Getting started with hydros, looking for advice.

[spscrackhead]

Looking to join the hydros family and am seeking some advice on where to start.
Things I would be looking to control include;
Calcium reactor
Kalk dosing in the PM
Carbon dosing
Heater
Fuge lights(not super important)
Return pump power monitoring if possible
Leak detection

I would like to monitor all of the standard tank vitals.
I was leaning towards the x4/xp8 pro pack. I KNOW this is something that I will grow over time and figgured this would give me the most flexibility in the future.
Thoughts and input appreciated.

 

[becca10]

Honestly, I started there, X4 starter, and wish I would have just gone to the X10 bundle. I now have added the Minnow, and X3S and would still like to add the iV. Would have saved myself some money in the long run. I love the system, I am not super techie and this was super easy to install and get running. I am currently monitoring the temp, ph, salinity, my ATO and dosing my 2 part.

 

[spscrackhead]

Honestly, I started there, X4 starter, and wish I would have just gone to the X10 bundle. I now have added the Minnow, and X3S and would still like to add the iV. Would have saved myself some money in the long run. I love the system, I am not super techie and this was super easy to install and get running. I am currently monitoring the temp, ph, salinity, my ATO and dosing my 2 part.

The x10 comes with the 4 dosing heada but no outlet control (xp8)? I already have masterflex peristaltic pumps so I dont think I need the dosing pumps. I was planning to control them with the xp8.

 

[n2585722]

The x10 comes with the 4 dosing heada but no outlet control (xp8)? I already have masterflex peristaltic pumps so I dont think I need the dosing pumps. I was planning to control them with the xp8.

The X4 does not have a salinity port but if that is not important the that is a good place to start. You can always add an X10, Launch or X3-S for a salinity port also. You would just need a command bus cable to add it to the collective. You would also need to get the salinity probe kit which has the probe and a couple of bottles of calibration fluid. The probe cord is short so depending you might want to get a BNC extension cable from Amazon for it.