Thoughts on using Hydros Minnow for AWC

nnoahdda · 2026-07-28T12:20:40-0400

Ok so I'm looking into using my Hydros for AWC, I currently have a Minnow sitting in a box not being used, I went and upgraded to the Blenny for normal dosing so there it now sits. I was thinking, if I took the minnow and set up AWC parameters to schedule out AWC daily. I only need to swap out 3381 ML of f water. What are your thoughts on setting this up and splitting the 3381 into say 7 small changes throughout the day? The pumps would be running for say, roughly 10 minutes a cycle and would have roughly 4 rest time between?

tbrown · 2026-07-28T22:48:11-0400

I've considered similar. At Max speed of 55ml/min it would take just under 10 minutes per change so around 20 minutes total for an empty and refill. You're going to want to run the in for longer though and have it shut off with a level sensor.

Keep in mind though, that means flow would be turned off for 30 minutes 7 times every day. Flow would only be on for less than 3 hours at a time that way.

tbrown · 2026-07-28T22:49:33-0400

Unless you have a sump and then you could remove from the sump and add to the tank at essentially the same time? Or in an AIO, remove from the display and replace into the rear chambers.

vittpsu21 · 2026-07-28T23:00:10-0400

Hey sorry, I’m both very tired and very stupid, but I also am starting down the awc path. I’m using the x10 to do it but I’m not understanding why flow would be off in the tank? Or maybe I misread that, sorry if I’m being stupid

tbrown · 2026-07-28T23:55:15-0400

vittpsu21 said:
Hey sorry, I’m both very tired and very stupid, but I also am starting down the awc path. I’m using the x10 to do it but I’m not understanding why flow would be off in the tank? Or maybe I misread that, sorry if I’m being stupid

At a minimum you'll need to turn off the auto top off if you're using one.

Depending on the amount of water being removed, if you don't turn off the return pump you'll potentially drop the level in that chamber and start sucking air. Powerheads and wavemakers can stay running if they're low enough in the tank that they also stay submerged.