Orbit 2 Cross-Flow Pump - AquaIllumination

The Orbit 2 generates a cross-flow current rather than a focused directional jet. Water is pulled along the length of the aquarium in a broad, sweeping pattern that mimics tidal movement on a reef flat — the kind of flow that suspends detritus and delivers it to filtration rather than allowing it to settle. This makes the Orbit 2 a particularly useful complement to powerheads like the Nero line, which handle directional and random surge. Running both pump types together gets meaningfully closer to the layered complexity of natural reef flow.

The pump ships with four programmable modes. Constant delivers steady flow at a user-selected percentage of max output. Pulse alternates between two set levels on a timed cycle. Random introduces variable intensity to simulate an energetic reef environment. Reverse spins the impeller in the opposite direction, which on its own produces an alternative flow angle but becomes more useful when a second Orbit 2 is positioned on the opposite side of the tank — one pushing, one reversing — to sustain cross-tank circulation without dead spots.

Control is handled through AquaIllumination's myAI or Mobius app on any iOS or Android device, with full scheduling and intensity programming available from the app. For Apex users, the pump integrates with Apex Fusion via the optional MXM module, allowing it to participate in automated tank routines alongside other Neptune-compatible equipment.

At 8.78" wide by 1.5" deep and 2.83" tall, the Orbit 2 sits close to the glass and presents a low visual profile. The magnetic mount supports glass up to 15mm thick and is included in the box along with a universal power adapter set. The pump is rated for tanks from 20 to 88+ gallons, so it scales from mid-size reef builds to larger systems where a second unit running in tandem would be the practical choice.