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Finally finished my last reading endorsement class and I will finally have the time to set up Control 4. I am almost done with my control board stand. I’ll update when I finally set it up.
Unboxing and installation of Hydros Control 4
- Thread starter reefiniteasy
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Getting closer. Control 4 has been mounted using screws that match the 3/4” thickness of the plywood I used. I love getting screws at Ace Hardware as I can get however many I need in any size imaginable. Hopefully this week I can get it going. One step at a time I guess.
Received mine on Friday and you bet ya I installed it that night. I pulled my false wall I built when I first set up the tank, found out my wifi power strip I was using before the Hydros works well with it, so 8 plugs it is lol. Hooking up the Hydros was very simple and the build quality was amazing. After setting it up the app works easy.. I only have the starter pack right now but plan to add the wave engine and some accessories... Word is bunch of new things are coming down the pipe... maybe I might be able to access and control my bluetooth Kamoer dosers with it. I am very pleased with this product. I made different modes for feeding, coral feeding, water change and normal adjusted how long after each one changes back the skimmer turns back on. For just a starter pack it totally changed my tank. Good job Coral Vue!!!
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n2585722
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I will be using it for my auto water change. Right now it is done on my Archon. I run the pumps for 15 minutes three times a day. I was wanting to switch but found a bug in the multiple timers on the generic output. It will be fixed in the next update to the software. It does work if I do a one time a day for 45 minutes. I have the output setup to do this so I can check it over time. It has be reliable about following my Archon so far. I just have not got around to switching the pumps over. I do have the ATO pump switched over. It has be running for several weeks. It uses the same pump as I use on the auto water change. I have been using the 12v drive outputs since they are 12v dosing pumps.
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Well today I started up the Control 4. Apparently I already had an account. I must have done that a long time ago because I had no recollection. I had to change the password because I didn’t remember. It was an easy process. I powered up the Control, connected directly to it and then from there connected it to our WiFi. We have a Ubiquiti AmpliFi mesh WiFi setup in the house and it must be broadcasting both 5 and 2.4Ghz signals. I was able to connect with no issues.
The first step in transitioning from my power strips to the Control was to connect the single WiFi plug to the battery side of my UPS. Once that was linked I plugged in my return pump. When I first turned on the WiFi plug it immediately shut off. I realized I had to set an output for the return pump. Once I did it correctly it worked flawlessly. The plug light glows pink when on and blue when off.
Next I installed the magnetic temperature sensor. Super easy to do, I quickly scanned the instructions on the CoralVuehydros.com website and was able to add the input very easily. I also set my low notification temperature at 77 and the higher temp at 81.
Tomorrow I am going to set up the ato and attach the heater to the system then I will move my light and Kessil controller to the WiFi power bar. I also have to add the WiFi power bar.
I set my notification settings as well. The only difficulty I had was getting the WiFi power bar to snap into the mount. When the mount is attached to the wood of the stand I built it has very little flex and the tabs would not bend to allow the bar to seat. It took quite some work. So far I am very pleased with everything. So far I am very pleased with my Control 4 experience. I look forward to getting more done tomorrow.
The first step in transitioning from my power strips to the Control was to connect the single WiFi plug to the battery side of my UPS. Once that was linked I plugged in my return pump. When I first turned on the WiFi plug it immediately shut off. I realized I had to set an output for the return pump. Once I did it correctly it worked flawlessly. The plug light glows pink when on and blue when off.
Next I installed the magnetic temperature sensor. Super easy to do, I quickly scanned the instructions on the CoralVuehydros.com website and was able to add the input very easily. I also set my low notification temperature at 77 and the higher temp at 81.
Tomorrow I am going to set up the ato and attach the heater to the system then I will move my light and Kessil controller to the WiFi power bar. I also have to add the WiFi power bar.
I set my notification settings as well. The only difficulty I had was getting the WiFi power bar to snap into the mount. When the mount is attached to the wood of the stand I built it has very little flex and the tabs would not bend to allow the bar to seat. It took quite some work. So far I am very pleased with everything. So far I am very pleased with my Control 4 experience. I look forward to getting more done tomorrow.
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Making some more progress. I did more work yesterday and today. I now have the ato hooked up. It was supper easy to do. I attached the tubing to the pump and placed the pump in my ato. I then attached the connector to the Control. I then did the same for the water sensor. First, you add the sensor as an input. It was recognized immediately and it said “dry.” I then lowered it into the water until it said “wet.” I then added the ato pump as an output and the system was good to go. Everything was straightforward and easy.
I then added my skimmer to the power bar as an output. Now it’ll automatically turn off in water change mode.
Programming the heater was difficult at first as I’d never before set a controller to manage temperature After getting some help I figured it out and understood how the heater functions a little better. My 50 watt Cobalt heater has the internal thermostat set to 80 degrees. The heater is plugged into the AutoAqua Smart Temp Security device that cuts power to the heater when the tank temperature reaches 84 degrees. Then it is plugged into the Control power bar. The Control is set with the on temp. Of 79.3 and the off temp at 79.8. So this gives me 2 layers of redundancy. If the Control fails to turn off the heater, the heater’s thermostat will turn it off at 80 degrees. If the heater fails and gets stuck on, the AutoAqua Temp Security will cut power.
I also set the Control to power my Kessil a160. I set it as a “constant” output set to on. My light is controlled by the Kessil controller. Now I can use the Hydros app to shut the light. There is no option in the Kessil controller to shut the light other than turning off my program and manually turning the light down. Now I can cut power at the press of a button instead of pulling the plug.
I purchased a second magnet temperature sensor from Top Shelf Aquatics so I can monitor the temperature in my display. The sensor is so small I can hide it easily. I also purchased another WiFi outlet for my Aqamai wave pump that is plugged into my UPS battery. I will then add my second Aqamai pump to the power bar. Now instead of having to use the Aqamai app to shut the powerheads for water changes (they occasionally turn on during water changes) they will automatically turn off when everything else does for water changes.
Lastly, I noticed one issue with my new setup. With my previous setup consisting of a
multitude of plugs I would be able to start everything back up after a water change except for the ATO. Then I would add extra water to get the tank level to where I wanted it. In a BioCube with the InTank basket, when the pump is running, the water level should be just below the filter pad. So on Sunday after the water change when I switched from “water change” to “normal” mode the ATO came on and began to fill because I didn’t set the water level. Until I figure this out, I will have to override the ATO pump to off when I do water changes and then turn it on after I set my water level, after the tank is returned to “normal” mode. This is an issue with the way I do things.
I am very pleased with it all so far. I still have a ton of wire management to do with my control board, but so far I couldn’t be happier.
I then added my skimmer to the power bar as an output. Now it’ll automatically turn off in water change mode.
Programming the heater was difficult at first as I’d never before set a controller to manage temperature After getting some help I figured it out and understood how the heater functions a little better. My 50 watt Cobalt heater has the internal thermostat set to 80 degrees. The heater is plugged into the AutoAqua Smart Temp Security device that cuts power to the heater when the tank temperature reaches 84 degrees. Then it is plugged into the Control power bar. The Control is set with the on temp. Of 79.3 and the off temp at 79.8. So this gives me 2 layers of redundancy. If the Control fails to turn off the heater, the heater’s thermostat will turn it off at 80 degrees. If the heater fails and gets stuck on, the AutoAqua Temp Security will cut power.
I also set the Control to power my Kessil a160. I set it as a “constant” output set to on. My light is controlled by the Kessil controller. Now I can use the Hydros app to shut the light. There is no option in the Kessil controller to shut the light other than turning off my program and manually turning the light down. Now I can cut power at the press of a button instead of pulling the plug.
I purchased a second magnet temperature sensor from Top Shelf Aquatics so I can monitor the temperature in my display. The sensor is so small I can hide it easily. I also purchased another WiFi outlet for my Aqamai wave pump that is plugged into my UPS battery. I will then add my second Aqamai pump to the power bar. Now instead of having to use the Aqamai app to shut the powerheads for water changes (they occasionally turn on during water changes) they will automatically turn off when everything else does for water changes.
Lastly, I noticed one issue with my new setup. With my previous setup consisting of a
multitude of plugs I would be able to start everything back up after a water change except for the ATO. Then I would add extra water to get the tank level to where I wanted it. In a BioCube with the InTank basket, when the pump is running, the water level should be just below the filter pad. So on Sunday after the water change when I switched from “water change” to “normal” mode the ATO came on and began to fill because I didn’t set the water level. Until I figure this out, I will have to override the ATO pump to off when I do water changes and then turn it on after I set my water level, after the tank is returned to “normal” mode. This is an issue with the way I do things.
I am very pleased with it all so far. I still have a ton of wire management to do with my control board, but so far I couldn’t be happier.
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Over Christmas break I made some changes. Added my Aqamai pumps to the Control and made some adjustments. All is running smoothly. Still have to set up pH probe and rope leak. Very satisfied with my purchase so far.
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Added a second magnetic temp sensor in the bottom back left corner of the display. It’s neat to see the difference between my overflow chamber where the heater is and the bottom of the display. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll get the leak rope installed and maybe the pH probe.
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Finally got my pH probe installed thanks to @TheHarold . He hooked me up with an amazing pH probe/ato tubing/temp sensor mount.
So happy with my Control 4 that I just ordered the Control XS from CoralVue. Start my collective and add a few additional sensors I want.
So happy with my Control 4 that I just ordered the Control XS from CoralVue. Start my collective and add a few additional sensors I want.
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Hi everyone! Just wanted to give an update. I really am enjoying my Hydros Control. I have it running a bunch of things.
I have my Eheim heater plugged into the Auto Aqua Temp-Security and then that is plugged into one of the WiFi outlets. The Hydros turns the heater on and off as needed. I have my heater turn on at 78.8 and off at 79.3. If the outlet ever gets stuck on the heater thermostat will shut off at 81-82 degrees. If that fails and the heater is stuck on, the Temp-Security will kill the outlet at 84.
I then have the pH probe finally installed. Needed a custom mount for the BioCube because my fat hand can’t fit in the rear chambers. The PinPoint probe is accurate and matches my Hanna checker every time.
I have a temp sensor in my overflow and one in the bottom back of the display. It’s nice to see they are always within .2 degrees of each other. I use the Hydros ATO. I love being able to see how often the pump is on. I run the pump off a drive port. It’s nice to get rid of power cords. I also have the rope leak running behind the tank along the baseboard. I wanted to make a moat around the stand but my wife didn’t like that idea.
I then have my return pump and one of my Aqamai pumps plugged into separate WiFi Smart Plugs which are plugged into the battery side of my UPC. In case of power outage I get almost 4 hours. My other Aqamai kps pump and my Kessil a160 are plugged into the power bar. I have water change and feed mode setup. Makes life easier instead of pulling plugs.
I just received my Hydros Control XS. I will add it to the Control 4 and now have a “collective” as a layer of redundancy. I will use one sense port on the XS to add a level sensor to my ato reservoir and another for a point leak detector under my aquarium stand. I’m sure there will be more accessories I’ll want down the road. I haven’t messed with any advanced settings yet, but that is on my to to-do list. I also want to add a break out box from Harry’s Aquatics and a switch box so my wife can manually trigger modes or kill the system if there’s a problem.
So far I am pleased and happy I jumped on board.
I have my Eheim heater plugged into the Auto Aqua Temp-Security and then that is plugged into one of the WiFi outlets. The Hydros turns the heater on and off as needed. I have my heater turn on at 78.8 and off at 79.3. If the outlet ever gets stuck on the heater thermostat will shut off at 81-82 degrees. If that fails and the heater is stuck on, the Temp-Security will kill the outlet at 84.
I then have the pH probe finally installed. Needed a custom mount for the BioCube because my fat hand can’t fit in the rear chambers. The PinPoint probe is accurate and matches my Hanna checker every time.
I have a temp sensor in my overflow and one in the bottom back of the display. It’s nice to see they are always within .2 degrees of each other. I use the Hydros ATO. I love being able to see how often the pump is on. I run the pump off a drive port. It’s nice to get rid of power cords. I also have the rope leak running behind the tank along the baseboard. I wanted to make a moat around the stand but my wife didn’t like that idea.
I then have my return pump and one of my Aqamai pumps plugged into separate WiFi Smart Plugs which are plugged into the battery side of my UPC. In case of power outage I get almost 4 hours. My other Aqamai kps pump and my Kessil a160 are plugged into the power bar. I have water change and feed mode setup. Makes life easier instead of pulling plugs.
I just received my Hydros Control XS. I will add it to the Control 4 and now have a “collective” as a layer of redundancy. I will use one sense port on the XS to add a level sensor to my ato reservoir and another for a point leak detector under my aquarium stand. I’m sure there will be more accessories I’ll want down the road. I haven’t messed with any advanced settings yet, but that is on my to to-do list. I also want to add a break out box from Harry’s Aquatics and a switch box so my wife can manually trigger modes or kill the system if there’s a problem.
So far I am pleased and happy I jumped on board.
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10. I’ve had zero issues, it does everything I want and when I needed support the CoralVue forum and Facebook group had everything I needed. So far I am very happy with my investment.
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Go for it! Best investment I’ve made for any of my hobbies in a while. For more info join the hydros forum and Facebook group.
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man all this power for a biocube i need to see a upgrade coming for you lol
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Hopefully one day. Don’t really want to go above 40 gallons. Being a teacher here in Florida and my wife doing the stay at home mom thing right now (she is a teacher too) makes for a tight budget.
My BioCube is pretty much on cruise control. It’s thriving and the Hydros certainly helps.
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Was able to hook up the Control XS and get my Collective going. Had a small hiccup as I found a bug in the Hydros system. I was able to report it to them so they can fix it for the next update. Other than that setup was easy. Now I have more sense ports to play with. I added a temp sensor to my ato reservoir and a point leak detector under my stand. Tomorrow I’ll add the level sensor to my ato reservoir. Very happy with my experience so far. Looking forward to what CoralVue has coming next.
so I purchased the Hydros Control 4 Starter Pack and the Hydros ATO Kit - Coralvue along with a extra water level sensor for my 93 cube build. My question is do i need that second water level sensor to ensure the pump in water reservoir doesn't run dry or is there already something that does that in the ATO kit?
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In the advanced settings you can set minimum and maximum on/off times. For example my ato pump has a max on time of 30 seconds. In case the sensor fails and it keeps running it’ll stop at 30 seconds. I too am setting up a level sensor in my reservoir so I know when it reaches a certain level.
Check out the this Hydros ato workshop CoralVue did.
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