- Joined
- Oct 4, 2025
- Messages
- 447
- Reaction score
- 428
- 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.
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