AI Nero 3 vs. EM VorTech MP10

[Jdubyo]

I tend to be an indecisive person so I need some help from the community! I am setting up a Waterbox 35.1 (18” cube) and I am not sure which pumps to go with. I keep weighing the pros and cons of each and keep changing my mind. o_O

Please let me know which you would chose and why. I will be doing one on each side and am planning to do a mixed tank much more heavy on the lps/softy side. Maybe a seriatopora and/or pocillopora and that will be it for sps.

Thanks in advance!

 

[homer1475]

Mp10

I just like the heat and cords outside the tank.

 

[Jdubyo]

Mp10

I just like the heat and cords outside the tank.

Yes! This is a very strong pro making me lean toward the MP10. That price though....

 

[Gernader]

I have 2 MP40s for my 75g and I love them! I know they are expensive, but they do last for a long time. I know a bunch of reefers who are still using the same vortechs for over 14 years...

 

[homer1475]

Have a look through the for sale section. Plenty of MP10's on there for quite a bit less then retail.

 

[Jdubyo]

How about the shape of the flow? I have heard the neros have a much wider flow pattern where the MP10s are more narrow.

 

[Max_nano]

I was deciding between Nero 5 and Mp10 and went for the Nero because I could place it on the false wall of my AIO with the other magnet in the back chamber. I like the mounting options that provides. I would suggest looking at the gyre options as well. I got the ice cap 2k and it’s been great. You can swap the propellor pieces for really quick maintenance, similar to the mp10

 

[Jdubyo]

I was deciding between Nero 5 and Mp10 and went for the Nero because I could place it on the false wall of my AIO with the other magnet in the back chamber. I like the mounting options that provides. I would suggest looking at the gyre options as well. I got the ice cap 2k and it’s been great. You can swap the propellor pieces for really quick maintenance, similar to the mp10

I did consider the gyres but would they be too much for an 18 inch cube?

 

[hart24601]

My waterbox 100.3 I have an mp10, Nero 3 and two tunze 6040. Imo the Nero is the far superior pump. It seems to have more flow and I like the design with being able to angle the flow a little. The mp10 I often bump the external bit with my shoulder or when cleaning the glass and then need to realign the parts, not huge deal, but it’s another plus for the Nero.

 

[Jdubyo]

Maybe I’ll just buy 2 of each and just watch my tiny cube turn into a whirlpool. ;Wacky

The decisions!

 

[RSREEFING]

I actually have the nero 5 and two MP10WQD'S. I love them both. The Nero 3 is the same as the Nero 5, just smaller and lower flow rate.

Nero 5, while its small. It has some power in it! I have a IM 50 Lagoon (with sand) and I could never run it at 100% without having a sand storm. The app is great too, you can schedule the pump to change different flows throughout the day. Not just that but you can also change the flow rate within each flow pattern. *Don't quote me* I believe the magnet that goes outside the tank can also go inside the tank.
The bad, to be honest there aren't many issues for me. The wire is in the tank but its not a big issue for me. The pump is strong enough to pull a fish in (Nero5) so a guard is needed. I got two from AI for like $10 with shipping and works amazing. Not sure if it's a downside but it has a controller if you can't access the app. Its not as good as using the app but It gets the job done.

MP10WQD, they are great pumps. The obvious advantage, wires and motor are outside the tank. Just like the Nero you can customize flow patterns and flow rates throughout the day. It does have a controller that you can change modes and flow rates but it won't change throughout the day. So whatever you choose, it will stay on that. You can connect pumps to each other through the app, so they can communicate to each other. Example, my right side will start at 80% and go down to 10% but the left pump will start at 10% and up to 80%. Watch BRS video if it sounds confusing lol.
The bad, you can't change the direction of the head. It has to be flat on the glass. I run mine up to 70% on my tank, which technically my glass thickness is to thick so that might be the issue but you can hear it run. Not something to turn me away from the pump.

Both pumps are amazing and really strong. Which either one you go with. You will be very pleased.

 

[Jdubyo]

I actually have the nero 5 and two MP10WQD'S. I love them both. The Nero 3 is the same as the Nero 5, just smaller and lower flow rate.

Nero 5, while its small. It has some power in it! I have a IM 50 Lagoon (with sand) and I could never run it at 100% without having a sand storm. The app is great too, you can schedule the pump to change different flows throughout the day. Not just that but you can also change the flow rate within each flow pattern. *Don't quote me* I believe the magnet that goes outside the tank can also go inside the tank.
The bad, to be honest there aren't many issues for me. The wire is in the tank but its not a big issue for me. The pump is strong enough to pull a fish in (Nero5) so a guard is needed. I got two from AI for like $10 with shipping and works amazing. Not sure if it's a downside but it has a controller if you can't access the app. Its not as good as using the app but It gets the job done.

MP10WQD, they are great pumps. The obvious advantage, wires and motor are outside the tank. Just like the Nero you can customize flow patterns and flow rates throughout the day. It does have a controller that you can change modes and flow rates but it won't change throughout the day. So whatever you choose, it will stay on that. You can connect pumps to each other through the app, so they can communicate to each other. Example, my right side will start at 80% and go down to 10% but the left pump will start at 10% and up to 80%. Watch BRS video if it sounds confusing lol.
The bad, you can't change the direction of the head. It has to be flat on the glass. I run mine up to 70% on my tank, which technically my glass thickness is to thick so that might be the issue but you can hear it run. Not something to turn me away from the pump.

Both pumps are amazing and really strong. Which either one you go with. You will be very pleased.

I really appreciate the insight!

so far I look like this based on what all of you have said and some research I have done:

MP10-

Pros : external motor/wiring
Battery backup
Currently using Vectra pump on my set up

Cons : non directional
Price

Nero 3-

pros : small form factor
Omni directional
2 pumps for the price of 1 MP10
Currently using AI light

cons : wiring in tank
Ease of maintenance (compared to MP10)

 

[hart24601]

I really appreciate the insight!

so far I look like this based on what all of you have said and some research I have done:

MP10-

Pros : external motor/wiring
Battery backup
Currently using Vectra pump on my set up

Cons : non directional
Price

Nero 3-

pros : small form factor
Omni directional
2 pumps for the price of 1 MP10
Currently using AI light

cons : wiring in tank
Ease of maintenance (compared to MP10)

Just keep in mind the external motor isn’t always a positive, especially in a high traffic area where someone might bump it. I also think the Nero moved a decent amount more water.

 

[stylolvr]

I have gone through the same internal debate for my Waterbox 20 cube build (still haven't set it up yet) and decided on the Nero 3 over the MP10. While I do like the wire/motor out of the water, I don't feel that justifies the price point. I will be running an AI Prime 16HD and like the idea of being able to control light and flow from just one app. I am hoping to mount the Nero on the back/false wall because I don't want to see it on the side of the tank (remains to be seen if this will be a good spot or not). Good luck with your decision!

 

[argiBK]

Honestly, I think either choice is right as both powerheads are proven and backed by a good company (since AI and Ecotech have merged). They just have slighty different takes on your aquarium's equipment ecosystem/family.

I run two Nero 5s and one Nero 3 on my 80 gallon (4' x 2' x 16") and will be be sticking with them. Previously ran two Gyre 230s which were also great, but occupied a lot of space in tank as well as not being as easily configurable as the Neros or MPs. A long time ago, I also ran two MP10s (pre-QD) in a 60 gallon cube, which I also liked save for the noise they seemed to create.

My reasons for sticking with the Neros:

• You can adjust their direction to better configure overall flow in the tank
• Their size profile in-tank is pretty small, especially the Nero 3
  • I've moved my Nero 3 to the rear of the tank behind the rock work to improve nutrient export in that low flow area
• The size profile outside of the tank is ideal with the magnets being quite thin and not being an eyesore
  • The size of the external magnet also opens up more placement options, depending on where your tank is located and where you want to place the powerheads
• Both models are quite powerful, with the Nero 3 offering more focused flow and the Nero 5 offering a broader cone of flow
  • I'm sure the range MPs also offer this, but I enjoy that that the Nero 3 is so compact and is a more gradual step up to the Nero 5 (vs. stepping up from the MP10 to the MP40 or MP60, both of which to me are more significant steps up in tank size/class)
  • Hopefully AI offers a bigger Nero 7(?) model to offer a similar range of options
• They all come with anemone guards
  • These require cleaning to keep flow optimal over the LT. I've taken my guards completely off now that my newest anemones are settled.
• The myAI app is probably one of the best designed and easiest-to-use reef control apps
• Troubleshooting Neros often just requires the units to be cleaned, and, AI has improved their customer service efforts
  • This was my biggest concern in adopting AI products again as a long time ago, I had AI Vegas over my 60 gallon and was severely disappointed in getting adequate support from AI when a unit failed, not so anymore
  • Also, not to say that the Ecotech troubleshooting is poor, I think AIs support improved after the merger because of Ecotech!

 

[offtropic]

I have a Nero 3 in a 20gallon and an MP40 in my 90g (along with two gyres). Both are excellent. The dispersion from the Nero3 does seem to be wider/broader which works well for me in a smaller tank (less blasting a specific area but tons of flow throughout the tank). Wire in/out of tank is pretty subjective and will partially depend on where you want to mount the powerhead. Software on both is great (I find the Nero to be a bit simpler and more intuitive but ymmv).

 

[TerraFerma]

Nero - MP10 is louder and has too many falling off the tank problems (both wet and dry side).

 

[Jib]

I've been looking at both of these as well. On Vortech's website, they have a flow calculator. When putting my tank (14G) into it, the reccomended flow was well out of the MP10's optimal zone. It's too powerful for my small tank. FOr that reason I'm leaning toward and Nero 3.

VorTech Flow Calculator – EcoTech Marine

ecotechmarine.com

 

[argiBK]

I've been looking at both of these as well. On Vortech's website, they have a flow calculator. When putting my tank (14G) into it, the reccomended flow was well out of the MP10's optimal zone. It's too powerful for my small tank. FOr that reason I'm leaning toward and Nero 3.

What I appreciate about the MyAI app is that it tells you how much flow, and what type of flow (random, pulse) each pump is generating at the moment, so there's no real second guessing, and you can adjust on-the-fly.

 

[Silent]

I like my mp10 but I would rather have 2 neros for the same price. The mp10 hum is the loudest thing on my tank. It is not loud just the hum happens to be the loudest as everything else is silent.