AI Orbit Cross-Flow Pumps

AI Orbit Cross-Flow Pumps

AI Orbit Cross-Flow Pumps from Aqua Illumination are reef aquarium wave makers that create dynamic, ocean-style water movement, circulating water through the tank and helping lift excess nutrients so filtration can remove them. They suit reef keepers who want controllable, app-driven flow in a slim, glass-mounted pump, and they can be paired with a second Orbit or with the Nero pump line.

Key Benefits

• Distinctive cross-flow pattern that circulates water around the aquarium, mirroring the tidal movement found on natural ocean reefs.
• Stirs up and lifts excess nutrients from the bottom of the tank so they can be carried to your filtration and removed.
• Four pump modes: Constant Speed, Pulse, Random and Reverse.
• Reversible flow, so the pump can spin backward as well as forward for more flow-pattern options.
• Smart control is built in as standard, with no separate controller needed.
• Works with Apex Fusion through the MXM module.
• Integrated driver, with variable power consumption.

Why Flow Variety Matters

Reefs thrive in the ocean because of the diversity of flow patterns, and a thriving aquarium ecosystem likewise needs a variety of flow types. Combining Orbit pumps with the Nero pump line, which offers directional and random flow patterns, can replicate the ocean's powerful, directed, systematic and at times chaotic currents. The result is a more authentic and efficient recreation of the oceanic environment in your aquarium.

How to Use

• Attach the pump to the glass using the mounting magnet, keeping within the maximum glass thickness for your model (see Specifications).
• Connect the power adapter, then set up and programme the pump from the myAI or Mobius app on any iOS or Android device.
• Alternatively, control the pump through Apex Fusion by using the MXM module.
• Choose the mode that suits your tank:
  • Constant Speed: a constant stream of flow at the intensity of your choosing.
  • Pulse: uniform high and low levels of flow.
  • Random: simulates a high-energy reef environment.
  • Reverse: reverses the flow direction.

Using Reverse Mode with Two Pumps

Reverse mode is at its most powerful when combined with a second Orbit pump. While one pump pushes the flow in a single cross-flow direction, the second can run in reverse to keep the flow moving across the full length of the aquarium.

Suitable For

• Reef and marine aquariums where varied, ocean-like water movement is wanted.
• Aquarists who want to remove excess nutrients from the bottom of the tank via better circulation and filtration.
• Tanks within the recommended size range for the chosen model (see Specifications).
• Hobbyists who prefer to programme their equipment from a smartphone or tablet.

Compatibility

• myAI app and Mobius app on iOS and Android devices.
• Apex Fusion, via the MXM module.
• Nero pump line, for combining cross-flow with directional and random flow patterns.
• A second Orbit pump, for reverse-mode flow across the length of the tank.

Specifications

• Orbit 2 dimensions: 22.3 cm W x 3.8 cm D x 7.2 cm H (8.78" x 1.5" x 2.83")
• Orbit 2 maximum glass thickness: 15 mm (0.59")
• Orbit 2 power consumption: variable, 25W max
• Orbit 2 recommended tank size: 75-335+ litres (19.8-88.5+ gal)
• Orbit 2 input: 100–240VAC, 50-60Hz, 2A
• Orbit 4 dimensions: 30.7 cm W x 4.3 cm D x 8.0 cm H (12.1" x 1.69" x 3.15")
• Orbit 4 maximum glass thickness: 20 mm (0.79")
• Orbit 4 power consumption: variable, 45W max
• Orbit 4 recommended tank size: 75-450+ litres (19.8-118.9+ gal)
• Orbit 4 input: 100–240VAC, 50-60Hz, 2A

Available Sizes

Available in Orbit 2 and Orbit 4 models.

What's Included

• Orbit pump with integrated driver
• Mounting magnet
• Power adapter
• Quick start guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tank sizes are the Orbit pumps recommended for?
The Orbit 2 is recommended for tanks of 75-335+ litres (19.8-88.5+ gal), and the Orbit 4 for 75-450+ litres (19.8-118.9+ gal). Choose the model that matches your tank volume.

How thick can my aquarium glass be?
The Orbit 2 mounts on glass up to 15 mm (0.59") thick and the Orbit 4 on glass up to 20 mm (0.79") thick. Measure your glass before choosing a model.

Do I need a separate controller?
No. Smart control is built in. You can set up and programme the pump from the myAI or Mobius app on iOS or Android, or control it through Apex Fusion with the MXM module.

Can I run two Orbit pumps together?
Yes. Reverse mode works particularly well with a second Orbit: one pump pushes the cross-flow in a single direction while the other runs in reverse to keep water moving along the length of the tank.

What is the difference between the Pulse and Random modes?
Pulse alternates between uniform high and low flow levels. Random simulates a high-energy reef environment. Constant Speed gives a steady flow at the intensity you set, and Reverse flips the flow direction.

Will the power supply work on South African mains?
The input is rated 100–240VAC, 50-60Hz, 2A, a range that covers 230V at 50Hz. Maximum power draw is 25W for the Orbit 2 and 45W for the Orbit 4, and consumption varies with the flow setting.