Introducing the Hydros Maven

[n2585722]

He genuinely seems to have been impressed with trying out the Hydros system. The Launch is really nice, and I feel it's hard to argue against it for the price point if you don't already have a controller.

The Launch is meant as a starting point. That question was ask a lot since there are quite a few controllers in their lineup. But instead of having a main brain and modules they decided to give each module enough computing power to be a stand alone controller or to be a member of a collective of controllers that act like a larger controller. The launch has the most popular ports so it makes a good stand alone controller and a good starting point for more advanced systems. I think it will be between the Launch or the X4 Pro Pack as the starting point for most users.

 

[JeffB418]

Correct, although I was referencing SaltwaterAquariums. BRS will continue pushing Neptune products given they're owned by the same company -- which is unfortunate.

SWA will always keep pushing Aperture brands, they make up a significant portion of their sales and revenue.

 

[teaktoc]

One single Maven can test Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrate, Phosphate. You will not need to purchase a machine per test.

As well, the Maven can be ran standalone, or added to a Collective with other Hydros Controls.

When is this releasing for purchase? Waiting another month is fine. Moving forward with a reefbot of this is not shipping for several months is a better choice.

 

[Jmp998]

I asked the Hydros guys at Aquashella a few weeks ago (nice, helpful, patient guys). They said not firm but probably early Q4, so a few months away. It did look like a really nice setup and well thought out in terms of cleaning tubing between tests etc to reduce carryover artifacts.

 

[Ziggy17]

Not everyone has an apex and if they do, they’re not all committed to it like you may think especially if the original Trident is any barometer for NP. And here’s the reality, Trident and NP are going to continue to burn through your reagents unlike Maven - a true hidden cost that no one is talking enough about. There’s no minimum testing requirement per day with Maven unlike Apex.

Here’s the bottom line, Aperture is releasing Apex Trident NP when the phosphates test has NOT been working as of just a little over 2 months ago since last spoke to NSI (beta testers for Neptune). There’s a problem with the low resolution. The fact that they rushed this for RAP Orlando and laying it on a table with no price when it’s less than a month out should be a warning sign to EVERYONE.

I have an Apex Pro w Trident and EB832. Neptune did me zero favours when my 2 year old base unit completely broke, they just advised to buy a new A3. I can’t wait to move away from Neptune all together and give this a try. FTR, my trident’s tests are not reliable, another reason to move away. Buying the new Trident AP is the best example of throwing good money at bad money.

 

[tbaum101]

You will have to wait for the official product information but if you look at the image provided you can see multiple colored lines behind the front red one. Also they show the removable sample vile, nice touch, which also supports to multi support single unit.

Two things come to mind

Will ABC reagents come out with kits for this
Will Hydros be open to third party reagents

Everything else will sort itself out be it cost of unit, tests per day, reagent shelf life (and bottle), etc. They have had some time to sort through current automated systems to get some input as to what to do, and what not to do, and maybe some pain points. Obviously that isn't all they did but clearly there is enough out there as to what could be improved or what to stay away from (probes, discs).

From what I saw, Hydros will have proprietary reagents so they can control the quality and strength of the solutions. It sounded like this will assist with accuracy.

 

[areefer01]

From what I saw, Hydros will have proprietary reagents so they can control the quality and strength of the solutions. It sounded like this will assist with accuracy.

You mean market speak or are they suggesting that ABC reagents are of lower standard?

 

[theatrus]

Sounds like market speak, honestly either side can be of higher or lower quality. The chemistry on both is probably pretty standard.

 

[tbaum101]

You mean market speak or are they suggesting that ABC reagents are of lower standard?

Well...You and I can take it for what we will. I'm a little jaded myself with companies saying stuff like that...But the way they put it is that they have no control over the production and efficacy of other companies products and they can make theirs and know it will work as needed for their device. Honestly it made sense to me.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Yesterday at RAP NY I heard $1199, availability around Thanksgiving. Does look like a viable option but yes expensive.

I told the guy that at this price it should come with longer warranty to show people that you believe in reliability of the device....like Abyzz does.

He mentioned that there is a part inside that "chokes" the lines and that would have to be periodically replaced; hopefully by an end user

 

[areefer01]

I told the guy that at this price it should come with longer warranty to show people that you believe in reliability of the device....like Abyzz does.

The Abyzz 10 year warranty comes with a premium price. Unrealistic to think that the Maven or Trident(s) can match that. Also it is a complete different animal.

Most automated titration reagent solutions will require some form of scheduled maintenance. Any vendor saying otherwise should be a red flag. Onus is on the hobbyist to have realistic expectations.

 

[GARRIGA]

Nothing gets more posts then expensive equipment I don't need but likely still want

 

[GARRIGA]

BTW, sat through the release at RAP Orlando and very impressed. Pretty sure I sat next to the guy from Neptune. Sure looked like him.

 

[BZOFIQ]

The Abyzz 10 year warranty comes with a premium price.

and Maven does not?

 

[areefer01]

and Maven does not?

That will vary by hobbyist but in my opinion no. I'm really not sure why one would even compare the two as it relates to warranties. Different product and price point. Unless something has changed the Abyzz does not have pinch valves or small diameter tubing to pass colored reagents through nor does it need to be sent in (or buy a DIY kit) for service. Regular hobbyist cleaning/maintenance excluded of course unless the hobbyist is one that doesn't do that...

I understand, and respect, the ask and agree some things it would be nice such as lighting, return pumps, power heads, skimmers, and things along those lines. But again nothing is free and someone always has to pay. That is usually the hobbyist with higher prices.

 

[JeffB418]

Yesterday at RAP NY I heard $1199, availability around Thanksgiving. Does look like a viable option but yes expensive.

I told the guy that at this price it should come with longer warranty to show people that you believe in reliability of the device....like Abyzz does.

He mentioned that there is a part inside that "chokes" the lines and that would have to be periodically replaced; hopefully by an end user

Yeah I would suspect a few items would need to be serviced over time including pinch valves (chokers), dosing pump head (unit has 1 inside), and even the test vial at some point. But the good news I've been told is that all parts will be available for user services (or you will have the option to send it in as well). I did take a peak inside and it seems that the parts are well situated for user serviceability. Pinch valves are mounted along the right side on a plate and all valves are connectorized to the circuit card assembly for easy removal. Dosing pump looked to be situated on the left side.

 

[BZOFIQ]

That will vary by hobbyist but in my opinion no.

Same can be said for any piece of equipment

That will vary by hobbyist but in my opinion no. I'm really not sure why one would even compare the two as it relates to warranties. Different product and price point. Unless something has changed the Abyzz does not have pinch valves or small diameter tubing to pass colored reagents through nor does it need to be sent in (or buy a DIY kit) for service. Regular hobbyist cleaning/maintenance excluded of course unless the hobbyist is one that doesn't do that...

I understand, and respect, the ask and agree some things it would be nice such as lighting, return pumps, power heads, skimmers, and things along those lines. But again nothing is free and someone always has to pay. That is usually the hobbyist with higher prices.

I wasnt comparing this (the Maven) to the Abyzz pump in a sense that it has pinch valves etc. I simply stated that its a premium product that comes with 10 years warranty to show the buyer that the company stands behind its product. If CV thinks that the Maven is a premium product - it certainly is priced as such - then perhaps the warranty should follow....regardless of the fact that there are consumable components that might need to be replaced by the user before the warranty is up.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Yeah I would suspect a few items would need to be serviced over time including pinch valves (chokers), dosing pump head (unit has 1 inside), and even the test vial at some point. But the good news I've been told is that all parts will be available for user services (or you will have the option to send it in as well). I did take a peak inside and it seems that the parts are well situated for user serviceability. Pinch valves are mounted along the right side on a plate and all valves are connectorized to the circuit card assembly for easy removal. Dosing pump looked to be situated on the left side.

That's great and consumables are just that, and so I suggested that they disclose these components as consumable but provided longer warranty on the unit itself showing the buyer that you're getting a quality piece of equipment....because its not cheap.

 

[n2585722]

and Maven does not?

You are comparing pumps that cost from $1600 to $10000 to a $1200 tester. If the tester was $10000 then they would be able to warranty it for 10 years. If you want a 10 year warranty the cost will increase on anything considerably from a 1 year warranty. You would be paying for a 10 year service policy in the initial price of the product.

 

[JeffB418]

Something to consider as well, many credit card companies offer extended warranty automatically as part of your cardholder agreement.

Credit Card Extended Warranty Policies: A Guide - NerdWallet

If you're paying with a credit card, there may be no need to buy the retailer's expensive service plan. You may already have similar coverage.

www.nerdwallet.com