Which Hydros Model

[NikkiPotnick]

I am in the process of deciding which Hydros model to get for my new IM 112. I haven’t owned a controller in around 15 years, so this is all a bit overwhelming and I would really appreciate some advice. I’d like to keep things as simple as possible.


I need the following: ATO, auto water change, all 4 reef dosing channels, pH, temperature, salinity, and standard AC outlets for lights, skimmer, heater, etc. I would also like to incorporate automatic alkalinity (ALK) testing.


Right now, I’m deciding between the Launch and the X10. It seems that even if I get both, I will still need to purchase the XP8 to cover all of my standard plugs, but if I go with the Launch, I will also need to purchase additional dosing pumps. I’m a bit confused about which direction to go.


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ndrwater]

@wishntoboutside .....

 

[BeanAnimal]

Where’s the product matrix? Wouldn’t that be easier?

 

[Hooz]

Are you planning to run ATO/AWC pumps off or drive ports, or are you going to be using other pumps (AC outlets)?

If you need 4 dosing heads, then it's going to be a Blenny or an X10. If you need salinity, then it's Launch, X10 or X3-s. Sounds like the X10 might be the common denominator.

You can do a LOT with an X10 and an XP8. If you get compatible pumps (return and flow), then you can save a lot of AC outlets and get a WaveEngine v2. That's what I did.

You don't really need lights plugged in to an XP8 outlet unless they don't come with their own mechanism for control.

My current collective is an X4, and X2, an XP8, a WaveEngine v2 and a Minnow. I started with the X4 because I got a great deal on a used one. If I was starting fresh, the X10 could replace my X4 and Minnow, and give me 2 more dosing heads if I needed them.

Just sit down and make a list of all you want to run, and what ports or plug each thing needs. Then just get all the ports you need in as few controllers as possible.

 

[TheNative192]

I am in the process of deciding which Hydros model to get for my new IM 112. I haven’t owned a controller in around 15 years, so this is all a bit overwhelming and I would really appreciate some advice. I’d like to keep things as simple as possible.


I need the following: ATO, auto water change, all 4 reef dosing channels, pH, temperature, salinity, and standard AC outlets for lights, skimmer, heater, etc. I would also like to incorporate automatic alkalinity (ALK) testing.


Right now, I’m deciding between the Launch and the X10. It seems that even if I get both, I will still need to purchase the XP8 to cover all of my standard plugs, but if I go with the Launch, I will also need to purchase additional dosing pumps. I’m a bit confused about which direction to go.


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

To measure salinity and alkalinity with Hydros, you’ll need the Hydros Control X10, since it’s the main controller that supports both of those functions (The Hydros Launch does too but you will still need an XP8 on top of that as it will not have enough ports for what you want to do and then a four part separate dosing pump and you will be out of room for everything you want to do). You’ll also need an XP8 power hub with the Control X10, as it provides the additional controllable outlets required to run the rest of the equipment you mentioned. For alkalinity testing specifically, the HYDROS iV PRO Isolated Testing Vessel is also required.

If that setup feels a bit too expensive, a more budget-friendly option is the Hydros Control X4 Pro Pack. That bundle includes most of the essential automation features — but it does not support alkalinity testing or salinity monitoring. With the X4 option, you would also need to add a separate 4-head doser, or you could simplify dosing by using something like All-For-Reef.

Think of the XP8 as a bank of programmable smart outlets, and the Hydros Control unit as the “brain” of the system. In the Hydros app, you can assign rules and automations to each outlet or drive port. For example:

• A heater outlet can automatically turn off if the temperature exceeds your safety limit.
• An ATO pump connected to a drive port or an outlet on the XP8 can stop when the water level sensor is satisfied or if a low-water safety condition is detected.
• You can also set maximum run-time limits so that, if a sensor fails, the system won’t flood your tank.

I recently set up many of these same features — including ATO, AWC, pH, temperature monitoring, lighting, skimmer control, etc. — on my 25 Gallon Lagoon build thread. In that thread I went into a lot of detail on wiring, programming, and safety automations. I’m currently using the Control X4 + XP8 bundle, but for your goals the X10 is the better fit since it includes the built-in 4-head doser and supports salinity and alkalinity testing. In my case, I’m planning to stick with All-For-Reef for dosing, so I don’t really need the X10 — and I won’t be able to run salinity or alkalinity monitoring unless Hydros eventually releases the Maven.

 

[NikkiPotnick]

Very helpful everyone, thank you!