Which hydros setup to go with in 2026?

[Jayguerra909]

Hi guys im new here. Unfortunately with my living situation in very limited to a tabk size. Im planning to upgrade my 21.4 gallon uns peninsula to a 38 gallon uns r90 shallow. I want to be fully automated and decided to go with hydros. My plan is to 100% habe 4 doser pumps. I initially wanted to go x10 and xp8 but heard the dosers on the x10 are prone to cracking. Read that the launch and xp8 were a better choice. Some input here would be greatly appreciated. I don't mind spending the money but id also rather spend the money in the right places and stretching the dollar is all ways great. Having the salinity and pH prope is also a must for me.

 

[John Neuzil]

For a four head doser go with the Blenny. The XP8 is a hardwired outlet solution and a great choice. What other controllers depends on what more you want the system to control or monitor.

 

[Reef Jedi]

It’s always good to stretch the dollar. I have an apex pro and seriously debated switching to hydros in the past. However with the metal connectors they use that rust and the magic show of the Mavin, I decided to stay apex. It’s a consideration but I think as a user it’s more bang for the buck with apex. No matter the choice you choose, have fun with it and happy reefing!

 

[Gman83]

I started with the x3-s, so I could have the basics monitored, salinity, temp and ph. Then I'll add to it from there

 

[Jayguerra909]

It’s always good to stretch the dollar. I have an apex pro and seriously debated switching to hydros in the past. However with the metal connectors they use that rust and the magic show of the Mavin, I decided to stay apex. It’s a consideration but I think as a user it’s more bang for the buck with apex. No matter the choice you choose, have fun with it and happy reefing!

I also heavily looked into apex as well. Still doing my home work!

 

[BriDroid]

Honestly, if you’re dosing smaller amounts and want precise amounts, it’s hard to beat their 2ml/min dosers. They always calibrate exactly correct for me (I have 3 of them connected to my XP8). I also have a Minnow which I love for the ability to run backwards since I dose Phos-Feed with it. My issue with the Minnow is that it’s super hard to calibrate it and it seems to drift easily. It may be due to me running it backwards to fill and empty the lines daily??? I’m meaning to change the internal tubing and see if that helps but haven’t gotten around to it. Other than that, I love my Hydros system! Super easy to program.