Hydros help! Information overload!

[Hooz]

I am in the "parts collecting" phase of a new tank build. I have been in the hobby for almost 30 years (with a long break in the middle), and I've decided that with this tank, I am going to make the jump into a fully (or close to fully) automated system. It seems that Apex and Hydros are the two main players at this point, and I'm drawn to the Hydros as it seems that it is being more frequently updated, and more features are being added on a regular basis.

To start with, I plan on using the controller to manage heaters (two elements), two dosing pumps, monitoring PH and temperature, ATO duties, controlling a Klir fleece roller and controlling powerheads and return pump. I may add auto water changes at some point as well. I'm sure there are other things I'll eventually use it for, but those are the main ones. At a minimum I'd like to start with heater control and ATO functionality, followed by powerheads and dosing.

I plan to start with the Control 4, Control XP8 and WaveEngine. Obviously I'll pickup sensors and such as I go, but I'm wondering what all I'd need to get started. Does the Control 4 come with any cables or terminators when purchased by itself? Is the "Starter Pack" worth it for the probes and cables (and what would I still need)? Is there a flow meter for return pumps that works with Hydros yet?

I'm trying to determine the best way to "buy as I go" through this phase of the tank build, because I have a TON of other stuff left to get as well.

 

[Peace River]

@JeffB418 @n2585722 - can you help with this Hydros question? Thanks!

 

[AnotherReefHobbyist]

Before I provide my advice: I do not own a coralvue hydros, however am finishing up the research stage, so I have come across quite a bit of info.

Your plan sounds solid overall. as far as return pump and wave maker control, their list for supported devices is fairly small, so make sure you buy a supported one. If you don't you could still control them on/off with the xp8, however there would be no need for a wave engine in that case.

The starter packs seem like a really good deal if you plan on using everything in them, and based on what you want to do it seems like you will be!

as far as other stuff, make sure you have command bus cables so that your devices can be part of a "collective". These cables basically just hardwire the whole system together. Also, on your end controller from that chain, there will be one command bus port open, buy their transistor thing so that it knows that is all the devices you have.

they only make a 1/2 inch flow meter ( the size you use for RODI ) however I believe in the support forums they posted they were working on larger ones.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

x4 starter pack comes with a ph sensor and one wifi powerbar (consisting of 4 plugs). So since you plan to get the xp8 you might not want the x4 starter pack, but then you will need to get the ph probe seperately, I guess you will need to add up the dollars to see what makes the most sense. No other cables are included in the starter pack.

 

[Hooz]

x4 starter pack comes with a ph sensor and one wifi powerbar (consisting of 4 plugs). So since you plan to get the xp8 you might not want the x4 starter pack, but then you will need to get the ph probe seperately, I guess you will need to add up the dollars to see what makes the most sense. No other cables are included in the starter pack.

It looks like there is a starter pack with the XP8 now as well. I might go that route, but it'd be easier (on the wallet) to just get the individual pieces, even if it might cost a little more in the long run. That's what I'm trying to decide.

 

[AnotherReefHobbyist]

the cost difference isnt insane between getting peices individually and the starter pack, so if you dont need all of the pieces right now then just getting them individually doesent seem like a bad plan.

 

[n2585722]

If you want a X4 and a XP8 then the pro pack with the X4 and XP8 is your best bet since it comes with a temp sensor, pH probe, control buss cable and 2 terminators along with a X4 and XP8. That is all you will need to hook the XP8 and X4 together and gives you a pH probe and temp sensor. If you will have an ATO reservoir at you tank you can get the ATO kit and it comes with a small pump that runs from a drive port along with the tubing and a water level sensor. As far as heater make sure and have a backup for them no matter what type of outlet you use. I use heaters with their own thermostats and set them 3 degrees higher than what I set on the hydros. Since the XP8 can monitor wattage usage when the output is on it will alert you if for some reason the heater thermostat turns off or if the heating element opens up. You can power the hydros dosing pumps on the drive ports or the XP8 if you get the optional power pack. If you do need more than 8 outlets you can get a Hydros wifi strip and use it for the less critical devices.

Here is a link to the Pro Pack https://www.coralvue.com/hydros-control-x4-xp8-pro-pack

 

[n2585722]

It looks like there is a starter pack with the XP8 now as well. I might go that route, but it'd be easier (on the wallet) to just get the individual pieces, even if it might cost a little more in the long run. That's what I'm trying to decide.

If you just get the X4 you will have to get a power pack to power it with and that cannot be used once you get the XP8. Also you will have to get at least one wifi power strip if you want to control anything. By the time you buy a X4, temp sensor, power pack and a wifi power strip you getting up to the price of the X4 starter kit and that comes with a pH probe also.

 

[Hooz]

Is there any videos explaining how to setup the WaveEngine with multiple pumps, and what the different settings/patterns do. Say I want to run 4 pumps total (2 on each end) in an LPS Lagoon configuration... Any tutorials for that?

 

[AnotherReefHobbyist]

Is there any videos explaining how to setup the WaveEngine with multiple pumps, and what the different settings/patterns do. Say I want to run 4 pumps total (2 on each end) in an LPS Lagoon configuration... Any tutorials for that?

there is some setup info. So that you can find the correct setup info, first go to hydros page on supported pumps and figure out how your pump connects to the wave engine. Here is a link to the page: https://www.coralvuehydros.com/is-my-pump-compatible/

For direct connect pumps, you will simply need the appropriate adapter cord ( specific to pump ) and that is it. Then in the app you will select your pump and it will come up with all control settings for that pump.

for 0-10v control pumps, you will need a 0-10v adapter cord, and then you will also simply select your pump.

I am not sure how the wireless pumps work however I am sure you could find some info on it online.

at the bottom of the page they also note some adapters that are required for certain pumps.

 

[Hooz]

there is some setup info. So that you can find the correct setup info, first go to hydros page on supported pumps and figure out how your pump connects to the wave engine. Here is a link to the page: https://www.coralvuehydros.com/is-my-pump-compatible/

For direct connect pumps, you will simply need the appropriate adapter cord ( specific to pump ) and that is it. Then in the app you will select your pump and it will come up with all control settings for that pump.

for 0-10v control pumps, you will need a 0-10v adapter cord, and then you will also simply select your pump.

I am not sure how the wireless pumps work however I am sure you could find some info on it online.

at the bottom of the page they also note some adapters that are required for certain pumps.

There is a great video on adding a single pump and all that entails. What I'm looking for is a bit of a description on using multiple (4) pumps, the best ways to group them, how the flow patterns work with multiples, etc.

Since this is a new tank build from scratch, I figured I'd just start with supported pumps. Currently leaning towards 4x Octo Pulse 2, two for each end... or maybe 2 on the ends and 2 in the back. That's why I'm wondering how the groups work.

 

[reefiniteasy]

Is there any videos explaining how to setup the WaveEngine with multiple pumps, and what the different settings/patterns do. Say I want to run 4 pumps total (2 on each end) in an LPS Lagoon configuration... Any tutorials for that?

I’m sorry. I don’t have any videos but all you have to do is add each pump as an output and then create schedules and assign the pumps. I am running two Octopulse pumps opposite one another on the same schedule. I run a sine wave. As one pump ramps up, the other ramps down. If I wanted the pumps running their own schedules instead of synced as they are, I would just create a separate schedule and assign the target pump to the schedule. It’s very easy.

HYDROS WaveEngine - 11 Preset Flow Modes to Choose From

Preloaded with Constant, Four Square, Gyre, SPS Reef, LPS Reef, Nutrient Export, Ocean Swell, Random, Sine Wave, Square Wave, and Triangle Wave flow modes.

www.coralvuehydros.com

 

[Hooz]

I’m sorry. I don’t have any videos but all you have to do is add each pump as an output and then create schedules and assign the pumps. I am running two Octopulse pumps opposite one another on the same schedule. I run a sine wave. As one pump ramps up, the other ramps down. If I wanted the pumps running their own schedules instead of synced as they are, I would just create a separate schedule and assign the target pump to the schedule. It’s very easy.

HYDROS WaveEngine - 11 Preset Flow Modes to Choose From

Preloaded with Constant, Four Square, Gyre, SPS Reef, LPS Reef, Nutrient Export, Ocean Swell, Random, Sine Wave, Square Wave, and Triangle Wave flow modes.

www.coralvuehydros.com

But if I do 4 pumps, do I use 1 group or 2 groups?

If 1 group... 2 pumps on one side and two pumps on the opposite side?

If 2 groups, 1 group for one side and the other group for the opposite side?

Do I worry about front and back?

Like I said, there is plenty of information about adding pumps, setting flow rates, etc. There isn't much information about how to group the pumps, though, or what the groups do and how the different flow settings (square wave, triangle wave, LPS lagoon, etc) interact with the groups, or how the groups interact with each other.

I'm not sure if I'm phrasing things correctly, but I hope that makes sense.

 

[reefiniteasy]

Do I worry about front and back?

Like I said, there is plenty of information about adding pumps, setting flow rates, etc. There isn't much information about how to group the pumps, though, or what the groups do and how the different flow settings (square wave, triangle wave, LPS lagoon, etc) interact with the groups, or how the groups interact with each other.

In my tank I don’t worry about front to back. Yours might be different.

I’m not sure what you mean by “groups.” If I add two pumps to a schedule then I assume that is what you mean by group. I have one set as same end and one as opposite end. This is what allows one side to ramp up and one to ramp down. No matter what flow pattern I choose, because the pumps are set opposite each other, that’s what will happen. If you had separate schedules they would not be ramping in sync.

 

[Hooz]

In my tank I don’t worry about front to back. Yours might be different.

I’m not sure what you mean by “groups.” If I add two pumps to a schedule then I assume that is what you mean by group. I have one set as same end and one as opposite end. This is what allows one side to ramp up and one to ramp down. No matter what flow pattern I choose, because the pumps are set opposite each other, that’s what will happen. If you had separate schedules they would not be ramping in sync.

In the video I watched, they talked about creating groups when adding pumps. My thought is that I will have 2 pumps on each end of the tank. I'm doing LPS, so I'll be setting them at lower velocity, but I want good coverage, hence 4 smaller pumps instead of 2 larger ones.

What I'm thinking is if I "group" 2 pumps to the left, and "group" 2 pumps to the right, then each end is treated as one unit. But what I'm not clear on is if all the pumps have to be in one "group", each assigned to their appropriate end (two "same end" and two "opposite end") for it to work the way I'm thinking.

Then what if I wanted to put two of the pumps on the ends, and then 2 of them (or even just 1 pump) in the back? How do I set that up so they'll all work together?

I'm probably just over complicating things in my head (Hey, it happens! ). There is plenty of info on setting pumps up, but very little info on getting them working together, how to leverage multiple pumps, etc.

 

[reefiniteasy]

In the video I watched, they talked about creating groups when adding pumps. My thought is that I will have 2 pumps on each end of the tank. I'm doing LPS, so I'll be setting them at lower velocity, but I want good coverage, hence 4 smaller pumps instead of 2 larger ones.

What I'm thinking is if I "group" 2 pumps to the left, and "group" 2 pumps to the right, then each end is treated as one unit. But what I'm not clear on is if all the pumps have to be in one "group", each assigned to their appropriate end (two "same end" and two "opposite end") for it to work the way I'm thinking.

Then what if I wanted to put two of the pumps on the ends, and then 2 of them (or even just 1 pump) in the back? How do I set that up so they'll all work together?

I'm probably just over complicating things in my head (Hey, it happens! ). There is plenty of info on setting pumps up, but very little info on getting them working together, how to leverage multiple pumps, etc.

Let me call in the pros. @JeffB418 @n2585722

 

[Hooz]

Let me call in the pros. @JeffB418 @n2585722

Haha! Thanks! Are my questions at least making sense, though?

 

[Joe31415]

For direct connect pumps, you will simply need the appropriate adapter cord ( specific to pump ) and that is it. Then in the app you will select your pump and it will come up with all control settings for that pump.

Is it possible to control a small ATO pump via the drive ports on the Control? I blindly assumed I'd be able to do that. So I picked up a connector and wired my Tunze ATO pump (just the pump, not the entire unit) to a drive port. As soon as I connected it, I started getting "Collective Broken" errors. Currently I have the Tunze ATO unit plugged into a power bar. While that works, I wanted to try letting the Hydros handle the ATO.

I'm really trying to like the Hydros but I swear it's just one problem after another with this thing. I've got a a laundry list of things that I still can't get to work on it. Honestly, at the moment, I'm pretty annoyed with it. I've spent about $600 on it Hydros gear and the only thing I can get to work properly is the AWC.

I either grossly misunderstood what the Hydros is supposed to be able to do, I'm entirely missing something that's making it difficult to use or it's broken.

 

[AnotherReefHobbyist]

Is it possible to control a small ATO pump via the drive ports on the Control? I blindly assumed I'd be able to do that. So I picked up a connector and wired my Tunze ATO pump (just the pump, not the entire unit) to a drive port. As soon as I connected it, I started getting "Collective Broken" errors. Currently I have the Tunze ATO unit plugged into a power bar. While that works, I wanted to try letting the Hydros handle the ATO.

I'm really trying to like the Hydros but I swear it's just one problem after another with this thing. I've got a a laundry list of things that I still can't get to work on it. Honestly, at the moment, I'm pretty annoyed with it. I've spent about $600 on it Hydros gear and the only thing I can get to work properly is the AWC.

I either grossly misunderstood what the Hydros is supposed to be able to do, I'm entirely missing something that's making it difficult to use or it's broken.

the only pump that can connect to the drive port is the one hydros makes, though it is reasonably priced and has a great lift height.

otherwise you plug any pump into your power bar and have the outlet for it switch on and off based on the sensors.

just note that you would only want to use the power bar option if you have the hardwired xp8, as if the wifi fails while the ato is on then the pump would continue filling your tank indefinitely.

 

[Hooz]

Is it possible to control a small ATO pump via the drive ports on the Control? I blindly assumed I'd be able to do that. So I picked up a connector and wired my Tunze ATO pump (just the pump, not the entire unit) to a drive port. As soon as I connected it, I started getting "Collective Broken" errors. Currently I have the Tunze ATO unit plugged into a power bar. While that works, I wanted to try letting the Hydros handle the ATO.

I'm really trying to like the Hydros but I swear it's just one problem after another with this thing. I've got a a laundry list of things that I still can't get to work on it. Honestly, at the moment, I'm pretty annoyed with it. I've spent about $600 on it Hydros gear and the only thing I can get to work properly is the AWC.

I either grossly misunderstood what the Hydros is supposed to be able to do, I'm entirely missing something that's making it difficult to use or it's broken.

That's why I'd like to set everything up from scratch on this new tank build. I plan to buy my equipment with the Hydros in mind, and get compatible stuff as much as I can to avoid potential issues.