Red Sea ReefWave 25 — Gyre Cross-Flow Wave Pump 7,500 L/h ReefBeat for 45-120 cm Tanks

The Red Sea ReefWave 25 is a cross-flow wave pump built to bring true reef-style water motion to aquariums from 45 to 120 cm (1.5 to 4 ft). Developed for Red Sea around the patented Maxspect cross-flow (Gyre-type) technology, it moves up to 7,500 L/h (1,980 GPH) as a wide sheet of water rather than a narrow jet. Its sine-wave motor drive, vibration-damping mounts and dual bearings make it, in the manufacturer's own words, an especially quiet pulsing wave pump.

Turn up the volume on Red Sea's official demo above — the sound of the pump is the whole point.

Cross-flow technology

Where a propeller pump throws a round cone of water, cross-flow generates a sheet of current across the full width of the tank that travels the length of the aquarium and returns underneath. The two impeller cages rotate 360 degrees in the bracket to aim the flow at your reefscape, the pump mounts horizontally or vertically, and forward flow is roughly 3 times stronger than reverse. Red Sea recommends mounting at least 5 cm (2 in) below the surface to prevent air suction, and includes snail guards to keep small animals out of the cages.

On-board controller and the ReefBeat app

The included controller offers 5 built-in wave programs (regular flow, uniform, step, random and alternating waves), a 10-100% intensity dial, a 30-minute feed mode and a maintenance pause. Connected to Wi-Fi through the ReefBeat app, the pump gains a 24-hour schedule with up to 10 time slots per day, a personal wave library, the surface wave, and lost-communication notifications. Up to 3 pumps can share a common schedule in sync or anti-sync — and ReefWave 25 and 45 units can belong to the same group.

Official Red Sea specifications

• True maximum flow rate: 7,500 L/h (1,980 GPH)
• Power consumption: 4 to 25 W
• Dimensions: 23 cm L x 7 cm W x 4 cm H (9 x 2.8 x 1.6 in)
• Recommended aquarium size: 45 to 120 cm (1.5 to 4 ft)
• Maximum glass thickness: 15 mm (5/8 in)
• Cable length: 3 m (10 ft)
• Manufacturer warranty: 24 months

Maintenance, per the manufacturer

Red Sea recommends cleaning the impellers and cages monthly (a 1-hour soak in a 10% bleach solution, then a thorough rinse), and the motor and ceramic shaft every 6 months — calcium deposits come off with a 1:1 diluted vinegar solution, never stronger, for a few minutes only. The silicone and plastic connectors are wear parts; the official service pack is sold separately.

Our advice

This is genuinely what we run in the store. Nothing compares to cross-flow technology. Propeller pumps push a round cone: there are always flow gaps, blocked by the shape of the aquarium, with dead spots underneath. You can get there with several pumps, but it's always more violent — there's always a coral getting blasted. A ReefWave near the surface sends a current that crosses the whole tank and comes back underneath. We used to run Maxspect Gyres and switched to the ReefWaves: genuinely easier to clean and more reliable.

Why buy from ReefSolution

Authorized Red Sea dealer in Canada, with French and English support and in-store pickup in Laval. Shipping across Canada. Related products: the ReefWave 45 for 60-200 cm aquariums, the ReefWave 25 service pack for monthly cleaning, and Reef Energy Plus AB+ to dose during feed mode.

Frequently asked questions

ReefWave 25 or 45 for my reef tank?

Red Sea recommends the 25 for aquariums 45-120 cm (1.5-4 ft) and the 45 for 60-200 cm (2-6 ft). The manufacturer sizes its pumps by tank length, not gallons — go by the length of your aquarium and the density of your reefscape.

How do I clean the ReefWave 25?

Monthly: disassemble the end caps, cages and impellers, brush them under running water and, if needed, soak them 1 hour in a 10% bleach solution before rinsing well. Every 6 months, clean the motor and ceramic shaft too; calcium comes off with 1:1 diluted vinegar.

Can I group several ReefWave pumps?

Yes — up to 3 pumps share a common schedule and waves through ReefBeat, in sync or anti-sync, and ReefWave 25 and 45 units can belong to the same group. Forward and reverse intensity is set individually for each pump.