Red Sea Reefwave 45 15000lph

• Up to 15,000 L/h (3,960 GPH) of gyre cross-flow – spread in broad sheets across the display rather than concentrated in one jet.
• Sine-wave DC motor, 8–45 W – power draw scales with flow output, so running below full speed also costs less to run.
• 5 programmable wave patterns – forward, reverse and alternating flow modes via the Red Sea ReefBeat app, plus a dedicated onboard controller.
• Magnetic, silicone-encased mount – up to 20 mm glass, no drilling or external bracket.
• 3 m cable from pump to controller – extendable a further 2 m with the genuine ReefWave 25/45 extension cable.

Red Sea rates the ReefWave 45 for tanks from 60 cm to 200 cm (2 to 6 ft) in length and up to 20 mm glass – check both figures before ordering, since a magnetic mount rated to 20 mm won't hold securely on thicker glass or acrylic. On a tank under 60 cm the ReefWave 25 is the better-matched pump; on anything longer than 200 cm, plan on more than one unit.

The 15,000 L/h figure is the maximum output at full power – the DC motor is fully adjustable, and the ReefBeat app runs it anywhere from a gentle feed-mode trickle up to that maximum across five programmable wave patterns, with forward, reverse and alternating flow directions. Power draw moves with output, from 8 W at the low end to 45 W at maximum, so a tank run well below full flow also draws well below the rated wattage. Red Sea has not published a flow-percentage-to-L/h curve for the ReefWave range, so treat 15,000 L/h as the top of the adjustable range rather than a fixed output – actual in-tank flow at any given setting also depends on rock placement and how the pump is aimed, as with any powerhead.

Suited to marine and reef tanks needing strong, broad circulation – SPS-dominant and mixed reef displays in particular, where even flow across the whole display matters more than a single strong jet. Not designed for freshwater use, and not a substitute for a return pump – the ReefWave circulates within the display, it doesn't move water through a sump or filter.

The impeller cage should come off for a citric acid soak whenever coralline growth is visible – a clogged cage reduces flow well before it looks obviously blocked. The genuine ReefWave 45 cage set (Red Sea part R35246) is the replacement part if a cage cracks or wears out.

Mains-powered via the included power supply – run it through an RCD-protected circuit and keep a drip loop on the cable before it reaches any power point or power board. Flow this strong can also be a hazard to slow-swimming or flow-sensitive livestock (fry, seahorses, some anemones) if aimed directly at them – position and aim accordingly.

The ReefWave 25/45 extension cable for longer controller runs, and the ReefWave 45 cage set to keep on hand for servicing.

Covered by Red Sea's manufacturer warranty, in addition to your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships as a standard parcel item.

Will one ReefWave 45 cover my whole tank?

Red Sea rates it for tanks up to 200 cm (6 ft) in length. On longer displays, most reefers run two units – one at each end – rather than relying on a single pump to cover the full length.

Can I run it without connecting to Wi-Fi?

Yes – it will keep running its last saved program from the onboard controller without a network connection. Wi-Fi and the ReefBeat app are needed for scheduling, remote changes and feed mode.

Does it work in a freshwater tank?

Red Sea markets the ReefWave range for marine and reef use. It isn't marketed or rated for freshwater applications.

How is this different from a standard powerhead?

A standard powerhead pushes a single jet of flow. The ReefWave's gyre design spreads the same total flow across a wider area in broad sheets, which is closer to how current moves over a natural reef.