2014 has kicked off with a plethora of new nano propeller pumps to address the needs of smaller marine and reef aquariums. Both Sicce, Eheim, Hydor and Cobalt Aquatics have their thrown their hat in the ring for contending in this newly populated segment of the aquarium water pump market.
All of the new pumps on offering this year share one thing in common, and that is a moderate flowrate provided by a low power motor that can range anywhere from three to seven watts. For several years now Tunze’s Nanostream 6015 and Hydor’s Koralia Nano pumps have had the market cornered on small and appropriately powered propeller pumps for the nano aquarium market but this growing category hasn’t gone unnoticed by the marine aquarium industry’s top players.
Sicce Voyager Nano – Sicce’s new miniature water mover has a small footprint inside the tank, magnetic mount, moderately directional flow and a reasonable cost. Two models push 250 or 500gph, available now for around $40.
Hydor Nano Koralia Nano 565 – Hydor’s newest Nano Koralia renamed the 565, pushes 565 gallons per hour, with directional flow, magnetic mount and should cost under $30 when it becomes available early summer 2014.
Eheim StreamON – Eheim’s new small-end water mover will come in two models which are not exactly diminutive in size, but should still fit the bill for the nano reef tanks. The Eheim StreamON 1800 pushes 475 gph with 3D directional outlet & suction cup mount for 28€ ($38). Meanwhile the slightly more refined Eheim StreamON+ 2000 adds magnetic mount and limited flow adjustment for 38€ ($52). Both Eheim Nano pumps consume about 3 watts with an unannounced availability date.
Cobalt Aquatics NanoFlow – The Cobalt Aquatics NanoFlow is the largest of which could be called a Nano Prop Pump. Only slightly smaller than its sibling the NeoFlow, the NanoFlow has an adjustable ball joint for aiming the outflow, magnetic mount and a flowrate of 686gph. It will be released in June for an estimated cost of $60.
