What did you do with your hydros?

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Got a unit coming tomorrow. Just curious, besides the obvious, "I plugged a probe in" or "when I want to feed i can shut my pump off" what's some cool ingenuity you've done with your system?

 

[n2585722]

I have quite a bit of information on my Hydros controllers in my build thread here on R2R. The Hydros info starts on page 6 post # 119. To get to my build thread just click on My Tank Thread banner on my post. The first post on Hydros was when I got my first Hydros gear which was a X4 starter kit and an extra wifi power strip. From that point on there are a lot of post with screenshots and info on what I am doing. I now have 16 Hydros controllers and they control the normal things at the tank. It also does alkalinity testing. It also controls my RODI unit and my mixing station in the garage. It also does auto water changes and ATO with those pumps in the garage 35ft from the tank. Also as new features were released I have post about them and how I used them. Also when I changed things along the way I made post about the changes. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Dr. D]

I don’t think I can claim any ingenuity, but I use a temperature sensor and pH probe, and control my two heaters, my Plank auto feeder, two leak detectors, two Hydra 32 lights (though I use the AI app for detailed lighting control), my return pump, my ATO sensor, my skimmer, a skimmer overflow sensor, and my cabinet lights. I also have a Kraken hooked up to a 100AH marine battery. I find the Kraken’s force ports fairly useless but do like the battery backup.

 

[n2585722]

I don’t think I can claim any ingenuity, but I use a temperature sensor and pH probe, and control my two heaters, my Plank auto feeder, two leak detectors, two Hydra 32 lights (though I use the AI app for detailed lighting control), my return pump, my ATO sensor, my skimmer, a skimmer overflow sensor, and my cabinet lights. I also have a Kraken hooked up to a 100AH marine battery. I find the Kraken’s force ports fairly useless but do like the battery backup.

I use the force ports to power a WEv2 and 2 X10's. I also power my 2 MP10's and a Sicce 3.0 form those ports. I also use a force port to the 24v to my lighting but I was using a 24v power supply for that to begin with. I have all but one force port in use and also use 2 of the drive ports. If you have a X10, Wave Engine, Sole, Maven or XD you can power those from force ports.

 

[Dr. D]

I do wish more things could be powered directly from the force/drive ports. I had to buy an XP8 because most things (skimmer, lights, Plank feeder’s two plugs) have to plug into a standard 3-prong outlet. It’s my main complaint about the Hydros system, which I’m otherwise happy with.

 

[n2585722]

I do wish more things could be powered directly from the force/drive ports. I had to buy an XP8 because most things (skimmer, lights, Plank feeder’s two plugs) have to plug into a standard 3-prong outlet. It’s my main complaint about the Hydros system, which I’m otherwise happy with.

The force ports are just 24v DC outlets, the drive ports are 12v DC outlets kind of like the AC outlets on the Launch and XP8 but are just a different voltage and DC instead of AC. If you have power supplies on any devices that are 24v or 12v output and the current is within the range of either the force port or drive ports then you can remove that supply and power it from the port with the correct voltage with the proper cord and adapter if needed. Here is a photo of some of the power supplies I was able to replace with the Kraken that is at the tank. I have added some since the photo was taken.

 

[Dr. D]

I’m listening, and this could be helpful to me. I have, for instance, two AI Hydra 32 lights. I bought a bunch of 24v and 12v Hydros cables, but they don’t fit the cables on the Hydras, or the two on the Plank. Am I missing something?

 

[n2585722]

I’m listening, and this could be helpful to me. I have, for instance, two AI Hydra 32 lights. I bought a bunch of 24v and 12v Hydros cables, but they don’t fit the cables on the Hydras, or the two on the Plank. Am I missing something?

You probably need an adapter but not sure what kind of plug you have. I think there is an assorted package you can get from Amazon. I don't remember the exact one. I will have to see if I can find it.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I have quite a bit of information on my Hydros controllers in my build thread here on R2R. The Hydros info starts on page 6 post # 119. To get to my build thread just click on My Tank Thread banner on my post. The first post on Hydros was when I got my first Hydros gear which was a X4 starter kit and an extra wifi power strip. From that point on there are a lot of post with screenshots and info on what I am doing. I now have 16 Hydros controllers and they control the normal things at the tank. It also does alkalinity testing. It also controls my RODI unit and my mixing station in the garage. It also does auto water changes and ATO with those pumps in the garage 35ft from the tank. Also as new features were released I have post about them and how I used them. Also when I changed things along the way I made post about the changes. Let me know if you have any questions.

I ordered that same x4 starter kit and a extra wifi strip plus a auto feeder! Pretty excited!

 

[Dr. D]

Just to clarify, I do like my Hydros system. I started with a Launch, then added a Kraken, then a Wave Engine, XS, and XP8. Love having central control.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Just to clarify, I do like my Hydros system. I started with a Launch, then added a Kraken, then a Wave Engine, XS, and XP8. Love having central control.

I bought an x4 because I was already going to order a ph probe and a couple wifi strips... so why spend 150-200 on those when for a bit more have the basis to a controller system and oh tracking not just a probe that will end up in a shelf when I got the controller I knew I wanted eventually lol

 

[braaap]

I like my hydros setup. I have a minnow, 2 XS, 2 X2, 2 XP8 and a launch. Had a X10 but sold it. The dosing heads are junk.

You can’t do as much with it compared to apex. It’s limited in some of the things you can tweak. But for the most part I’m enjoying it. I control my main tank, a QT snail growout, and my water mixing setup with it. I’ve made my own ATO pump powered by drive ports and a drive port switch to my apex to control my vortech and axis pumps.

My only real complaint is their “you don’t need to be a coder” statement is complete trash. You just have to read a 150 page manual to understand everything.

The Launch is their best product. 4 outlets, ph, salinity, 4 drive ports, 4 sensor ports and 0-10 in.

I have a bunch of WiFi power strips too. I’ve not once had them disconnect. I use them all over the house lol. Not tank related on all of them. But they work great for me.

The auto feeders are a life saver and the sensor options they have are very high quality. I love the triple level sensors. Tiny but work excellent. I have 3 of them. The skimmer sensor is also very nice and has saved me a few times.

 

[n2585722]

I bought an x4 because I was already going to order a ph probe and a couple wifi strips... so why spend 150-200 on those when for a bit more have the basis to a controller system and oh tracking not just a probe that will end up in a shelf when I got the controller I knew I wanted eventually lol

The wifi strips I use for things that are not critical. I do not use them for AWC, ATO or dosing. The X4 has 2 drive ports which you can use one for ATO. In fact the Hydros ATO kit has a water level sensor and a pump that runs off a drive port. For critical things that run off of AC I use a XP8.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

The wifi strips I use for things that are not critical. I do not use them for AWC, ATO or dosing. The X4 has 2 drive ports which you can use one for ATO. In fact the Hydros ATO kit has a water level sensor and a pump that runs off a drive port. For critical things that run off of AC I use a XP8.

So keep my return pump off the wifi strip? Use the wifi strips for things like powerheads and maybe my skimmer? Fuge light maybe?

 

[Dr. D]

I have the hydros ATO and it works great.

 

[n2585722]

So keep my return pump off the wifi strip? Use the wifi strips for things like powerheads and maybe my skimmer? Fuge light maybe?

The return pump is probably ok on it since it is almost always on. The issue is if you have a communication issue between the controller and the wifi strips the outlets on the strip will remain in whatever condition it was in before the issue occurred unless the wifi strip looses power then they will all default to off. I have even used them to power heaters but the heaters I was using also had a thermostat on them so even if they remained powered they would still go off if the wifi strip were to remain on. I would have a backup off for heaters even on an XP8 though. The main thing to keep off of them is things that staying on for more than a few minutes would be bad like ATO, AWC or dosing.

 

[Dr. D]

So keep my return pump off the wifi strip? Use the wifi strips for things like powerheads and maybe my skimmer? Fuge light maybe?

Since the power heads are the most critical of all, I have them running off a WE connected to a Kraken/battery backup.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

The return pump is probably ok on it since it is almost always on. The issue is if you have a communication issue between the controller and the wifi strips the outlets on the strip will remain in whatever condition it was in before the issue occurred unless the wifi strip looses power then they will all default to off. I have even used them to power heaters but the heaters I was using also had a thermostat on them so even if they remained powered they would still go off if the wifi strip were to remain on. I would have a backup off for heaters even on an XP8 though. The main thing to keep off of them is things that staying on for more than a few minutes would be bad like ATO, AWC or dosing.

I just wanted something to set up free modes and such. Or turn my skimmer off for x amount of time during dosing of stuff. And i use a couple apps for wifi stuff now, and it would be nice to post them all on one consolidated system

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Since the power heads are the most critical of all, I have them running off a WE connected to a Kraken/battery backup.

Hmm. I need to start investing apparently :grinning-face-with-sweat:

 

[JoJosReef]

So far I have a Minnow and two Wifi Strips. My priorities are sensing and alerting + some decisions. four sense ports:

1. Temperature sensor: I have a Helio that will be plugged into a Wifi strip managing temperature between 76-78 (target 77). I have a backup Finnex titanium for if the Helio breaks that will also be plugged into a wifi strip. If Hydros senses the temp drop to 75, it will turn on the Finnex outlet. If it senses the temp over 79, it will turn on fans. If it senses temp over 81, it will turn off the outlet for the Helio (assuming Helio is broken or that it's just too hot to keep temp down).

2. Leak sensor: To sense leaks and turn off pumps.

3. Float switch in the sump: If the level rises above the ATO for some reason, I'll know it's somehow briken or malfuncioning, and it will turn off the return pump.

4. Float switch in the Smart Dosing Container: When not engaged (off), will send an alert to make new AFR and refill the dosing container.

In future Hydros controllers, I would like more sense ports:

5. Tiny optical level sensor (skimmer sensor) in the overflow box: if levels rise to slightly below the emergency drain, turn off the return pump and send an alert.

6. Float switch in the sump return chamber at the level of the return pump: if levels drop that low, turn off the pump (there may be a clog or blockage somewhere.

I will also eventually swap out the wifi strips for an XP8, probably, as I've heard the wifi connection can be a bit spotty.