine with one most times

[@montellanojavelosa6249]

are those real plants in your aquariums?

[@jimmyCA310]

Beautiful eyes

[@dickyrhs5373]

Saya tida mengerti apa yang di bicarakan,saya hanya menikmati cichlid

[@bernandoturner4840]

I use A Wave Maker to blow Food Around so All the Fish can Eat Around Aggressive Fish… Just the Push of A Button..👻

[@SG-Cichlids]

You don't need a wave maker. Position the outlets of your filters properly instead of pointing them at the surface of your tank. The air stone is the best way to aerate your tank. It effectively increases the surface area of your tank. The bubbles have their own surface area. Not only are you gassing of at the top of your tank it's also happening in the bubbles especially where they're made. There is nothing better than air stones.

[@CichlidBros]

Pretty much all of that is incorrect, just sayin 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SG-Cichlids]

@@CichlidBros none of that is incorrect. With 17 aquariums several totes and over a thousand cichlids and zero wave makers. All of them are pristine. Not one of them even grows algae. So if I'm wrong how is that possible?

[@jkgcank9]

@@SG-Cichlids Nailed it. I knew a guy that bred Cichlids for years. He had thousands of them and probably 50+ tanks. Wavemakers weren’t even invented yet. So many unnecessary new things on the market now.

[@CichlidBros]

And no doubt those tanks would’ve benefited from wavemakers. Not sure why you’d want to avoid new and improved technology. But that’s just me.

[@SG-Cichlids]

@@jkgcank9 so true. All the things they have these days for aquariums that aren't needed but are great for content on KZbin. Think of all the money people would save if they didn't buy into the b.s.. In my tanks I don't even use chemicals, charcoal, or cleaning crews and no algae. My favorite tank I own is a 110 gallon I keep right next to my TV in my living room. 45 adult African Cichlids and the nitrate only gets to 20 ppm by water change day and this is accomplished with no plants or chemicals. There are better cheaper ways to keep aquariums than what you'll find on KZbin. But hey they know best.

[@orvielletodd1253]

Hy bro Should my wavemaker be switched on 24/7

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, I always do

[@orvielletodd1253]

@@CichlidBros thank you so much

[@cocoaquatic]

Hi, we have a product that is perfect for your video and would like to talk to you about working together, what is the best way for me to contact you?

[@robouk9037]

I have a 110 gallon cichlid tank what wave maker would be best for it ?

[@CichlidBros]

Sicce XStream 6500: amzn.to/3BoWbOq

[@robouk9037]

That's great cheers 👍🏻