HydorKoralia Evolution Circulation & Wave Pump, 1400-1500 GPH

Q: Do I need any other piece of equipment to run this, like a wavemaker, etc, or can I just plug it in and go?

This does NOT make waves by itself! You HAVE to buy the Hydor Wave Controler (and really need at least 2 pumps on either side of your tank), to create a wave effect. I just bought a 425 and it has ok flow across a 20 long tank ( but no waves). You can attach it to a regular timer if you just want to run it at certain times. That was no good for me so I ordered another higher rated pump AND the wave controller. I'll see how that works when I get it. I wanted a "shimmer" effect from my moonlights. To get this I needed to put it at the top of the tank to push the surface enough. Now I have a slight shimmer.

Q: I have a 25-30 gallon tank, which option is best?

I have a darter tank that has about 25 gallons of water in it. I just replaced a 500 GPH water pump with the 850 GPH circulation pump. The water pump really blasted quite a jet of water across my tank. The Hydor is much gentler, with a broader spread, but still seems to make for a nice stream simulation. While the 500 GPH was about the maximum my tank could handle, the 850 GPH circulation pump is just adequate for a stream simulation. My main reason for switching was the circulation pump only uses about 5 watts of electricity, while a 500 GPH water pump uses about 35. I'm hoping to see my water temperature drop. If you are simulating a swamp, however, I would not recommend this product at all.