Which controller should I get?

DeadEnd · Apr 4, 2025

Hey all,

I've been thinking about getting a controller and was hoping someone could guide me a bit. Right now, I’m running Radeon lights, MP40s, and a Versa M2, all through Mobius, along with a Helio thermostat.

Lately, the Helio has been acting up, so I'm considering a controller mainly as a backup solution in case it fails. I’ve been looking into Hydros because a lot of people seem happy with it. Also, I could use their ATO, dosing pumps, and maybe even the alk tester.

On the other hand, there’s the Apex, which has a module that would let me connect my wavemakers, lights, and return pump, and also has an ATO, dosing pumps, and the trident. But I keep seeing mixed reviews and a fair bit of discontent around Apex, which makes me hesitate.

So I’m looking for some advice:

Should I get a controller?
Hydros or Apex?
I’ve read that the Hydros dosers aren’t great, is that still the case?
Also, is the Apex trident a good investment?

Thanks in advanced!

BryanM · Apr 4, 2025

If I were to start over I'd be going with Hydros. I don't know anything about their dosers.

People are down on apex lately due to reliability... I've never contacted neptune support - I have contacted Coralvue for support for my waveengine, and they were fantastic.

DeadEnd · Apr 4, 2025

BryanM said:
If I were to start over I'd be going with Hydros. I don't know anything about their dosers.

People are down on apex lately due to reliability... I've never contacted neptune support - I have contacted Coralvue for support for my waveengine, and they were fantastic.

yeah, I am inclining more to get an Hydros, if I get a controller.

Connor At CoralVue · Apr 4, 2025

My ears were burning...

Make sure to reach out to our support...even if you don't have a HYDROS yet. Put us to the test, starting with helping ID which HYDROS may work best to start with!

corosato · Apr 4, 2025

I have had both and they are both good overall. Since I already had all mobius equipment on my current main display and wanted the auto testing “right meow” I went with apex on this one. That being said I really like the hydros controller as well.

Blue Collar Reefer · Apr 4, 2025

I have zero experience with aquarium controllers up until last weekend. I just setup hydros launch, and xp8 and it was super easy to set everything up. Love the app, it’s been less than a week- so far so good.
Sounds like you more need input of people who have used both but that’s my 2 cents. GL!

n2585722 · Apr 4, 2025

I got my first Hydros back in November of 2020. I have slowly expanded the Hydros system and now have 14 Hydros controllers in my collective. I also have 2 Hydros controllers that are currently stand alone and not part of the collective. I have a build thread here on R2R that has quite a bit of information on my Hydros system beginning with the first purchase a X4 starter pack. I started using it at my mixing station as I did already have an Archon. I gradually expanded it until it now controls my tank and my mixing station. If interested in checking out what I did with my Hydros just click on My Tank Thread banner in the post and goto page 6 post # 119 where the Hydros info starts. When I got new devices or new features were added I posted about it and how I used the new devices or features. The Hydros is mixed in with a lot of other information on the tank. Let me know if you have any questions,

rtparty · Apr 4, 2025

Is there a problem you are trying to solve and a controller is that answer?

DeadEnd · Apr 4, 2025

rtparty said:
Is there a problem you are trying to solve and a controller is that answer?

Hey,

Just to give a bit more context... I’ve been running my aquarium for about 3 years now, keeping only fish so far. I’m planning to start adding corals soon.

At the moment, I don’t have a doser or an ATO, both of which I really want to get. While I can manage without a controller, I’m starting to think that investing in one could be a smart move in the long run.

By the way, thanks everyone for your replies! They have been extremely helpful.

braaap · Apr 4, 2025

Depends on what you want to do. I have an apex running a trident annd mxm for vortechs and everything else is hydros.

My trident works perfectly. My hydros works quite well. I have more faith in the hydros because build quality is better and it’s very redundant. When my apex head unit went down the entire system did.

My complaints with hydros are the programming is limited by the poor implementation of options. They limit how you can use things like sensors or pumps etc. The dosing pumps are also quite cheap. They just repackaged Kamoer heads and I had multiple crack and fail in the first few months.

If you really only want temp control and dosing get an inkbird and a redsea ReefDose. I love my ReefDose. App is great. Doser is dead on and easy to use.

If coralvue can ever announce a date for the Maven I’d likely make the full swap. I already have one preordered. But they went completely silent on it.

n2585722 · Apr 4, 2025

braaap said:
My complaints with hydros are the programming is limited by the poor implementation of options. They limit how you can use things like sensors or pumps etc.

I am not sure what limitations you are referring. I have not run into anything I could not do I wanted to yet with it. I have it controlling my RODI and refilling my DI reservoir, fresh saltwater reservoir and my mix tank even before the RODI output type existed. The low level sensor would start the RODI and the full sensor would stop it. in fact that is one of the first things I had it doing along with ATO and AWC. At that time I didn't even have a Hydros controller near the tank. I was still using the Archon there and sending signals from the Archon to the Hydros and also from the Hydros to the Archon. It is quite easy for me to figure out ways to control things with it so I have been quite happy with the Hydros and the way you set things up in the inputs and outputs.

Dr. D · Apr 4, 2025

No experience with Apex, but happy with Hydros.

petcellar · Apr 4, 2025

My take on apex.... For what it is worth the short time i have had it

Tried and true things like the apex itself, eb832 powerbar, probes, dos, refugium light, and even the trident are pretty rock solid

Get into some of the newer things like the trident np, lls sensors, and ld leak sensors and things seem to be a little more flakey.

Obviously ymmv.

I think it all depends what you want to do with it.

But overall I have been happy with it.

DeadEnd · Apr 4, 2025

Dr. D said:
No experience with Apex, but happy with Hydros.

Thank you for your feedback!

petcellar said:
My take on apex.... For what it is worth the short time i have had it

Tried and true things like the apex itself, eb832 powerbar, probes, dos, refugium light, and even the trident are pretty rock solid

Get into some of the newer things like the trident np, lls sensors, and ld leak sensors and things seem to be a little more flakey.

Obviously ymmv.

I think it all depends what you want to do with it.

But overall I have been happy with it.

Well, I am more interested in the ATO, dosers, and possible the tester. I don't really know if I care about the power bar

Gtinnel · Apr 4, 2025

I have only used Apex and I have been happy with it. It’s not without its flaws but overall I like it.
I’ve never used their ATO so I can’t say anything about, but I have used their Dos and Trident and liked both. I loved controlled dosing where it would adjust my 2 part based on Trident readings. The trident is pretty reliable IME as long as you are willing to occasionally take it apart and clean the tubes out.

petcellar · Apr 5, 2025

I use the dos for an ato... Overkill I know but can pump long distances and very reliable.
I also use the dos for AWC

braaap · Apr 5, 2025

n2585722 said:
I am not sure what limitations you are referring. I have not run into anything I could not do I wanted to yet with it. I have it controlling my RODI and refilling my DI reservoir, fresh saltwater reservoir and my mix tank even before the RODI output type existed. The low level sensor would start the RODI and the full sensor would stop it. in fact that is one of the first things I had it doing along with ATO and AWC. At that time I didn't even have a Hydros controller near the tank. I was still using the Archon there and sending signals from the Archon to the Hydros and also from the Hydros to the Archon. It is quite easy for me to figure out ways to control things with it so I have been quite happy with the Hydros and the way you set things up in the inputs and outputs.

You have NEVER once said something that is wrong with the hydros. There is ALOT.

No api access. Pumps locked behind arbitrary limits. No easy way to schedule pumps. You have to make multiple schedules that tie to devices to be able to do what 1 line of code on apex does. The rebranded kaomer dosing pumps are awful. From the way you attach the tubing to the accuracy. 3 level sensor can't be used how you want. They only allow low, full and overflow. Can't use it to trigger multiple pumps based off levels such as the "overflow." Can't use the X10 pumps off a level sensor.

DeadEnd · Apr 5, 2025

braaap said:
You have NEVER once said something that is wrong with the hydros. There is ALOT.

No api access. Pumps locked behind arbitrary limits. No easy way to schedule pumps. You have to make multiple schedules that tie to devices to be able to do what 1 line of code on apex does. The rebranded kaomer dosing pumps are awful. From the way you attach the tubing to the accuracy. 3 level sensor can't be used how you want. They only allow low, full and overflow. Can't use it to trigger multiple pumps based off levels such as the "overflow." Can't use the X10 pumps off a level sensor.

is there any documentation about apex API?

braaap · Apr 5, 2025

DeadEnd said:
is there any documentation about apex API?

Documentation? Not sure. But there is access to the data stream. There are apps for widgets and such on mobile devices. Not possible on Hydros.

Coralvue also thinks it is a good idea to log you out of the phone app every 30 days. That is really obnoxious.