AI Nero 5 or Sicce XStream SDC

[fishski13]

Looking for new controllable powerheads for my upgraded tank. Looking between the AI Nero 5 or Sicce XStream SDC. What would be the best choice overall. I have been reading about many people having problems with wifi of both and just both pumps stalling and having errors. Which one would be the most user friendly and reliable? Cons and pros of both?

 

[Steve and his Animals]

Never used the Sicce, but the neros are foolproof. No connectivity issues from any that I've used.

 

[fishski13]

Never used the Sicce, but the neros are foolproof. No connectivity issues from any that I've used.

Have you ever had any trouble with fish getting sucked in?

 

[Tiki_Reef]

Have you ever had any trouble with fish getting sucked in?

The Nero's come with a intake shield that prevents that from happening, great pump I have several no problems at all.

 

[nosduj]

The Nero's come with a intake shield that prevents that from happening, great pump I have several no problems at all.

Same here, my snails regularly get on the shield to clean it

 

[Rjramos]

Funny you wrote about these 2. I have them both running opposite corners in my 120 gallon display. At first the sicce stopped one day as a stuck impeller safety, but when I came home, there was nothing stuck. I restarted it and it ran as programmed. Then it might have done this maybe 2 x afterwards. Since about, 9 months running it, no more problems. The AI Nero 5 definitely takes the aesthetics trophy, the puck design is clearly sleek and compact. This one has run nonstop without a hiccup. The phone app on the Nero is definitely more user friendly and helpful understandable.

 

[Fishingandreefing]

Make sure you check the reviews on the Nero’s. At least I didn’t have a good experience when mine died after less than 2 years.

 

[brihortee]

Are any of the Sicce or Nero powerhead pumps Apex ready or Hydros? I read somewhere that an Sicce XStream-E functioned with the Apex. However, it appears Sicce no longer have the XStream-E (required a cable from Sicce) and was replaced with the XStream SDC Powerhead. I ask because I have so many WiFi apps for aquarium already. It is benefical to have a manual/WiFi because on vacation a person can operate the manual functionality.

I do have a Maxspect Gyre XF350 and would like a smaller (low profile) second WiFi controller pump which works with an Apex or Hydros.

 

[OnePuffMan]

Reviving this thread...I'm facing the same situation. I have a Neptune Apex, so the Sicce's connectability is attractive, but the Nero seems like a better powerhead.

 

[fishski13]

Reviving this thread...I'm facing the same situation. I have a Neptune Apex, so the Sicce's connectability is attractive, but the Nero seems like a better powerhead.

I went with the AI Neros, I really like how sleek and flat they are which doesnt intrude on the viewing. The app is also very easy to use and has a lot of features like different settings and feed mode which I really like.

As for the apex compatibility, I also have an apex, but I didnt really find that to be enough to push me towards the sicce pumps.

 

[OnePuffMan]

I went with the AI Neros, I really like how sleek and flat they are which doesnt intrude on the viewing. The app is also very easy to use and has a lot of features like different settings and feed mode which I really like.

As for the apex compatibility, I also have an apex, but I didnt really find that to be enough to push me towards the sicce pumps.

Thanks. I know the MXM module is coming out soon, so I can always integrate it in the future.