Hydros AWC

[kmarine]

I’m looking to add an AWC system to my new tank using a controller and am having the age old debate of hydros vs. apex. Currently Im more interested in hydros overall as a controller system but it seems that more people use apex with DOS for AWC. Does anyone have opinions on using hydros with their AWC set up?

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

There are multiple ways you can do a water change with Hydros. Personally, I purchased a Stenner dual head pump and set it up as a simple doser. It changes. 4L a day. This was very simple and easy. I prefer the dual head pump method.

You could do the same thing with 2 dosing pumps that are calibrated and remove equal amounts each day.

There is also a preset in Hydros for using 2 pumps and level sensors. You can go this route too if you like but I like the simplicity of the dual head pump.

 

[n2585722]

How much are you wanting to change daily?

 

[kmarine]

How much are you wanting to change daily?

We have a 230gal set up so thinking around 3-4 gallons per day

 

[kmarine]

There are multiple ways you can do a water change with Hydros. Personally, I purchased a Stenner dual head pump and set it up as a simple doser. It changes. 4L a day. This was very simple and easy. I prefer the dual head pump method.

You could do the same thing with 2 dosing pumps that are calibrated and remove equal amounts each day.

There is also a preset in Hydros for using 2 pumps and level sensors. You can go this route too if you like but I like the simplicity of the dual head pump.

Thanks! That sounds like a good idea. can you explain how the dual head method works? Just want to make sure I understand how it works.

 

[n2585722]

We have a 230gal set up so thinking around 3-4 gallons per day

I use the 2 dosing pumps on the Minnow on mine but the most I have done in a day is 1 1/2 gallons and that is split into 4 times a day I also have a alkalinity test done 4 times a day and also dose All For Reef and a KH buffer 4 times a day. So I have them scheduled for the alkalinity test then the water change an hour later, then the All for Reef and hour after the water change. I then do the KH buffer 30 minutes after the all for reef. The Minnow pumps are smart dosers and have to use a dosing schedule currently. So I setup a dosing schedule for them and use another output that uses the drain and fill pump outputs as inputs and that is used in the depends on statement of the ATO to keep the ATO off when the drain or fill pump are on. The Minnow pumps have three speeds 25, 40 and 55ml a minute in either direction. To go in reverse you would need to add a - sign in front of the speed you select. I can post screenshots of the settings for this if you want to use smart dosers to do this. There are dosing pump that will run on 12v that you can set up to run when powered. Those you can use with the built in AWC regimen on the Hydros if you also setup your ATO in that output which would require the Hydros to be the ATO also.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

A dual head pump is two peristaltic pumps that use a single motor and shaft. This is great because they always spin at the same speed and you don't have to worry about the pumps losing calibration because if they speed up or slow down they will speed up or slow down equally.

One of the pumps draws water from your saltwater container and pumps it into the tank and one pump draws water from the aquarium and pumps it down the drain. Once the lines are run any time the pump is turned on it starts changing water. You then add the pump as a simple doser. Tell hydros the speed and you can create a schedule where the pump automatically changes water each day.

170DMP5 Double Head Chemical Feed Pump - 25 PSI 170 GPD - 1/4 Inch Tubing - 170FL5A1SUAA

This Stenner chemical pump #170FL5A1SUAA provides reliable chemical feeding for your swimming pool. This fixed flow pump is rated to pump 170 gallons of chemicals per day at 25 PSI. This stenner pump is a great choice for all your chemical needs.

www.poolweb.com

 

[kmarine]

A dual head pump is two peristaltic pumps that use a single motor and shaft. This is great because they always spin at the same speed and you don't have to worry about the pumps losing calibration because if they speed up or slow down they will speed up or slow down equally.

One of the pumps draws water from your saltwater container and pumps it into the tank and one pump draws water from the aquarium and pumps it down the drain. Once the lines are run any time the pump is turned on it starts changing water. You then add the pump as a simple doser. Tell hydros the speed and you can create a schedule where the pump automatically changes water each day.

170DMP5 Double Head Chemical Feed Pump - 25 PSI 170 GPD - 1/4 Inch Tubing - 170FL5A1SUAA

This Stenner chemical pump #170FL5A1SUAA provides reliable chemical feeding for your swimming pool. This fixed flow pump is rated to pump 170 gallons of chemicals per day at 25 PSI. This stenner pump is a great choice for all your chemical needs.

www.poolweb.com

Thanks! Seems pretty simple. I’ll be going this direction I think!

 

[kmarine]

I use the 2 dosing pumps on the Minnow on mine but the most I have done in a day is 1 1/2 gallons and that is split into 4 times a day I also have a alkalinity test done 4 times a day and also dose All For Reef and a KH buffer 4 times a day. So I have them scheduled for the alkalinity test then the water change an hour later, then the All for Reef and hour after the water change. I then do the KH buffer 30 minutes after the all for reef. The Minnow pumps are smart dosers and have to use a dosing schedule currently. So I setup a dosing schedule for them and use another output that uses the drain and fill pump outputs as inputs and that is used in the depends on statement of the ATO to keep the ATO off when the drain or fill pump are on. The Minnow pumps have three speeds 25, 40 and 55ml a minute in either direction. To go in reverse you would need to add a - sign in front of the speed you select. I can post screenshots of the settings for this if you want to use smart dosers to do this. There are dosing pump that will run on 12v that you can set up to run when powered. Those you can use with the built in AWC regimen on the Hydros if you also setup your ATO in that output which would require the Hydros to be the ATO also.

Thank you! I think I’ll try out the stenner pump for a faster change

 

[Adamc13o3]

There are multiple ways you can do a water change with Hydros. Personally, I purchased a Stenner dual head pump and set it up as a simple doser. It changes. 4L a day. This was very simple and easy. I prefer the dual head pump method.

You could do the same thing with 2 dosing pumps that are calibrated and remove equal amounts each day.

There is also a preset in Hydros for using 2 pumps and level sensors. You can go this route too if you like but I like the simplicity of the dual head pump.

You were able to setup the stennwr pump in hydros a simple doser and actually have schedules for it? Or just have it dependent on level sensors and sorts? Meaning you can’t change the volume of the water change via Hydros right?

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

I simply run it as a regular dosing program as it doean't nees any level sensors to work.

 

[kenchilada]

I also use a dual head Stenner on Hydros. I just run it on a regular outlet timer for 42 minutes a day to change 2 gallons.

The heads do not pump exactly the same rate. My fill head pumps 20% slower, so I mix the salt 20% stronger. This also means I mix salt 20% less often.

 

[Gellisjr1]

I use an XP8 in my collective that controls two Kamoer KCPA600 variable speed dosing pumps. They can be purchased on Amazon for $70 ea. One is for draining & one is for filling. I also use a third Kamoer dosing pump as my ATO pump. I have a mixing station in my basement. The Kamoer pump draws fresh water from my RO/DI storage container that Hydros also controls my RO/DI to refill the storage container as needed.

 

[jdpierce21]

I’m doing a 90 gallon build and am debating AWC and ATO options. I’ve been going back and forth between Apex and Hydros. Since I don’t have a controller now I am leaning towards the Hydros X11.

My thought, as of now, is with the X11 I can use 3 of the pumps for the AWC and ATO. I know those pumps are probably overkill for that function but I want a controller right off the bat. In the future, when I need to start dosing I can switch to a different set up for the AWC and ATO.

Until I add corals, I’d like to see if I can do daily water changes 1 to 2 gallons and not have to run a skimmer or reef mat. I know this may be high hopes but I’m curious if it would work.

 

[Adamc13o3]

Both Hydros and Apex will work. Having used both the Apex Dos is more robust for larger volumes of water like water changes. I also found that then Hydros doser lines would clog very often. It that may just be me. If you do go Hydros look into the X10 as the X11 doesn’t exist lol

 

[cooltowncorals]

Hydros super cheap and easy to set up don’t try and use regular dosing pumps for that large of volume. Get high volume perilistic pumps. Not silent but cheap and easy to replace mine have been going for over a year with no problems.

Peristaltic Pump, 500mL/min Large Flow Peristaltic Pump Made of 304 Stainless Steel with Transparent PC Head(12V) https://a.co/d/1dr3oJf


I bought two of these one for drain one for fill. 32$ on Amazon and then I ordered two plugs for them. Get two of their water sensors one for ATO level and one for low level (you can also put it on a timer)

Use one of their 40$ WiFi plugs to turn the pumps on and off.

Super easy.

I do a few gallons a day on my 300 gallon tank.

Let me know if you want pictures.

 

[Fish_Fry]

For those using a stenner pump, how loud do you find them?

Thanks
T

 

[kenchilada]

l

I’m doing a 90 gallon build and am debating AWC and ATO options. I’ve been going back and forth between Apex and Hydros. Since I don’t have a controller now I am leaning towards the Hydros X11.

My thought, as of now, is with the X11 I can use 3 of the pumps for the AWC and ATO. I know those pumps are probably overkill for that function but I want a controller right off the bat. In the future, when I need to start dosing I can switch to a different set up for the AWC and ATO.

Until I add corals, I’d like to see if I can do daily water changes 1 to 2 gallons and not have to run a skimmer or reef mat. I know this may be high hopes but I’m curious if it would work.

X10 is not what I’d use for AWC. Did you see the Sole?

HYDROS Sole

The HYDROS Sole is an aquarium controller hybrid with a heavy-duty liquid dosing pump designed for continuous dosing applications like controlling effluent in a calcium reactor, kalkwasser additions, dosing liquid foods, feeding a sulfur reactor, and performing water changes.

www.coralvuehydros.com

Personally I use a dual head Stenner pump on a timer for AWC. I use my X10 where I need precision with small amounts.

 

[kenchilada]

For those using a stenner pump, how loud do you find them?

Thanks
T

Mine is outside under the porch. If it was in my living room I would run it at night because you will hear it. They’re great though, built like tanks.

 

[n2585722]

I’m doing a 90 gallon build and am debating AWC and ATO options. I’ve been going back and forth between Apex and Hydros. Since I don’t have a controller now I am leaning towards the Hydros X11.

My thought, as of now, is with the X11 I can use 3 of the pumps for the AWC and ATO. I know those pumps are probably overkill for that function but I want a controller right off the bat. In the future, when I need to start dosing I can switch to a different set up for the AWC and ATO.

Until I add corals, I’d like to see if I can do daily water changes 1 to 2 gallons and not have to run a skimmer or reef mat. I know this may be high hopes but I’m curious if it would work.

The X10 pumps are smart dosers and require a dosing schedule to run. So the normal ATO and AWC outputs will not work with these pumps. They can be used for this on smaller tanks where you are not changing a lot of volume at any one time but it would not be ideal and would require a creative setup of the outputs to do this. The Minnow and Sole pumps can be set to run continuous mode where you can use another output to turn them off using the depends on setting and off if off dependency mode. The X10 pumps do not have that option.