Nero 3 Powerhead (2000 GPH) - Aqua Illumination

The Nero 3 is Aqua Illumination's compact entry in their Nero powerhead line, built around a wide-pattern propeller that disperses water broadly rather than projecting a tight stream. At 2000 GPH from a wetside footprint of just 1.54" x 2.25", it suits small to mid-size reef tanks where space constraints, coral placement, or aesthetic considerations make a full-size powerhead impractical. The broad flow pattern keeps detritus suspended and moving toward filtration without creating the high-velocity dead zones or direct blast points that standard propeller designs can produce.

Control is managed through Bluetooth LE, which connects directly to the pump without requiring a separate wireless network or hub. The MyAI app provides access to six flow modes: Constant sets a fixed speed; Pulse generates a rhythmic wave pattern useful for lifting settled detritus; Random varies flow rate throughout the day to simulate natural water movement; Schedule chains multiple modes and settings across a 24-hour period; Feed mode cuts flow for 10 minutes when activated by holding the controller button; and All-Off gives manual override control with user-defined restart. For hobbyists who prefer not to use a smartphone, the included single-button controller handles speed changes, mode switching, power on/off, and feed mode entirely on its own through button press duration.

The Nero 3 is also MXM-compatible, the joint protocol developed by Neptune Systems, EcoTech Marine, and Aqua Illumination. This allows the pump to be integrated and controlled directly through Apex and Apex Fusion alongside compatible EcoTech and AI equipment, eliminating the need to manage multiple control apps.

Mounting is handled by a two-part magnetic system that couples through up to 1/2" of glass. The inner magnet is beveled to cradle the pump body in an isolated, vibration-dampened seat, which contributes to the unit's quiet operation. Approximately 15° of directional adjustment is available once the pump is mounted. At a maximum power draw of 20W, the Nero 3 is efficient relative to its flow output, and its compact dimensions make repositioning straightforward as tank layouts evolve.