Advise on setting up a Hydros system

[nickng]

Hi I'm new to the Hydros controller setup. Hoping members with experience can advise the following:
Want to have following functionality, so what modules should I get :
(1) automated dosing with auto testing, I know the Maven is the unit to use for testing, but what about which unit to use for dosing based on tested results from the Maven unit?
(2) port or ports or method to control (a) varios 8 return pump and also (b) sicce SDC 3.0 pump and (c) wave maker like a vortech MP40 or any recommened brand. This will allow me to have the ability to go into a programmed feedmode with a single switch/control button. Also like to be able to set the flow rates during feedmode and not necessary just shutoff the pumps/wavemakers
(3)at least 2-3 water level sensors and one with something equivalent to the neptune apex LLS 15" water level sensor
(4)hard wired ethernet port, not just wifi.
(5) salinity, pH, temp, orp probes
(6) at least 2 ports for flow rate measurement

Btw how loud are the dosing pumps that are available with the Hydros system?

 

[kenchilada]

Sounds like an X10 and a Wave Engine would be good starting points.

I'd start there and then add on after you get it going, instead of trying to design the entire system up front. Once you get a feel for the software and how it all works, it is easier to decide what to add.

You'll want to check the list of compatible pumps for Wave Engine. For example, I also use a Varios 8 return pump, but it still requires a separate power brick. The smaller Varios pumps can be driven directly from the Wave Engine. I also run 3 gyre pumps off of it.

I still have 3 MP40's that are NOT controlled by Wave Engine, although it does support it via wireless if you jump through some hoops. I'll probably replace mine eventually, just haven't felt the need to yet.

HYDROS WaveEngine - Pump Compatiblity Chart

Is your pump compatible with the HYDROS WaveEngine? Currently supported: Abyzz, EcoTech Marine, IceCap, Maxspect, Reef Octopus, Tunze, Waveline, and more!

www.coralvuehydros.com

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

Agree with the X10 and and wave engine. You can control MP40s with the wave engine kinda if you add the RF chip. Otherwise, there are a lot of other pumps you can control. The X10 will give you temperature pH and salinity with 4 dosing pumps and 3 ports for flow sensors or leak sensors. You can add more ports for flow and leak sensors with the control XS and there are some on the Maven whenever it arrives.

 

[nickng]

Agree with the X10 and and wave engine. You can control MP40s with the wave engine kinda if you add the RF chip. Otherwise, there are a lot of other pumps you can control. The X10 will give you temperature pH and salinity with 4 dosing pumps and 3 ports for flow sensors or leak sensors. You can add more ports for flow and leak sensors with the control XS and there are some on the Maven whenever it arrives.

Thanks, I'll rethink the wavemakers. I saw a list on the compatibility list for wavemaker and I am inclined to look into the flow generators that can be hardwired to the hydros. The Maven is a great capability and an excellent upgrade. The only thing holding me back from adopting hydros is the lack of a hardwired ethernet port. Hoping CoralVue-Hydros team will make a small plug in module/unit to allow communication via an ethernet cable rather than wifi.