The 10 Best Aquarium Wave Makers

With the Polario Mini Low Voltage (about $119), you can achieve opposing water surges without the need for two pumps, as it takes turns rotating in both directions. It mounts sturdily by the use of two strong magnets, so there are no tricky suction cups to deal with.

The anti-corrosion titanium impellers of the Hygger Submersible (around $28) feature rubber ends for noise reduction, and the joints can be turned in any position, making setup a breeze. It’s made for 75 to 130-gallon tanks and is great for inhabitants accustomed to fast currents.

The Hydor Koralia Nano 425 (appx. $25) can be set to alternate among modes, and its handy photo sensor allows for a nighttime setting, too. You can fine-tune the rate of movement and tailor it to the needs of your fish and plants by using a controller that is sold separately.

Small, but mighty, the Tunze USA Nano Stream 6045 (about $77) pumps at an impressive flow rate of 1,175 gallons per hour, and it’s energy efficient, to boot. Reduced suction around the intake prevents fish, snails, and other marine life from getting caught in the impeller.

The Sunsun Submersible (about $9) will help revitalize the environment of your tank by improving oxygenation and creating a more ocean-like habitat. It connects using a suction cup and features an articulating ball joint that can be rotated 360 degrees.

Whether you want to direct the flow toward some coral or the water’s surface, the Current USA eFlux (about $86) will make an easy job of it, thanks to its adjustable swivel bracket. The LED display shows the present settings, which can be programmed via the IR remote control.

If you need to circulate a large volume of water, the five-mode IceCap 3K Gyre Generation (appx. $259) is worthy of a look. It creates a horizontal pattern for an evenly distributed stream that eliminates dead spots, so there’s fresh oxygen throughout.

The pump of the Aquastation DC4000 (around $67) can be submerged or run externally, and although it's quite powerful, it boasts an energy efficient design. It offers 20 different speeds and is suitable for either marine or freshwater environments.

If you’re willing to spend some money up front for a selection that’s built to last, look to the Ecotech Marine MP40W (about $370), which can simulate natural tidal swells, lagoon reef crest settings, and more. If a power outage occurs, its handy battery backup kicks in.

You’ve certainly got options when it comes to the Jebao OW-25 (around $62), since it offers eight different speeds, all of which are set easily via the included wired controller. It provides a useful, 10-minute-long slower mode for when you want to feed the fish.