AI Nero 5 - 3 Month Review - aqua illuminations all new power head pump

Tiny and extremely mighty. The all new AI Nero 5 by aqua illumination packs some punch in a small package. After a few months of use i decided it was time for a review!
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[@dirtydogsanddiesel]

Nice review. I have been running 2 of these since they were released alongside 2 of my mp40qd and in all honest i love them. Got them on the back wall which is black so they are virtually invisible. Great quiet bit of kit.

[@ReefDudes]

Good to hear your loving yours too!!

[@thomasreefer5345]

Hi. Which one is more quiet? MP40 or Nero?

[@fondoo]

Thanks for a 3month review. Mines are coming this Thursday. I’m pumped!

[@ReefDudes]

Thats exciting! you will love it!

[@compyginorio5604]

I'm very impress with that pump. I got it on my wish list. As the replacement for my actual non brand pump. Really nice review. Have a great week!

[@ReefDudes]

Thanks Compy! have an awesome week as well!

[@ProppedNutFPV]

Nice review. Thanks. Can't help it. I hear the "light on the fan. LOL. Kinda like hearing colors 🌈 and 👀seeing sounds 🎶 Thanks again for all of your content.

[@ReefDudes]

Paul Butchyk Propped Nut FPV hahah thanks Paul. It’s like being one with the reef!

[@tinabloomfield7228]

Looks like a great little pump!! Awsome review

[@ReefDudes]

Thank you!

[@braveheartreefer525]

Great review Dev tank looking awesome

[@ReefDudes]

Thanks! :)

[@BlueCarbonReefing]

Nice review Dev. Looks like a quality little pump. I can think of a few places this pump would be perfect for.

[@ReefDudes]

I like it! I think back of how many pumps i have bought/upgraded over the years and which i had this way back when!

[@StewartRocco]

Great review 👍

[@TheReeferYT]

Nice video Deven. Been thinking about this pump, maybe I should have got one when it was discounted during Boxing Day. 👍

[@nat-kingreef3955]

Thanks Dev, just ordered 2 for my 90 gallon 💯

[@thereefinrican]

Great small power head pump for nano like you mentioned. I like the AI products currently I just have the lights but will try the pump in my Nano in the future.

[@ReefDudes]

So far I'm with you and have been happy with all of the AI products i have used. Very high quality stuff!

[@AS-qi7iu]

Awesome video dev, loving how the nano is maturing👍🏿. Would be awesome to get an update video of it

[@ReefDudes]

Thanks Amrik! ill do a full update on it soon!

[@AS-qi7iu]

@@ReefDudes cant wait 👍

[@anibalchannel6666]

Hi there nice review thank you for sharing

[@ReefDudes]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@IkanHiasLaut]

AI product always amazing

[@schummelpilz]

Great review! I would have loved to see the demo on the small tank. The only reason I didn't buy it even though I wanted was that I thought it's just to intense for my 25g lagoon.

[@ReefDudes]

You can turn them down as low as 1% so you could use in a tiny tank. Ill do an update on the nano soon and show it more

[@Utubereefer]

Just got a brand new one for $200! Can’t wait to get it in my 65 gallon tank! 🐟

[@fishysnowman9082]

Really nice video. Didn’t think you can run it in a Nano tank. Like that. Good to know. 👍👍

[@ReefDudes]

Thanks @Fishy Snowman That's why i got it! you can put it at 1-2% if you wanted and prob throw it in a pico! :P

[@otchoa94]

Thanks for the video ! what pump is less noisy please ? nero 5 or MP40 ? thanks

[@Guacamole44479]

HI Deven. I've been looking for a relatively cost-effective wave pump that is programmable (manual or wireless) to replicate cycles over time and is not static in output force. The AI Nero seems to be a good option ***that does not require additional hardware add-ons*** aside from the Neptune Wav (if one has an Apex). Can you think of any other wave pumps that fit this bill that I'm missing? Also - the glass thickness consideration - what specific type of magnet do you recommend? This is an added time-investment for those naive amongst us in this fascinating hobby. Kind thanks!

[@ReefDudes]

Nero is an excellent choice as it has all the capabilities built in. For thicker glass you could use a stronger magnet on the outside or even glue the inside magnet in place with a dab of silicone if it was super thick glass.

[@craigschoonmaker4317]

Thank you for your review! I wish I could see this in person but can't so: Will this push enough water over 4' or would you go MP40 instead? Flow not a serious problem now, as I have a VorTech M1 on full power. Impressive unit.

[@ReefDudes]

It pushed water in my 6’ tank so you would be good for 4’. Honestly it’s a hard one as I own both and like both

[@billywillimson899]

Just got one of these for my 120lt how long did you eventually run it with the magnet in the weir section? And did you have any problems it would go lovely on my corner weir and would get a lovely flow round the tank just worried about it leaching into the water, glad I found this video to see someone had the same thought as me

[@ReefDudes]

No issues after running it for quite a while. Could always throw the magnet in a ziplock if you wanted extra protection :)

[@ronscopes]

Would the Nero 3 be sufficient for a 65 gallon cichlid tank or should I go with Nero 5 ?

[@ScooteX]

Great review.. I know you commented on how loud it was on your nano, but how loud was it at 100% on your 6ft?

[@ReefDudes]

Sc00teX you can hear it at 100% if your right beside it but just (I had all other pumps and flow off on the tank). It’s still extremely quiet and a very faint noise.

[@dramad2974]

I have one, yet to install. One thing I seen after purchasing this pump is the similarities to the wave puck, which is no longer available or very hard to find for purchase. The wave had horrible review and the AI pump got all the glory. They are basically the same except the wave puck being 150$ cheaper and a better connected controller. I'm not knocking the nero5 as I have one, just wish I would have known about the wave puck before I purchased the nero5 for price and comparison. Great review and thanks for sharing.

[@Joaquin-227]

At 5:30 the pump is rocking back and forth is the magnet not strong enough to keep it in place? Or was it poorly installed?

[@ReefDudes]

Its the magnet . Its rated for upto 13mm glass. My big reef is 19mm so its way over spec. But i wanted to see what it could do on a 160g tank.

[@acesofair519]

Thanks for the great vid! Is this Apex ready?

[@ReefDudes]

Not at this time. It uses bluetoohLE to communicate. I don't believe Neptune has a Bluetooth module out at this time.

[@_stecullen]

What is the best pulse or mode to have for getting detritus from the base please?

[@jaebrooks6627]

Do you still have the nero 5 on tank with magnet in the overflow? If so have you had any issues with it?

[@ReefDudes]

I'm using it on a diff tank now.. if you were worried you could always pop it inside of a ziplock bag to add an extra layer of protection :)

[@ahoyskid]

Hey. Is this too big/powerful for a 14 gallon tank?

[@gino.from.chicago]

How low is low with the Nero? I have a 40 gallon reef (36x18x15) and I’m looking for a pump that’s not overpowering. Thanks!

[@ReefDudes]

Gino Vanaria you can go down to 1% if you want for a very small tank. This pump is very versatile

[@Val_Halla777]

Hi Dev - I’m considering buying 2 of these (or maybe Nero 3’s) for my tank’s back wall. Their app looks amazingly well designed. Since I’m using Apex for feed modes and there’s no Apex BT module out yet...would it be correct to assume the only way to use Apex Feed modes w/b to power the Neros off/on via EB outlet ? Would there be any issues doing this? Cheers 🍻

[@ReefDudes]

No issues powering them down for feed mode. I normally turn off my return pump and leave power heads going for feedmode.. keeps the food suspended until fish and coral can grab it :)

[@Val_Halla777]

ReefDudes Awesome thanks Dev. Ya I do the same. I just have wave pumps off for a bit first. Also my pumps seem to pulverize my flake food. Thanks for the reply. Cheers!

[@BurchellJack]

I have the same nano tank, does the cable fit underneath the rear sump screen?

[@RogueAquariums]

I also saw the Nero 5 at Macna. I like the sleekness & the power for just a small unit. I’d be curious as to what the thickness the magnet 🧲 is good for.

[@ReefDudes]

Rating is 1/2" / 13mm.. that being said it did work on my 19mm glass but it wasnt a super strong bond. If i used it there full time i would likely find a larger magnet for the outside of the tank. The flow also pushes it back and holds it in place real well so may or may not be an issue.

[@RogueAquariums]

ReefDudes that’s true. a larger magnet is a quick fix

[@cameron6824]

I have personal played with the Nero and a bit of a warning don't use max setting on small tanks it blows everything everywhere. 😎👍

[@ReefDudes]

Cameron wise advice !

[@kymchierego3482]

Hi Devon I am looking at replacing my gyros 250 with either 2 Nero’s or 2 mp40. tank is 45in x 30in x 24in honest what would you choose. I like the gyros but I don’t like the noise. The mp40 are about $200 a unit more than the Nero

[@ReefDudes]

Both awesome choices. Do you want a wire in the tank or no wire :P. Either one would work well Nero5 3000gph. Mp40 is 4500gph.

[@kymchierego3482]

ReefDudes thankyou

[@kevinkamphuis4154]

Great video. Any thoughts for a nem tank? Good or not so good idea?

[@ReefDudes]

Kevin Kamphuis perfect for that. The water intake is at the very bottom (by magnet / glass) with the sides being solid. I think it would be way safer and less risky then a normal powerhead with a cage on the sides to suck in tentacles!

[@gabesreef]

Didnt know it could rock that tank like that.... wow!!!!

[@ReefDudes]

It’s pretty impressive for it me size!

[@gabesreef]

@@ReefDudes VERY!!!

[@drfootankle]

Hi Deven, I saw on AI's site that that magnet is now rated to 16mm. Have you heard anything? Good review

[@ReefDudes]

Bonus! they much have made a bigger one. Still using them i have one on each tank. Great pumps

[@Redneckrino]

That’s pretty high $ I have had jebos for years much cheaper and love them. Thanks for the video 👍🏼

[@ReefDudes]

No prob. I have had my fair share of jebao over the years. They are good for the price point.

[@kimvermeiren79]

Hello. First I want to say I like your video’s very much! So keep on the good work 😉. In your video @ 5:10 you hear the nero making a lot of noise. I had a nero 7, but above 25% I was noisy like on your video. So i sendt it back to the shop. Did I had bad luck with my pump, or are there more people with this probleme?

[@ReefDudes]

In general they are very quiet On full power you can hero the nero7 but most speeds it’s pretty dang quiet overall

[@Sativa098]

do you still use it and is the magnet still good after being in the salt?

[@ReefDudes]

Yep!

[@Dead_Aim556]

Random question what type of trigger fish is that and does it eat corals @reefdudes

[@ReefDudes]

Blue throat and perfectly safe with corals :)

[@darenbrown3527]

I have a 75 gallon tank 48 inches long with one Nero 5 . I have sps corals and a bubble coral 1 torch what mode would you use and at what speed/ settings? Thanks in advance still learning

[@ReefDudes]

I would sue the ransom mode. (Orange one). As for speed depends on your tank but I would crank up the flow as long as it’s not bugging anything .. more the marrier :)

[@RipVanWinkle_Nature_Discovery]

Would have loved to get this but not available here. What's the power input rating say, Dev? 220 ~ 100?

[@ReefDudes]

RipVan Winkle it says 100-240v at 1amp :)

[@RipVanWinkle_Nature_Discovery]

@@ReefDudes Thanks!

[@jonandlisa2000]

Nice review but no idea why they didn’t make the impeller black 🤔

[@palmtree1144]

Blinkyfish I think the blue looks dope

[@chrisgroves5236]

Would you recommend pulse method or constant?

[@ReefDudes]

I use pule or random. I feel the corals appreciate variety rather than being blasted the same way 24/7.

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

Nice pump. I just worry about fish getting to the propeller

[@Steve-514]

Does the Bluetooth have to be on for the schedule to work after its programed ? I don't want to have it on to not drain my battery or will it just stay on continuous flow if I turn it off ?

[@ReefDudes]

Nope. Only when you want to connect to it and change the programming

[@Steve-514]

@@ReefDudes thanks. No information anywhere on that

[@viethoang6203]

What is the stand? Custom made metal?

[@jeffjarry4257]

Thanks for the video can I use two nero 5 on same app ? Thanks

[@ReefDudes]

Sure can!

[@elmersanchez6010]

Would i be able to use this in a low setting in a 10 gal?

[@ReefDudes]

Yep sure could. I used it in a 20g no prob

[@davidmhdjkedbek]

Do you run hydra lights with the same app?

[@ReefDudes]

I do not own any hydras so I can’t confirm but I would assume so as the prime fuge works in that app

[@wiekiatong4018]

One of the best pump.... cheap and good.

[@twinturbo111]

Wie Kiat Ong it sure as hell is not cheap ... $300

[@ReefDudes]

@@twinturbo111 Nope not cheap initially but its very well built and versatile.. if it was out 5-6 years ago when i started with a nano.. and I think how many times i have upgraded power heads.. this same little pump could have worked in all of them and saved alot more then it costs in the never ending upgrades as i upgrade tanks.. so its all in perspective! :)

[@nickspiros1519]

Cheap …. Are you serious !!

[@twinturbo111]

@@ReefDudes let's way for your 5-year super long review ;-) Honestly, I doubt the product will survive (without increasing noise) past 3 years... not to say it's not a good product tho... BUT i bought my 2 gyres xf250 + controller for around $400...

[@ReefDudes]

twinturbo111 remind me in 5 years and illl do an update :P

[@TheCaballerosTV]

Where did you get your waterproof magnet?? Thanks

[@ReefDudes]

It’s the one that comes with it

[@TheCaballerosTV]

@@ReefDudes oh I need to put more attention thanks for the fast reply

[@26Tackle.reviews]

cool but around same price as much stronger vortech mp40" wich would you buy reefdudes

[@ReefDudes]

Depends on the situation. I do have multiple MP40's on my big tank and love them... If i was a new reefer with a smaller tank i would buy the Nero5 for my smaller tank and then not worry about upgrading and replacing when i upgrade my tank as this little guy is more than capable!

[@26Tackle.reviews]

thanks for reply and love your big reef tank

[@ReefDudes]

@@26Tackle.reviews Thanks Jonny!

[@rc2300s2r]

@5:28 you can see the whole thing twisting from it’s torque. I just picked up 2 @ $199 each from BRS. My main concern is the weak magnets. I know my local hardware store stocks neo mags though. Sooo...

[@ReefDudes]

haha yes, I also had it on 3/4" glass which is much higher than its rated for :P Sounds like you have a good plan!

[@rc2300s2r]

Oh good to hear it’s on 3/4 glass when it’s doing that. I though it was 1/2 and was getting a little worried. Thanks for the reply.

[@ReefDudes]

@@rc2300s2r was 19mm (way higher then its rated for) i just wanted to push it and see what it could do!

[@rc2300s2r]

I just installed my two Nero 5s and the magnets are weak. I’m at 1/2 inch glass. Looks like a trip to the hardware store for me. 🤔

[@eqbalaizimi8099]

will smaller fish be able to get in and hurt themselves on the impeller?

[@ReefDudes]

There is no way they could swim into the front. The new ones now have a guard you can out around the outside back where it sucks in if you want added protection.

[@jeffreymedeiros6253]

I have a 240 and I run 2 MP40’s. What are your thoughts as compared to the MP40’s?

[@ReefDudes]

I have both, both great pumps (wire in the tank vs no wire)

[@jeffreymedeiros6253]

@@ReefDudes $199 for the AI5 or $149 for rhe AI3 while $399 for the MP10 or $449 for the MP40. There’s a drastic price difference. Allow me to reword: given the price differential is the MPseries worth the extra money or would you rather get the AI and have money in your pocket?

[@ReefDudes]

​@@jeffreymedeiros6253 Vortech Plus - Maintenance is super easy.. turn it off. pop off the front easy to clean or swap. no wires in the tank Nero Pros - Small and great flow for its size! all depends on your wants/budgets. I love wire free in my tank so i went for mp40/60 on my large tanks. IN my old nano i had the nero on the backwall and it blended in. I Had the outside magnet in the overflow and it worked great! Personal choice, i think they are both great pumps and it depends on the scape/tank/layout ect.

[@kchamberlain86]

I have 2 of these. I do wish the magnets were stronger. As you can see in your vid when you had it on the back and on pulse mode it was rocking. Kinda scary if it rocked off and went into your sand bed. Other then that I do like the pump.

[@ReefDudes]

My glass is also 5mm thicker then they are rated for. I just wanted to show that it could :)

[@kchamberlain86]

True :) it’s still a nice pump. My Jebaos are garbage

[@ReefDudes]

@@kchamberlain86 My jebaos always sounded like little organs playing different tones as the flow intensity changed.. drove me nuts

[@1MartinWaite]

Don't buy a mp wavemaker then as my mp10 won't stay on 8mm glass if I run it at anything more than 30% in my opinion ecotech are overpriced and not very good value for the price. Nero or gyre wavemakers for me any and all the time.

[@nickspiros1519]

Nice features but at a $ 300 pricepoint I would by an MP40 which has a lot more power for a few bucks more no brainer

[@ReefDudes]

I have MP40s on my main tank. awesome pumps! I think this pump shines for someone with a smaller tank as it works awesome on my 20g and is more than capable on my 160g buy it once and use it for all your upgrades!

[@MHoran86]

Like to hear you review now that it's been a year. I'm about to upgrade my nano tank from a biocube 14 gal to the same 20gal red sea max nano you have. I'm hoping to do the same thing you did, putting it on the back wall, just wanted to know if having the magnet submerged in water was showing any type of affect a year later. Thanks

[@ReefDudes]

Stil in use and going strong! still silent, easy to clean and have been working flawlessly since day one.

[@insectkiller2005]

Why is it when you turn the pumps off and back it has to run a chosen time at 100%

[@ReefDudes]

Maybe some type of self test? No idea!

[@lpsreefer2502]

Just bought one its awsome i love ai products!!! 🤓

[@ReefDudes]

Awesome. They are great pump!

[@davida8052]

Does it compare more to the MP10 or MP40?

[@ReefDudes]

It’s right in the middle! Mp10 is 1500gph. Nero5 is 3000gph and mp40 is 4500gph

[@davida8052]

@@ReefDudes I just can't seem to get past how easy it is to take the wet side of the Vortech pumps out of the water for cleaning. I wish other companies would get on board with no wires in the tank.

[@ReefDudes]

David A that’s one of my favourite features. I used to dread cleaning the cp40 with the wire lol.

[@davida8052]

@@ReefDudes Can it be connected to an Apex?

[@ReefDudes]

David A nope. It uses Bluetooth not wifi so can only be programmed via the app. That being said you program it once and your more or less good to go

[@avishekdesarkar8901]

why was the pump head moving at 5:18, does it have any problem with the magnet?

[@ReefDudes]

Avishek De Sarkar it’s rated for 13mm glass my big tank is 19mm. I’m extremely over it’s rating but wanted to see how it would preform in a. 160g reef

[@longlivefreedom8306]

So for the price and everyone saying how great these are ... Why do so many people run multiple power heads with it but I hear them say how great it is and it's the only one you need ?!? Or are you just using for more of a review ?

[@ReefDudes]

long live freedom I’m Still using it. Great pump Extremely versatile. Wide flow. And packs a punch. How many you “need” really depends on tank size. I have 4 mp40 on my big reef. Do I need 4.... prob not. Is it nice to Have heck yes. I like lots of flow options. (2 are run at like 25%. Other two 50-60%). Many things in this hobby is need no nice to have yes.. it really depends on your Coral / scape

[@EddieDubs]

"I can't remember the glass thickness." Maybe look it up since you're doing a review?

[@clintparsons3989]

I just wish the propeller wasnt blue.

[@ReefDudes]

You don’t really even notice it. It’s subtle

[@MeditationMelodiessounds]

all these powered heads are overpriced.. Jebao do it for me with no issue.

[@adampakla]

Get what you pay for,or I guess I have had bad luck with rw power heads

[@saltwaterjunkie8582]

Way overpriced. There is no way to justify that much money for such a simple device.

[@mostlyreefs710]

Very appealing and versatile. That magnet could be stronger for larger tank applications as can be seen at 5:25. Nice review on a sleek water circulation option.👍

[@ReefDudes]

My tank is 19mm. It’s only rated for 13mm so I’m really pushing it there hahah but it worked :P. If it was on the big tank full time I would likely put a bigger magnet. But I also have much thicker glass than most