Which Hydros doser is right for me?

[TatorTaco]

I currently use an older Jebao 4-channel doser, and I’d REALLY like to replace it with something I can control remotely. I previously used a single-head Kamoer doser and liked being able to control and adjust it through Hydros.

My tank has been running for a few years, and at this point I have no plans to expand my HYDROS system beyond what I already have if possible. I also don’t really need any additional Sense or Drive.

Basically, all I want is reliable remote/app control of four dosing heads at a fair price.

From what I can tell, I have three main options:

1. Buy four Kamoer single-head Wi-Fi dosing pumps and daisy-chain the power.
2. Buy two HYDROS Minnows for around $600 total, giving me four dosing heads.
3. Buy a HYDROS X10 for around $1,000.

The X10 seems like massive overkill for what I actually need, especially since I don’t plan to expand my HYDROS system any further.

For someone who simply wants four remotely controllable dosing heads, which route makes the most sense? Is there any real advantage to spending the extra money to stay within HYDROS, or would four Kamoer pumps accomplish what I need for considerably less?

I’ve tried the Jebao WiFi dosing pump but it was very inconsistent so I returned it.

 

[JP Reef]

The Hydros Blenny has 4 dosing heads that can be programmed individually. That will be cheaper than 2 minnows.

 

[BriDroid]

The Blenny has the same pumps as the Minnow. Just keep in mind that they are only reliable to dose right at about 1ml on their lowest setting. I use a minnow to dose Elements A- and K+ daily and they work great for that. For things that need precision, I use the 2ml/min pumps on my XP8. They can accurately dose 0.1ml.

The other option is you can but a project box, some Kamoer pumps and a female barrel connector and make your own. You could then run them off of drive ports. I have something similar for my AWC pumps.

 

[TatorTaco]

The Hydros Blenny has 4 dosing heads that can be programmed individually. That will be cheaper than 2 minnows.

Heck, I didn’t see that, and it’s exactly what I need. Thanks!

 

[TatorTaco]

The Blenny has the same pumps as the Minnow. Just keep in mind that they are only reliable to dose right at about 1ml on their lowest setting. I use a minnow to dose Elements A- and K+ daily and they work great for that. For things that need precision, I use the 2ml/min pumps on my XP8. They can accurately dose 0.1ml.

The other option is you can but a project box, some Kamoer pumps and a female barrel connector and make your own. You could then run them off of drive ports. I have something similar for my AWC pumps.

Oh, I’m not smart enough to be building stuff! It’ll be for a larger tank so 1ml is precise enough for me.

So the Blenny is less precise and lacks the salinity/pH port vs the x10?

Thanks!

 

[BriDroid]

Oh, I’m not smart enough to be building stuff! It’ll be for a larger tank so 1ml is precise enough for me.

So the Blenny is less precise and lacks the salinity/pH port vs the x10?

Thanks!

The Blenny and Minnow are DC motors, you have 6 options for pump speed; -25ml, 25ml, -40ml, 40ml, -55ml and 55ml per minute. The X10 is stepper motors, adjustable from -100ml to 100ml per minutes. So you can turn them way down. You have to remember that Hydros says a pump should run for 2.5 seconds to get a reliable dose out of them, that’s where you get the 1ml for the Blenny and Minnow pumps. That’s why the X10 is so pricey, the 4 precision pumps $$$!

 

[Hammy]

If remote dosing is really the main thing you need, the X10 sounds like overkill for your setup. I’d probably go with the two Minnows and keep everything in the HYDROS ecosystem you already know. The X10 makes more sense if you’re planning to use the extra control/testing features later. Otherwise that’s a pretty big price difference just for four dosing heads

 

[n2585722]

If remote dosing is really the main thing you need, the X10 sounds like overkill for your setup. I’d probably go with the two Minnows and keep everything in the HYDROS ecosystem you already know. The X10 makes more sense if you’re planning to use the extra control/testing features later. Otherwise that’s a pretty big price difference just for four dosing heads

You do know about the Blenny which is basically 4 of the Minnow dosing pumps. So it would replace 2 Minnow controllers. The only thing is all 4 pumps would be in the same place.