Powerhead or wave maker?

[Dragon780]

Hi guys, this might sound stupid of me to ask, but i rather get it clear.
so it would be great if someone could clearify this for me.
what is a powerhead and what is a wavemaker?
can there be something that is used as a wave maker and powerhead?
i read and heard that a powerhead is used to create water flow, but isn't a wave maker also used for that purpose?
and what is the vortech mp 40 then? is that a wave maker or a powerhead?
And is a powerhead recommended or needed, or is a wavemaker needed?

thanks everyone

[bignose]

A powerhead is a pump that circulates water. A wavemaker controls the powerhead(s) timing and intensity to create waves along with other functions.
Wavemakers are not needed but they are very nice.

[whatcaneyedo]

J&L sorts them by category
Power Heads
http://www.jlaquatics.com/category/260/Water+Pumps+-+Powerheads.html
Wave Makers
http://www.jlaquatics.com/category/100/Wave+Makers.html

A Wave Maker that is not a Power Head controlling device:
http://www.oceansmotions.com/store/index.php?osCsid=193c05e20fbe789b297caef6e4575cbc

Wave Maker is a very loosely applied term for anything that creates alternating for variable speed flow in a tank. A Carlson Surge Device is another prime example.

[whatcaneyedo]

Alternating and variable speed water flow creates a more natural environment in our tanks. There are a number of advantages to it over just having steady laminar flow from basic power heads alone. Coral tend to grow more uniform and natural looking. There are less 'dead spots': areas that receive little to no flow where detritus can build up. Also, waste should stay in suspension longer allowing the filtration system a better chance to remove it.