Choosing a return pump or wave pump
Return pumps vs wave pumps: what each does, how to size them, and which models fit which tanks.
A reef tank needs two kinds of flow. A return pump moves water from the sump back to the display. Wave pumps (powerheads) move water around inside the display so corals get food and oxygen and detritus stays suspended for the filter to catch.
What you’ll need
EcoTech VorTech QD
EcoTech Marine VorTech Propeller Pump w/ Wireless Quiet Drivewave pump, motor outside the tank
From $389.99
Choose size
Choosing a return pump
- Check head height. A pump moves less water the higher it has to push. Measure from the sump water level to where the water returns, then read the manufacturer’s flow chart at that height, not the maximum flow.
- Match it to your sump. The return flow has to suit what your overflow can drain and what your skimmer and filter socks can handle.
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Prefer DC if you can. DC pumps like the Syncra SDC and Vectra let you adjust flow and are usually quieter. That makes it easier to fine-tune.
Sicce Syncra SDCView product →
- Check fit. Confirm the pump’s footprint and outlet size fit your sump and plumbing.
Choosing wave pumps
- Use two smaller pumps rather than one big one. Two pumps aimed to meet or alternate create more natural, varied flow with fewer dead spots.
- Avoid blasting corals. Aim flow across the rockwork and the water surface, not straight at corals. Soft and LPS corals like gentle flow; SPS corals like stronger, varied flow.
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Controllable is worth it. Wave modes, feed pause and night mode on EcoTech, AI and Sicce Voyager pumps make day-to-day care easier.
EcoTech VorTech QDView product →
- Check mounting. Make sure the magnet mount suits your glass thickness.
Good habits
- Clean pumps periodically following the manufacturer’s instructions to keep them quiet and efficient.
- Use feed mode when feeding so food isn’t blown into the overflow.
- Keep a spare return pump or know where to get one fast.
Quick picks
- Quiet, adjustable return: Sicce Syncra SDC or EcoTech Vectra.
- Budget-friendly, simple return: Sicce Syncra Silent.
- Nano reef flow: Sicce Voyager Nano or AI Nero.
- Larger reef flow: EcoTech VorTech QD or Sicce XStream.
Not sure about head height or sizing? Send us your tank and sump details through our contact page.
Signs your flow needs adjusting
- Detritus settling behind rocks: add or redirect a wave pump.
- Corals not opening or bending sharply: flow may be too direct; aim it elsewhere or lower the speed.
- Sump level rising or overflow gurgling: the return may be too strong for the overflow; turn a DC pump down.