Red Sea ReefWave 45 — Gyre Cross-Flow Wave Pump 15,000 L/h ReefBeat for 60-200 cm Tanks

The Red Sea ReefWave 45 is Red Sea's large cross-flow wave pump, built for reef aquariums from 60 to 200 cm (2 to 6 ft) — from mid-size REEFERs up to big systems. Built on the patented Maxspect cross-flow (Gyre-type) technology, it moves up to 15,000 L/h (3,960 GPH) as a wide sheet of water that sweeps the entire tank. 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 despite its output.

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 aquarium that crosses the whole tank and returns underneath — exactly the motion corals benefit from, wherever they sit in the reefscape. The two impeller cages rotate 360 degrees to aim the flow, 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, and includes snail guards for 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 ReefBeat, 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 — a ReefWave 45 can even be grouped with a ReefWave 25.

Official Red Sea specifications

• True maximum flow rate: 15,000 L/h (3,960 GPH)
• Power consumption: 8 to 45 W
• Dimensions: 31.5 cm L x 8 cm W x 5 cm H (12.4 x 3.2 x 2 in)
• Recommended aquarium size: 60 to 200 cm (2 to 6 ft)
• Maximum glass thickness: 20 mm (3/4 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. Every wear part of the 45 is available separately: impeller set, impeller cage set and the complete service pack.

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 25 for 45-120 cm aquariums, the ReefWave 45 service pack for monthly cleaning, plus the ReefWave 45 impeller set and impeller cage set as replacement wear parts.

Frequently asked questions

ReefWave 45 or 25 for my reef tank?

Red Sea recommends the 45 for aquariums 60-200 cm (2-6 ft) and the 25 for 45-120 cm (1.5-4 ft). The manufacturer sizes its pumps by tank length, not gallons. On a 3-foot tank the 25 is generally enough; the 45 takes over on 4-foot-plus tanks or dense reefscapes.

How do I clean the ReefWave 45?

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; calcium comes off with 1:1 diluted vinegar. The red and green rubber parts are color-coded so each side goes back together correctly.

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.