SunSun JVP-110 Wave Maker Review
SunSun JVP-110 Circulator Pump
I got this wave maker on amazon for about 12 bucks which in my opinion is a huge value for what you get but we’ll get to why I think that is in a minute. We can see on the box all the other flow rates for larger models, this 110 model claims to be 2000L/hr or close to 560 gal/hr. This might sound really strong but in reality it’s not, the distribution of water is much wider than a traditional powerhead and you’ll see later in the video how this affects your tank. Just know there are larger pumps for larger tanks.
Let’s start by opening this thing up. The SunSun JVP-110 wave maker comes with an instruction manual and is in two pieces that you simple click together. This pump attaches to the aquarium via a suction cup with a locking mechanism. Many wave makers today come with a two piece magnetic attachment which can be nice, although this suction cup is really good quality and with the clamp securely locked down, won’t be sliding around your tank like a lot of the power heads out there do. That’s pretty much it, let’s throw this thing in a tank and talk about why I really like this thing.
This Sunsun pump is awesome because it’s small, yet capable of generating decent movement thought even large tanks. This guy is in a 40 gal right now and you can see we get more than enough circulation without creating a massive disturbance. A far as the strength of this pump goes, I’m ok using just one of them in tanks up to 55 and some cases 75 gallons. Water circulation is one of those things that you want to have, but can easily be under of overdone. I think this is in part because there isn’t really a rule as far as how much circulation you should have, but for example, when I keep a planted tank without a filter, I want pretty good circulation to the point where most of my plants have a slight movement to them. Now there isn’t a gal /hour requirement as far as how big your tank is thus the potential confusion. It’s more of trial and error process that will be unique to every tank you build. Really the only thing you can for sure say about circulation, is that the larger the tank, the more water you will want to move. In many cases particularly smaller tanks, all you need is the circulation provided by an appropriately sized HOB filter.
Having good circulation is going to help promote nutrient movement thought your tank as well as prevent standing organics AKA detritus from getting out of hand. Some plants may be sensitive to strong flow and won’t appreciate it, while others can take it so just keep that in mind, there’s no need to turn your tank into a plant roller coaster ride by any means. Good water circulation can also be beneficial in preventing certain types of algae that like to grow on still surfaces including plant leaves. Tilting your pump up towards the water column can help increase surface agitation and gas exchange which may be appropriate in certain circumstances. So if you guys are looking for a new pump to your tank I really recommend you give this one a try.
So all you have to do is place the pump where you want it, adhere the suction cup and pull this leaver down to lock it in place. From hear you can adjust the directionality of the pump. I really prefer these wave maker pumps over power heads a lot of the time because of this freedom along with the fact that the wave maker produces a much larger spread of water movement. Power heads have a much more pin point flow that in most cases for me ends up blowing plants around like crazy, something I don’t want!