AI Nero 5 Submersible Powerhead Review from ReefHacks.

Last summer was killer. As days grew longer and hotter, my least favorite summertime sensation was in full bloom: stagnate humidity.

North Carolina may not be as smoldering as our neighboring states (I’m looking at you, Georgia and Florida), but when the heat and thickness of the southern sun billows, even a diehard southerner shrinks under its weight. Without a single breeze, these days are as oppressive as they are gross.

Imagine living your entire life without the sweet relief of wind. Regardless of how dramatic this seems, airflow is equally as valuable as oxygen.

It’s easy to overlook the life-giving energy of wind. During summer months, we shut our eyes in relief as an invisible force cools our blistering bodies. In winter, however, wind laced in frost blisters our skin for another reason. For most, the concept of air movement rests in the background until it becomes uncomfortable.

Yet, air movement contributes to almost every aspect of life itself. From climate-sustaining jet streams to clearing toxic/harmful compounds away from our communities, a world without wind isn’t a world at all.

Even in the depths of the deepest oceans, movement dictates life or death. Water currents, or flow/movement, maintain the delicate nutrient and chemical balance marine life requires.

Why Water Flow is Important in Reef Tanks?

For most, the recipe for successful reef keeping is a special combination of nutrient balance, water parameter stability and lighting. But, according to many aquarists, none of these elements truly matter without proper water flow.

I agree.

Of course, this doesn’t diminish the value of other tank elements. I consider water flow the mortar of the brick house that is saltwater aquariums. Simply put, flow sticks everything else together.

Which brings us to the well-covered topic of aquarium powerheads, also known as flow pumps.

Overflowing With Options - Choosing an Aquarium Powerheads.

The last several years revealed a host of surprises, especially in the world of aquaria. Advancements in marine technology and scientific understanding created a new evolution in hobbyist equipment.

Unlike the past, the current aquarium marketplace is overflowing with brands dedicated to the art of reef keeping. The biggest change, outside of how we cultivate our underwater world, is how we shop for new equipment.

The question buyers must now answer is more about preferences than actual build and/or quality. While this isn’t the case for all aquarium equipment, it certainly is for powerheads.

For my latest powerhead purchase, I had several baseline preferences (i.e., requirements):

• Quiet operational noise.
• Wide flow pattern.
• Flexible/Versatile.
• Connectivity.

Ultimate Clownfish Grow-Out Tank Hack: Flow Pumps.

Grow-out tanks are, like its name suggests, tanks used as temporary living quarters for baby fish from 2 months old.

Because of its purpose, some feel a return pump offers sufficient water movement. After all, grow-out tanks are temporary homes. Think of it as more like a hotel than a house. Even still, the flippant attitude some have toward grow-out tank setup borders on counterproductive.

There’s several good reasons why powerheads also belong in a grow-out tank:

• Stronger flow increases fish activity (energy usage).
• Increased activity results in hungrier fish (food replaces spent energy stores).
• Fish consume more food, and as a result, grow faster and healthier.
• Consistent water movement enhances filter system - better nutrients export (purer water quality).

In many ways, flow pumps hack grow-out tank efficiency and livestock heartiness.

Ultimately, my preferences led to the Nero 5 Submersible Powerhead. Sold under the AquaIllumination brand, this advanced flow pump satisfies each preference, and then some.

Before diving into its features and performance, let’s start at the beginning.

AquaIllumination: The Brains Behind the Brand.

Like many aquarium products, AquaIllumination is the retail branch of acclaimed manufacturing guru, C2 Development, Inc. Established in 2007, this American company may not be the biggest name in the industry, but don’t let that fool you.

Based out of Ames, Iowa, all PCB’s are assembled in this midwestern city. Generally, I try to avoid blanket statements, but when it comes to build quality: American made equipment is oftentimes superior in durability and efficiency.

In my opinion, the biggest difference between C2 Development and other suppliers is how they approach product development. Instead of building upon competitor models, they create from a unique position of engineering and design.

As an engineer, their commitment to operational ingenuity is, to say the least, endearing. Combined with a creative design team, the resulting products are as brilliant in function as in appearance.

Nero 5 Powerhead Review - Innovative Design & Function.

Building upon industry standard specs, Nero 5 by AI is a sleek, quiet and potent powerhead for a variety of tanks. After using it in my grow-out tank, there’s three distinct qualities worth mentioning.

Before delving further, it’s important to note that while my experience with the Nero 5 Powerhead is limited to grow-out tanks, it’s versatility makes it ideal for main display reef tanks, as well.

#1: Smarter Water Movement - Flow Rates & Patterns.

Broad flow patterns are quintessential features of high quality powerheads. Instead of a narrow stream of movement slicing through a tank, broadened flow patterns manipulate large sections of water. This creates an even and gentle, yet simultaneously powerful, flow.

The AI Nero 5 offers a staggering 3,000 GPH (gallons per hour) flow rate. Translation: this compact pump moves a maximum of 3,000 gallons of water each and every hour.

Such interesting performance comes from several dynamic design choices:

Propeller Location.

The AI Nero 5 pushes such large volumes of water, at least in part, by placing propeller blades front-and-center. Unlike traditional designs, which house blades behind the stationary motor casing, known as the stator, blades rotate on the stator exterior.

Although only one component, blade placement produces a larger water cross-section. In other words, more water movement.

• Feed Mode - Specifically developed for target feeding, flow rates are reduced to prevent food from flying away. Lasts for 10 minutes.

• All Off Mode - Used to reset a flow mode. Once activated, previous settings are reset. Perfect when you accidentally increase or decrease a flow rate.

#2: Digital Connectivity for Maximum Control - myAI App.

Powerhead control is equally as important as its internal and external design. Without an accurate, and efficient, control panel (or interface) performance features are useless. As we move deeper into the digital age, equipment interaction has taken a whole new form.

In the aquarium marketplace, app-based control systems are the new industry standard. After using several digital apps, the myAI app used by AI Nero 5 is one of the easiest and intuitive available.

Here’s what I enjoy about the myAI app:

• Directly connects with the Nero 5 via integrated Bluetooth.
• Works for iOS and Android devices.
• Complete control over one or multiple pumps (supports up to five separate pumps).
• Streamlines flow setting adjustment and monitoring.
• Integrates with select lighting kits (I use mine with the AI Hydra 26 lights and it’s perfect).

Of course, those who aren’t fans of digital controls still have a home with the Nero 5. The manual control panel located on the device offers complete control over settings and features. However, if you’ve never controlled both flow and lights from a single app, you’re missing out.

#3: AI Nero 5 - Simplified (not diluted) Power.

The final quality is more of a collaboration from all Nero 5 features and designs. It’s the unspeakable sensation when a product accomplishes more than its intended goal.

#2 - Usage Versatility.

I love how quick and easy the AI Nero 5 Powerhead is removed from its mount. With one hand, I can remove the pump and adjust its flow direction. From a grow-out tank to your main display tank, its straightforward adjustment design is an awesome benefit.

#3 - Simplified Tank Maintenance.

Nobody enjoys cleaning/removing the collection of fish poop, old food and other mysterious gunk from their bare bottom tanks. Yet, this is a necessary task. Obviously, any hack geared toward maintenance/cleaning is a welcomed idea.

Because the AI Nero 5 is easily dismounted, I regularly remove the pump and carefully point it toward the tank floor. This simple action has monumental results. The wide flow patterns gently blows unsavory bits up into the tank filtering system. This effortless action has made a notable difference in my grow-out tank cleanliness.

Optimized Flow for Enhanced Results - Nero 5 Final Thoughts.

Overall, I’m beyond happy with the AI Nero 5. From its refined flow modes to its off-label use as a tank janitor, this is a powerful and reliable flow pump.

Whether you’re like me and want a versatile grow-out tank powerhead, or want to upgrade your display tank flow pump, the AI Nero 5 is a solid device for new and veteran reefers.

Whether you’re just starting out in this exciting hobby, or are an experienced reefer looking to refine your skills, ReefHacks is here for you. If you have any questions, or wish to comment on this review, visit our Facebook page and send us a message.

by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.