- Joined
- Oct 4, 2025
- Messages
- 447
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- 430
- Location
- Mid Atlantic
- What state or country do you live in
- Maryland
I'm a big fan so far (started my first tank on Hydros November 2025 and it is running strong). I started with a "START" and a wifi power strip. Then I added an XP8 and an X4 later on. No complaints, and it has allowed me to do everything I've attempted to do with it so far. If I were to do it again, I'd sit down and figure out what are all the "nice to have" things that I might want to do a year from now...and then buy Hydros controllers to cover that...instead of adding on as I wanted to expand. I'm sure I would have wound up with a different combo. A lot of people have complained about connectivity issues with the Wifi power strip, but mine has never been a problem. That said, I'd just get the XP8 instead. Having the ability to monitor the current on your return pump is really a nice feature. I actually had originally gone Hydros because the Maven looked like it might actually be coming...I've since decided we will probably never see that...but I'm very happy with what I wound up with anyway. (And not sure I'd even buy the Maven if it came out now anyway...I'm really not testing everything ever day).
I like my Hydros system. I have 3 tanks running on it. It is reliable and stable. If you set one up I would strongly encourage setting up a dedicated WiFi access point that is for just the Hydros. I know a lot of people get upset when the WiFi connection poops out and this $20 fix cures that. It is actually what Hydros recommends in their set up instructions. That being said unless you are using WiFi power strips the WiFi connection isn't hyper critical. WiFi is just an interface for you where as the system controllers themselves are on a closed loop CAN bus.
Hydros also just recently released an API version of their app so if you you are handy with programming it is an open interface that can be integrated with other devices and also home automation systems. For instance if you have a smart thermostat in your home and your tank is running hot, with the proper programming in the Hydros API you can have the Hydros turn on the AC.
I know another user who has accent lights in his living room connected to a WiFi strip. When different alerts pop up in the Hydros system different lights turn on. That way even if he is away from his phone or tank he will know that there is something that needs attention.
So far I control all of my, skimmers, ATO's Heaters, UV sterilizers, dosing pumps, and return pumps with Hydros and haven't had any issues for 3 years.
Hydros also just recently released an API version of their app so if you you are handy with programming it is an open interface that can be integrated with other devices and also home automation systems. For instance if you have a smart thermostat in your home and your tank is running hot, with the proper programming in the Hydros API you can have the Hydros turn on the AC.
I know another user who has accent lights in his living room connected to a WiFi strip. When different alerts pop up in the Hydros system different lights turn on. That way even if he is away from his phone or tank he will know that there is something that needs attention.
So far I control all of my, skimmers, ATO's Heaters, UV sterilizers, dosing pumps, and return pumps with Hydros and haven't had any issues for 3 years.
n2585722
2500 Club Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2013
- Messages
- 4,836
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- Location
- Cedar Park, Tx
- What state or country do you live in
- Texas
I have a large collective of Hydros on mine. I have a build thread here on R2R you can get to by clicking on the "My Tank Thread" banner in one of my post. Then go to page 6 post # 119 to get to the Hydros info. There are post throughout the rest of the build thread about the Hydros system. I would add a post every time something new was added to the system. The start was back when they first came out with the X4 controller. I had a specific use for it at the time and was using a Digital Aquatics Archon at the time I got the first one. The first one went in the garage at my mixing station. I did connect it to the Archon using inputs and outputs to send signals back an forth since I did not have any Hydros controllers at the tank and the Hydros was used to control the ATO and AWC for the tank. I now have only Hydros controlling things at the tank and at the mixing station. I have quite a bit automated, I also use an iV and a X10 to do alkalinity testing 4 times a day and use the results to adjust the KH buffer added 4 times a day. Other things like calcium, phosphate, nitrate and magnesium I test once a week but I do have static inputs setup in the Hydros that I add the results to so the test info is in the Hydros so I can graph it when I want to do that. Hopefully the post in the build thread will give you some insight into how to get the Hydros systems to do what you want it to do. Things have changed quit a bit since I first started using Hydro but I did try and add post about the changes and how I used them in my system. Just like the way I used to control my RODI to refill the DI reservoir or the mix tank. It used to require several outputs but now they have a RODI output type that will take a low level input and also a full level input so it is turn on the output when the low level input goes low and turn off the output when the full level goes wet. In the build thread there are some post about how I did it before that output was brought out I still use something similar for the mix ready signal where I press a push button after adding the salt mix to the mix tank and it is ready to use. There is an output that is latched on and it stays on until the System transfers the contents of the mix tank to the fresh salt water reservoir once it goes low. Once the transfer is completed the Hydros turns on the RODI unit and refills the mix tank with DI water. All I have to do is add the salt mix and press the mix ready pushbutton to let the system know it is ready to use.
BryanM
7500 Club Member
I went from Apex to Hydros and am quite happy. Support from Coralvue is far better.
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