Hydros AWC

[Reef Hub]

I have done AWC on both systems. Deftly recommend it on Hydros versus Apex. Neptune AWC does not include low/high sensors out of the box for AWC. You calibrate the pump heads and hope for the best. The issue here comes in when there is head pressure. It’s not so much an issue as draining/removing the water from the system but when most people introduce head pressure when refilling the system. Say for example you change 2500ml a day. You’ll end up removing 2500 ml but when you refill you are actually only doing 2000ml when head pressure is accounted for.

Hydros uses low/high sensors for AWC. The high sensor is also your ATO sensor. During AWC the ATO is disabled, water drains until low sensor is triggered and then the system is refilled until the high sensor is triggered. Much more stable on your water parameters long term.

I also did a video on my YouTube channel covering Hydros AWC if you’d like to check it out.
Link to my channel is in my signature.

Good luck and happy reefing!

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

I use a Stenner connected to a Hydros XP8 and am happy.

 

[Manose]

I have a Apex and DOS at about 88feet away and works really well
(not setup right now due to tank change but have the lines ready to go)

 

[Mjm1121]

Hydros super cheap and easy to set up don’t try and use regular dosing pumps for that large of volume. Get high volume perilistic pumps. Not silent but cheap and easy to replace mine have been going for over a year with no problems.

Peristaltic Pump, 500mL/min Large Flow Peristaltic Pump Made of 304 Stainless Steel with Transparent PC Head(12V) https://a.co/d/1dr3oJf


I bought two of these one for drain one for fill. 32$ on Amazon and then I ordered two plugs for them. Get two of their water sensors one for ATO level and one for low level (you can also put it on a timer)

Use one of their 40$ WiFi plugs to turn the pumps on and off.

Super easy.

I do a few gallons a day on my 300 gallon tank.

Let me know if you want pictures.

This seems like the most straightforward option to my simple brain lol. Planning my first reef tank nowhere near your volume but would love some pics if you can. It’s a 48g tank, so not sure to what extent automation is worth it with a smaller tank, but would like to make things as hands free as possible. Thanks!

 

[alindell]

I’m looking to add an AWC system to my new tank using a controller and am having the age old debate of hydros vs. apex. Currently Im more interested in hydros overall as a controller system but it seems that more people use apex with DOS for AWC. Does anyone have opinions on using hydros with their AWC set up?

Never used hydros. Heard good things. Apex seems to work fine.

 

[n2585722]

This seems like the most straightforward option to my simple brain lol. Planning my first reef tank nowhere near your volume but would love some pics if you can. It’s a 48g tank, so not sure to what extent automation is worth it with a smaller tank, but would like to make things as hands free as possible. Thanks!

I have a 42 gallon tank and use the 2 pumps on a Minnow for AWC but since they are Hydros smart dosing pumps I used a schedule and setup the amount I want changed out per day in ml and spread it out to run 4 times a day. At one time ai was doing 750ml at a time. I used another output to halt the ATO while either the drain or fill pump was running but my ATO is controlled by Hydros also. It is also a dosing pump. I used dosing pumps since my reservoirs are in my garage and the tank is 35ft away from the garage so the tubing is run up through the attic between the tank and garage.

 

[tknott177]

I use the 2 dosing pumps on the Minnow on mine but the most I have done in a day is 1 1/2 gallons and that is split into 4 times a day I also have a alkalinity test done 4 times a day and also dose All For Reef and a KH buffer 4 times a day. So I have them scheduled for the alkalinity test then the water change an hour later, then the All for Reef and hour after the water change. I then do the KH buffer 30 minutes after the all for reef. The Minnow pumps are smart dosers and have to use a dosing schedule currently. So I setup a dosing schedule for them and use another output that uses the drain and fill pump outputs as inputs and that is used in the depends on statement of the ATO to keep the ATO off when the drain or fill pump are on. The Minnow pumps have three speeds 25, 40 and 55ml a minute in either direction. To go in reverse you would need to add a - sign in front of the speed you select. I can post screenshots of the settings for this if you want to use smart dosers to do this. There are dosing pump that will run on 12v that you can set up to run when powered. Those you can use with the built in AWC regimen on the Hydros if you also setup your ATO in that output which would require the Hydros to be the ATO also.

I use the 2 dosing pumps on the Minnow on mine but the most I have done in a day is 1 1/2 gallons and that is split into 4 times a day I also have a alkalinity test done 4 times a day and also dose All For Reef and a KH buffer 4 times a day. So I have them scheduled for the alkalinity test then the water change an hour later, then the All for Reef and hour after the water change. I then do the KH buffer 30 minutes after the all for reef. The Minnow pumps are smart dosers and have to use a dosing schedule currently. So I setup a dosing schedule for them and use another output that uses the drain and fill pump outputs as inputs and that is used in the depends on statement of the ATO to keep the ATO off when the drain or fill pump are on. The Minnow pumps have three speeds 25, 40 and 55ml a minute in either direction. To go in reverse you would need to add a - sign in front of the speed you select. I can post screenshots of the settings for this if you want to use smart dosers to do this. There are dosing pump that will run on 12v that you can set up to run when powered. Those you can use with the built in AWC regimen on the Hydros if you also setup your ATO in that output which would require the Hydros to be the ATO also.

When you do underwater change schedule under dosing regimen. How do you keep the ATO off? This is my first set up doing the depends on statement. So not really understanding the off is off off and on is on. And do I do this in the ATO settings or the dosing regimen settings? Appreciate your help.

 

[n2585722]

When you do underwater change schedule under dosing regimen. How do you keep the ATO off? This is my first set up doing the depends on statement. So not really understanding the off is off off and on is on. And do I do this in the ATO settings or the dosing regimen settings? Appreciate your help.

Go to my build thread on page 10 starting at post # 187 where I have several screenshots and explain how I did this. I had to use dosing schedules since I am using 2 smart dosing pumps from Hydros. If they were not that type I could use the built in auto water change output type and auto water change schedule. Since I cannot use those with the pumps I have I use a dosing schedule and have an output setup to halt the ATO output when the water change is running. There is a minimum off time setup on the ATO so it will not be active until after 5 minutes of the depends on release so that covers any delay time between the drain pump stopping and fill pump starting. Just click on the My Tank Thread banner in one of my post to get to my build thread here on R2R. If you have any questions on the settings let me know.

 

[reefingtexas]

A dual head pump is two peristaltic pumps that use a single motor and shaft. This is great because they always spin at the same speed and you don't have to worry about the pumps losing calibration because if they speed up or slow down they will speed up or slow down equally.

One of the pumps draws water from your saltwater container and pumps it into the tank and one pump draws water from the aquarium and pumps it down the drain. Once the lines are run any time the pump is turned on it starts changing water. You then add the pump as a simple doser. Tell hydros the speed and you can create a schedule where the pump automatically changes water each day.

170DMP5 Double Head Chemical Feed Pump - 25 PSI 170 GPD - 1/4 Inch Tubing - 170FL5A1SUAA

This Stenner chemical pump #170FL5A1SUAA provides reliable chemical feeding for your swimming pool. This fixed flow pump is rated to pump 170 gallons of chemicals per day at 25 PSI. This stenner pump is a great choice for all your chemical needs.

www.poolweb.com

Hi, I ran across this thread trying to figure out how I am going to set up a similar system. The stemmed pumps are pricey. I have found one that has never been used on an online resale marketplace. It is a slightly different model than the one you linked. Can you tell me if this will work or if the ‘adjustable ‘ feature is an issue? It’s $300. Someone else posted on this thread that they don’t get equal input output rates. Have you had any issues? I had the impression that it would be an exact input output rate and therefore would not lead to changes in salinity overtime. I am going from a water closet outside on my back porch up through my attic 9 feet and over about 25 feet. My plan is to run the waste water from the tank also up and through my attic to a bathroom where my AC water condensate from the attic drains under the sink. https://www.poolweb.com/products/17...MI6df044mDjAMVvU5HAR3vRxlUEAQYASABEgKvJvD_BwE

 

[Aaron Stone]

Hi, I ran across this thread trying to figure out how I am going to set up a similar system. The stemmed pumps are pricey. I have found one that has never been used on an online resale marketplace. It is a slightly different model than the one you linked. Can you tell me if this will work or if the ‘adjustable ‘ feature is an issue? It’s $300. Someone else posted on this thread that they don’t get equal input output rates. Have you had any issues? I had the impression that it would be an exact input output rate and therefore would not lead to changes in salinity overtime. I am going from a water closet outside on my back porch up through my attic 9 feet and over about 25 feet. My plan is to run the waste water from the tank also up and through my attic to a bathroom where my AC water condensate from the attic drains under the sink. https://www.poolweb.com/products/170dm5-double-head-adjustable-flow-pump-25-psi-170-gpd-120-volt-1-4-inch-uv-tubing?currency=USD&variant=34908654469258&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=a45f10e636cb&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_uzwG9Sggj2-rkRWZHdYM_CbutE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6df044mDjAMVvU5HAR3vRxlUEAQYASABEgKvJvD_BwE

Are you using Hydros control?

 

[kenchilada]

Hi, I ran across this thread trying to figure out how I am going to set up a similar system. The stemmed pumps are pricey. I have found one that has never been used on an online resale marketplace. It is a slightly different model than the one you linked. Can you tell me if this will work or if the ‘adjustable ‘ feature is an issue? It’s $300. Someone else posted on this thread that they don’t get equal input output rates. Have you had any issues? I had the impression that it would be an exact input output rate and therefore would not lead to changes in salinity overtime. I am going from a water closet outside on my back porch up through my attic 9 feet and over about 25 feet. My plan is to run the waste water from the tank also up and through my attic to a bathroom where my AC water condensate from the attic drains under the sink. https://www.poolweb.com/products/170dm5-double-head-adjustable-flow-pump-25-psi-170-gpd-120-volt-1-4-inch-uv-tubing?currency=USD&variant=34908654469258&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=a45f10e636cb&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_uzwG9Sggj2-rkRWZHdYM_CbutE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6df044mDjAMVvU5HAR3vRxlUEAQYASABEgKvJvD_BwE

First, you’ll never get equal rates. What I did was time the rate of each pump and then adjust salinity in the reservoir to compensate.

My fill head is 20% slower than the drain, so to keep my tank 1.025 I keep the reservoir at 1.030. ATO adds the rest. Hope that makes sense.

I can’t find the model of my pump and I have the flu, but if you don’t get an answer hit me up and I’ll check mine.

I’m pretty sure mine is a Stenner Classic. Basically you are just looking for the model that pumps the range of rates you want. The 170 is the rate. They are 45, 85, 100, & 170. The #5 is included tube size I believe. Double check all this, bad memory.

I say range because the actual rate can be controlled by changing the tube size on the heads. This was the last tube kit I ordered, maybe it will give you ideas.

Stenner Santoprene Pump Tubes #7 Pack of 2 - UCCP207 Easy Replacement

Ensure your Stenner pump's peak performance with genuine #7 Santoprene pump tubes. Pack of 2 fits models 45, 85, 100, & 170. Includes ferrules for hassle-free annual maintenance.

uswatersystems.com

Then you just figure how long you want the pump to run and that will give an idea of which models work for you.

 

[reefingtexas]

Are you using Hydros control?

I am planning on it and have not purchased yet. I’m still trying to figure out what all I’m going to need to do that.

I am upgrading to a 215 gal Cade 1800. I’m trying to get my water lines run before we set the tank.

My other option is to try and use the aqua auto AWC/ATO that I have currently. I would need to figure out how to use a larger pump than the micro dc pumps to push/pull water that distance. I don’t think that that integrates with hydros.

 

[reefingtexas]

First, you’ll never get equal rates. What I did was time the rate of each pump and then adjust salinity in the reservoir to compensate.

My fill head is 20% slower than the drain, so to keep my tank 1.025 I keep the reservoir at 1.030. ATO adds the rest. Hope that makes sense.

I can’t find the model of my pump and I have the flu, but if you don’t get an answer hit me up and I’ll check mine.

I’m pretty sure mine is a Stenner Classic. Basically you are just looking for the model that pumps the range of rates you want. The 170 is the rate. They are 45, 85, 100, & 170. The #5 is included tube size I believe. Double check all this, bad memory.

I say range because the actual rate can be controlled by changing the tube size on the heads. This was the last tube kit I ordered, maybe it will give you ideas.

Stenner Santoprene Pump Tubes #7 Pack of 2 - UCCP207 Easy Replacement

Ensure your Stenner pump's peak performance with genuine #7 Santoprene pump tubes. Pack of 2 fits models 45, 85, 100, & 170. Includes ferrules for hassle-free annual maintenance.

uswatersystems.com

Then you just figure how long you want the pump to run and that will give an idea of which models work for you.

Thanks for your reply. I hope you start to feel better soon. That seems like it may be a little too much of some guesswork. I will still consider this option and I appreciate the explanation.

 

[Aaron Stone]

I am planning on it and have not purchased yet. I’m still trying to figure out what all I’m going to need to do that.

I am upgrading to a 215 gal Cade 1800. I’m trying to get my water lines run before we set the tank.

My other option is to try and use the aqua auto AWC/ATO that I have currently. I would need to figure out how to use a larger pump than the micro dc pumps to push/pull water that distance. I don’t think that that integrates with hydros.

I am using the Hydros controller for my ATO and AWC. The way it integrates the two works well and it allows for some flexibility in implementation.

The ATO is pretty typical. It uses a water level sensor, and whenever the sump level drops below the level it engages to refill. You can use the pump of your choice, probably even the Auto Aqua one you already have.

It implements the AWC by first engaging your AWC waste pump, be it a dosing head drawing from the sump or a small pump in the sump. It runs the AWC waste on a timer or draws the sump level down to a dedicated low level sensor. Once the time, or low level has been reached, it turns off the AWC waste pump and engages the AWC fill pump that draws from your fresh SW reservoir. It simply fills with SW until the sump water level reaches the original ATO level sensor.

It allows you to schedule the AWC and while in AWC mode it disables the ATO, so that it's not trying to fill the system with rodi while you draw the sump level down with the waste pump.

My setup has my fresh SW mixing tank in my garage, about 45 feet away with 5 feet of elevation rise to the sump. I have a Hydros X2 controller located next to it which is operating a high volume dosing head for the AWC fill pump. Its a relatively inexpensive unit from Kamoer that I soldered GX-12 cables to for connecting to the Hydros drive port. About $45 for head and cable. I ran 3/8 tubing to the sump for fill. The dosing head calibrated to roughly 500ml/min.

Excuse the undignified mess of wires. Still some other work being done so I haven't tidied up. (Excuses, got a ton of em)

The X2 at the SW mixing station is also controlling a solenoid from my rodi to fill and monitoring high and low level sensors in the fresh SW tank.

The AWC waste dosing head is located in my laundry room and pulls waste from the sump and pushes it into a saddle tap on the laundry sink p-trap. The DT is on the other side of the wall from the laundry room. I am using a similarly inexpensive dosing head, slightly smaller and cheaper, setup the same way. I would actually go ahead and use the same dosing head as the AWC fill head if I were to redo it. Just faster. This head is plugged into a drive port on the X4 main controller.

I am changing 2 gal/day on my 150g display.

If you are investing in the Hydros controller to begin with, I think this is a pretty solid way to go. It's been working great. You don't have to buy expensive dosing heads with the 12v drive port, just buy off the shelf DC heads (not stepper) and put your own connectors on them. The controller can calibrate them. Same goes for dosing pumps for Alk/Cal or anything else you choose.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

Hi, I ran across this thread trying to figure out how I am going to set up a similar system. The stemmed pumps are pricey. I have found one that has never been used on an online resale marketplace. It is a slightly different model than the one you linked. Can you tell me if this will work or if the ‘adjustable ‘ feature is an issue? It’s $300. Someone else posted on this thread that they don’t get equal input output rates. Have you had any issues? I had the impression that it would be an exact input output rate and therefore would not lead to changes in salinity overtime. I am going from a water closet outside on my back porch up through my attic 9 feet and over about 25 feet. My plan is to run the waste water from the tank also up and through my attic to a bathroom where my AC water condensate from the attic drains under the sink. https://www.poolweb.com/products/170dm5-double-head-adjustable-flow-pump-25-psi-170-gpd-120-volt-1-4-inch-uv-tubing?currency=USD&variant=34908654469258&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=a45f10e636cb&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_uzwG9Sggj2-rkRWZHdYM_CbutE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6df044mDjAMVvU5HAR3vRxlUEAQYASABEgKvJvD_BwE

I purchased a used pump and replaced the tubing. I have only measured the water going in but there doesn't appear to be a salinity shipt after months of use.

 

[Opah]

There are multiple ways you can do a water change with Hydros. Personally, I purchased a Stenner dual head pump and set it up as a simple doser. It changes. 4L a day. This was very simple and easy. I prefer the dual head pump method.

You could do the same thing with 2 dosing pumps that are calibrated and remove equal amounts each day.

There is also a preset in Hydros for using 2 pumps and level sensors. You can go this route too if you like but I like the simplicity of the dual head pump.

How much volume do you change? I'm looking to do larger water changes (50 gallons) and wondering if this would work.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

How much volume do you change? I'm looking to do larger water changes (50 gallons) and wondering if this would work.

I only change about 2.5 gallons a day, but the Stenner pumps come in different flow rates, and if you want to change a lot of water, you just need to buy a large one.

 

[n2585722]

How much volume do you change? I'm looking to do larger water changes (50 gallons) and wondering if this would work.

With the Hydros AWC you need to make sure the return pump keeps running and the skimmer keeps running. So I cannot see you using the AWC output setup to change 50 gallons of water at a time. Most AWC changes are done daily so at most a couple of gallons a day. If you need more you would have to do multiple changes a day instead of a single change per day.

 

[avsfans77]

I am using the Hydros controller for my ATO and AWC. The way it integrates the two works well and it allows for some flexibility in implementation.

The ATO is pretty typical. It uses a water level sensor, and whenever the sump level drops below the level it engages to refill. You can use the pump of your choice, probably even the Auto Aqua one you already have.

It implements the AWC by first engaging your AWC waste pump, be it a dosing head drawing from the sump or a small pump in the sump. It runs the AWC waste on a timer or draws the sump level down to a dedicated low level sensor. Once the time, or low level has been reached, it turns off the AWC waste pump and engages the AWC fill pump that draws from your fresh SW reservoir. It simply fills with SW until the sump water level reaches the original ATO level sensor.

It allows you to schedule the AWC and while in AWC mode it disables the ATO, so that it's not trying to fill the system with rodi while you draw the sump level down with the waste pump.

My setup has my fresh SW mixing tank in my garage, about 45 feet away with 5 feet of elevation rise to the sump. I have a Hydros X2 controller located next to it which is operating a high volume dosing head for the AWC fill pump. Its a relatively inexpensive unit from Kamoer that I soldered GX-12 cables to for connecting to the Hydros drive port. About $45 for head and cable. I ran 3/8 tubing to the sump for fill. The dosing head calibrated to roughly 500ml/min.

Excuse the undignified mess of wires. Still some other work being done so I haven't tidied up. (Excuses, got a ton of em)

The X2 at the SW mixing station is also controlling a solenoid from my rodi to fill and monitoring high and low level sensors in the fresh SW tank.

The AWC waste dosing head is located in my laundry room and pulls waste from the sump and pushes it into a saddle tap on the laundry sink p-trap. The DT is on the other side of the wall from the laundry room. I am using a similarly inexpensive dosing head, slightly smaller and cheaper, setup the same way. I would actually go ahead and use the same dosing head as the AWC fill head if I were to redo it. Just faster. This head is plugged into a drive port on the X4 main controller.

I am changing 2 gal/day on my 150g display.

If you are investing in the Hydros controller to begin with, I think this is a pretty solid way to go. It's been working great. You don't have to buy expensive dosing heads with the 12v drive port, just buy off the shelf DC heads (not stepper) and put your own connectors on them. The controller can calibrate them. Same goes for dosing pumps for Alk/Cal or anything else you choose.

Are you saying you just buy the dosing head you want and then connect the hydros connector to it? Do you solder it?

 

[n2585722]

Are you saying you just buy the dosing head you want and then connect the hydros connector to it? Do you solder it?

Some pump are AC powered pumps. I have used dosing pump on the drive ports. My original setup has Intllab pumps that connected to the drive ports using the same cable as the Hydros simple doser. I now use Hydros Blenny pumps for AWC but my tank is just a 42 gallon tank and I have the AWC split into 4 times a day.