Axis 20 Centrifugal Pump (185GPH) - Aqua Illumination

The Axis 20 Centrifugal Pump fills a specific gap in the Aqua Illumination lineup: a fully featured DC pump sized for nano and small mixed-reef systems up to 15 gallons. At 2.125 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches tall, it fits into sumps and equipment bays where a larger return pump simply won't go, while still delivering the smart-control capabilities AI owners expect from their other equipment.

Control is handled through the same ecosystem as the rest of the AI product family. The myAI app and Mobius platform give you wireless programming from any iOS or Android device, and MXM module support brings the pump into a Neptune Apex configuration for users who want consolidated controller management. The single-button coordination feature means you can trigger a feed pause or maintenance stop across all connected AI pumps simultaneously — useful when you're dosing or working in the tank.

The three pump modes address practical day-to-day operation without unnecessary complexity. Schedule mode lets you build a flow program that changes over time, useful for simulating tidal patterns or adjusting turnover during lighting cycles. Feed mode temporarily cuts flow so food stays in the water column rather than heading straight into the overflow. Calibrate mode sets your actual max, min, and neutral flow thresholds based on your specific system, which also enables back-siphon prevention — rather than powering off completely, the pump idles at near-zero flow to maintain the water seal and prevent air introduction when it ramps back up.

Setup is straightforward. The pump ships with both a 0.5-inch and 0.625-inch barbed output nozzle and an appropriate power supply, so you have plumbing flexibility without sourcing adapters separately. With a maximum power draw of 12 watts, operating costs are negligible, and the advanced DC motor runs quietly enough that noise is not a practical concern in most home setups.