Small. Powerful. Smart!
- Max Flow - 2000 GPH
- Ideal for Aquariums 5-60 Gallons
- App Control with myAI, Mobius, or MXM
- Compatible with Glass Thickness up to 1/2" (13mm)
- Fish Guard Included to Protect Tank Inhabitants
AquaIllumination's Nero 3 creates an adjustable broad flow that is strong but gentle at the same time. Traditional propeller designs produce a hard stream that can irritate corals where the Nero 3's innovative propeller pushes water in a wide pattern that can move foods, detritus, or other free-floating particles around without blasting corals directly.
Powerheads have many different uses around a reef tank, but the main goal is to produce enough flow to keep low-flow spots from forming in your tank and help elevate detritus to be sucked into the filtration. With Bluetooth LE technology you can set the pump up into different modes, or create a daily schedule to change the flow up throughout the day.
Powerful Flow in a Compact Footprint
Nero Pumps offer several flow modes to match the needs of your reef, including:
Random: Keep your tank guessing with the random flow mode. The Nero will randomly change its flow rate throughout the day, creating natural water movement throughout your reef tank.
Pulse: Creating a standing wave can be done with the Nero in Pulse Mode. The pulse interval can be changed to harmonize with your aquarium, along with the max flow rate. Having a wave can cause additional stress on your aquarium, but is a great method for lifting settled detritus from hard-to-reach areas.
Constant: Set it and forget it! Just set the appropriate flow rate and the Nero will keep flowing at that speed until you change the mode or flow.
Schedule: Create a schedule that can utilize multiple different flow modes. With the myAI app, creating a schedule for your flow is simple and can be done in minutes!
Feed: If you target feed, having a pump with feed mode is a requirement. Just hold the driver button for 2-5 seconds to put the Nero into feed mode for 10 minutes.
All-Off: Turn off your pump whenever you want with full control over when it turns back on. Just hold the driver button for 6 or more seconds to turn the pump off. Touching the button again will restart the pump.
Mounting the Nero 3 only takes a minute, and with the included magnetic mounting system, moving the pump around only takes a second. With around 15° of movement, you can angle the Nero to direct flow in your aquarium where you need it.
The two-part mounting system incorporates an inner magnet and an outer magnet that can couple together through 1/2" of glass or less, and the pump then sits into the beveled inner magnet for an isolated and quiet mounting system.
Connect, control, and program compatible EcoTech and AquaIllumination equipment directly from your iOS or Android device with the Mobius app. Mobius gives you an intuitive way to choose proven templates or create custom programs for your aquarium’s flow and lighting needs, while also helping coordinate compatible smart lights, pumps, and other equipment from one simple control platform.
Download the Mobius App:
Neptune Systems, EcoTech Marine, and AquaIllumination have joined forces to bring MXM to life. Now all your favorite EcoTech and AI pumps and lights can be under the wireless control of Apex & Apex Fusion—the user-friendly, yet powerful, interface you already know and love. No more switching between multiple apps.
Learn More: MXM Mobius Wireless Control Module
Nero Quick Compare
| Pump | Max Flow Rate | Recommended Tank Size | Maximum Glass Thickness | Power Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nero 3 | 2,000 GPH | 5-60 gallons | 0.5" / 13 mm | Variable, 20W max |
| Nero 5 | 3,000 GPH | 40-100 gallons | 0.63" / 16 mm | Variable, 30W max |
| Nero 7 | 4,000 GPH | 80-500+ gallons | 0.79" / 20 mm | Variable, 40W max |
Specifications
- Dimensions (Wetside): 1.4" x 2.25"
- Max Glass Thickness: 1/2" (13 mm)
- Flow Rate: Up to 2,000 GPH (7,570 lph)
- Power Consumption: Variable, 20W max
- Recommended Tank Size: 5-60 Gallons
What's Included?
- Nero 3 Powerhead
- Nero 3 Guard
- Nero 3 Controller
- Magnetic Mounting System
- Power Supply
- User Guide
| SKU | 231837 |
|---|---|
| UPC | 653341195524 |
| Backorder ETA | 2026-07-17 00:00:00 |
| Apex Compatible | Yes |
| Pump Placement | Submersible |
| Controllable | Yes - wireless control, Yes - onboard control |
| Power Type | DC |
| Powerhead Type | Propeller / Impeller |
| Max Tank Thickness | 12mm / 0.47in. (≈1/2") |
| Standalone | No |
| Aquarium Type | Saltwater, Freshwater |
| Dimensions | 1.54" x 2.25" (Wetside) |
| Included Mounting | Magnetic |
| Flow Rate | Up to 2000 GPH |
| Control Type | App, Bluetooth, Digital DC Control (Controller Included), Onboard Controls |
| Compatibility | Apex, Mobius |
| Pump Rotor Type | Propeller |
| Power Consumption | Up to 20W |
| Additional Notes | Control via Apex requires MXM Module, sold separately. |
Product Questions
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