Apex vs Hydros

[n2585722]

Why do you have an ice bladder?

It is a RO bladder tank off of the RO only part of the RODI. the output of it goes to the water dispenser and ice maker in the refrigerator. That in not aquarium related but turning it on every 4 hours for 15 minutes keeps the pressure up enough for the usage it gets. Mostly ice since we usually drink bottled water. Our water comes from a lake and during certain times of the year the ice will have a bad smell to it if we just use tap water for the ice maker. The RO unit removes the smell. There are some other non aquarium things I use the Hydros for since I have it and it can do it without any trouble.

 

[xtianGEO]

Ha! I don’t think apex can do this

 

[n2585722]

Ha! I don’t think apex can do this

Not sure since I have never tried on a Apex.

 

[n2585722]

Ha! I don’t think apex can do this

I have a DI reservoir, fresh saltwater reservoir and a mix tank in my garage under my work bench. The Hydros will refill the DI reservoir when it goes low back up to full using the RODI unit. It will also refill the fresh saltwater reservoir from the mix tank if the water in the mix tank is ready to use. Once the water from the mix tank has all been transferred to the fresh saltwater tank it refills the mix tank with the RODI unit. All I have to do is add the salt mix and press a button when the mix tank is ready to use. The Hydros also turn off the pump used to mix the contents of the mix tank when the level in that tank drops below 60%. It turns it back on again when it reaches 60%. I also have a dispense pump in the fresh saltwater reservoir and the DI reservoir I can use to dispense the contents into buckets. I press a button to turn on the pump for the reservoir I want to remove some water from. When I release the button the pump will stop. I also have a manual valve on those outlets I close when I am not using the pumps to dispense water. I also have a button I can press that will turn on the bench light above the bench and it will stay on an hour then go off on it's own. That is also done on the Hydros. There is also a switch if I turn it on it disables all those buttons and the AWC. The ATO and two AWC pumps are also in the garage. The fill pump gets it water from the fresh saltwater reservoir. The ATO pump gets its water from the DI reservoir. If the fresh saltwater reservoir is low the schedule for the AWC will be stopped also. Same with the ATO if the DI reservoir goes low. The drain pump pumps the waste into the kitchen sink drain. There is also a time shutdown for both the DI and mix tank refills from the RODI unit if it take more than 5 hours to refill it will stop the refill and send an alert. Also a detected leak will stop the refill. I also have float valves in those reservoirs that will also stop the refill if the water level gets that high. So the Hydros can do a lot it is just done differently than the other controllers.

 

[xtianGEO]

Ha! You’re using the Hydros beyond its intended use. As for me, I’m still struggling. I set up my X10, and, like you said, wiped the memory. The problem now is that the 28 ppt calibration solution is sold out, and the single-use 100ml bottle is a rip-off! What are you doing to calibrate your salinity probe?

 

[n2585722]

Ha! You’re using the Hydros beyond its intended use. As for me, I’m still struggling. I set up my X10, and, like you said, wiped the memory. The problem now is that the 28 ppt calibration solution is sold out, and the single-use 100ml bottle is a rip-off! What are you doing to calibrate your salinity probe?

I pour enough of it in another container. I don't use the whole bottle for one calibration. So I can get several calibrations out of the bottle using each portion only once.

 

[xtianGEO]

I saw that you run intllab 12v peristaltic pumps, what housing do you use? Do you solder 2 pin females?

 

[n2585722]

I saw that you run intllab 12v peristaltic pumps, what housing do you use? Do you solder 2 pin females?

It is the same cable as the Hydros simple doser. I started using the Inllab pumps before the Hydros simple doser was available. So I made my original cables for my ATO and AWC pumps. The Hydros end was a GX12 2 pin connector I got from Amazon. I think I have been getting the 5 at a time but it has been a while since I got any I got the DC plug on a cable from Mouser and soldiered on the GX12 connector to the open end of those cables. I now use a Hydros doser for my ATO but it is plugged into the original cable I made for the Intllab. Here is a link to the cables I think I used on them looking back on my orders. I don't remember ordering any others like that from Mouser https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/172-181152-E .

 

[xtianGEO]

It is the same cable as the Hydros simple doser. I started using the Inllab pumps before the Hydros simple doser was available. So I made my original cables for my ATO and AWC pumps. The Hydros end was a GX12 2 pin connector I got from Amazon. I think I have been getting the 5 at a time but it has been a while since I got any I got the DC plug on a cable from Mouser and soldiered on the GX12 connector to the open end of those cables. I now use a Hydros doser for my ATO but it is plugged into the original cable I made for the Intllab. Here is a link to the cables I think I used on them looking back on my orders. I don't remember ordering any others like that from Mouser https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/172-181152-E .

Yes, but the housing for the pump? I saw the pump on Amazon; it’s just the mechanical portion without housing

 

[n2585722]

Yes, but the housing for the pump? I saw the pump on Amazon; it’s just the mechanical portion without housing

This is the one I was using . It has a dial to adjust the flow rate but once you get it set you will have to do a calibration on the Hydros. The Hydros will run it for one minute and then you tell the Hydros how much was dispensed. Then the Hydros knows how much flows in 1 minute so it can calculate how long to run it to get a specific dose amount dispensed. I was trying to attach a link but it didn't work apparently so here is a photo of the ones I was getting.

 

[KirM]

Obviously I am going to be a bit bias as my username implies, however, I have this to share:

One of the major benefits of HYDROS would be this issue in the future! HYDROS is a completely modular system; at no point will ANY HYDROS equipment go obsolete...you want to expand in the future, just pick up another HYDROS Control. You separate part of your system into a smaller tank and break off some of your HYDROS to automate that tank!

Hydros offers an extremely user-friendly aquarium automation experience, zero coding; everything is a drop-down menu.

You may see that there are a lot of HYDROS Controls and you're wondering which one you need to start on, YOU CAN START WITH ANY! However, is that Hydros Control big enough, and have the ports available to do the jobs that you wish to do?

Maybe you decide to start small, when it's time to grow, that original device NEVER BECOMES OBSOLETE! You can just add on to the system, to grow your COLLECTIVE! Multiple HYDROS brains linked up, creating a redundant system, and a neural network of safety. If we release a new device, no need to sell the original one to get the newest and greatest, just add it on!

No modules! Accessories are extremely affordable, as long as you have the port available on a Hydros control, you can hook up that matching accessory.

The devices don't use outdated USB connections, HYDROS use CANBus, via command bus cable on GX-12 connectors, extremely reliable, and IP65 waterproof splash proof dustproof, aquarium stand proof We've seen too many aquarium equipments go bad with moisture, we didn't want that to happen to ours.

Partnering with other companies, YOU the end user should have the option to run whatever equipment you want. With HYDROS, We work hard to partner with other companies to incorporate their tech into our system. That way, the end user can have the best experience possible. So far we have integrated with Kamoer for the KH Carer, Focustronic for Alkatronic and Mastertronic, Sicce for their SDC Pumps...and more are coming....just you wait.

However, we have given away the software to test Alkalinity on HYDROS FOR FREE!!! The X10 has everything that is needed, so that is the most convenient route. However, all you need is a pH probe, HYDROS iV, and 3 Dosers. So, ANY HYDROS Control can test alkalinity, assuming you have those ports available.

Customer support, along with research and development, is our number one priority. Phone number, email, support portal, Facebook group, another Facebook group, and online forum are all available at your disposal. Call us, beep us, if you need to reach us.

It's going to be a HUGE year for HYDROS. Y'all will see, we aren't playing.

Hi
I currently have a GHL system which works great but not being able to get the IOND is annoying. They keep pushing back the date for it to be available.

I am thinking of changing to a hydros or Apex system. So far I have messaged hydros twice. A sales rep from a popular hydros distributor has also reached out to hydros for me. So far I have had NO response from hydros. I keep reading that hydros has a very good support system but I am concerned since I have reached out 3 times now and there has been no communication. Not even an email to say, we received your message and are backed up and will respond soon. There has been nothing.


Kirk

 

[Peair]

Hi
I currently have a GHL system which works great but not being able to get the IOND is annoying. They keep pushing back the date for it to be available.

I am thinking of changing to a hydros or Apex system. So far I have messaged hydros twice. A sales rep from a popular hydros distributor has also reached out to hydros for me. So far I have had NO response from hydros. I keep reading that hydros has a very good support system but I am concerned since I have reached out 3 times now and there has been no communication. Not even an email to say, we received your message and are backed up and will respond soon. There has been nothing.


Kirk

It seems like everybody is having delays and problems these days, I use to deal with Mike at Hydros that was very good, I don't know much about Apex, but give them a try.

 

[KirM]

It seems like everybody is having delays and problems these days, I use to deal with Mike at Hydros that was very good, I don't know much about Apex, but give them a try.

Give hydros or Apex a try?

 

[Peair]

This is the one I was using . It has a dial to adjust the flow rate but once you get it set you will have to do a calibration on the Hydros. The Hydros will run it for one minute and then you tell the Hydros how much was dispensed. Then the Hydros knows how much flows in 1 minute so it can calculate how long to run it to get a specific dose amount dispensed. I was trying to attach a link but it didn't work apparently so here is a photo of the ones I was getting.

I have a similar pump like that, I bought it on Amazon,Amazon product, it works very good on Hydros, and you can even set a nice schedule.

 

[KirM]

I have a similar pump like that, I bought it on Amazon,Amazon product, it works very good on Hydros, and you can even set a nice schedule.

Oh ok. Thank you. You use this in place of the hydros dosing pumps?

 

[n2585722]

Hi
I currently have a GHL system which works great but not being able to get the IOND is annoying. They keep pushing back the date for it to be available.

I am thinking of changing to a hydros or Apex system. So far I have messaged hydros twice. A sales rep from a popular hydros distributor has also reached out to hydros for me. So far I have had NO response from hydros. I keep reading that hydros has a very good support system but I am concerned since I have reached out 3 times now and there has been no communication. Not even an email to say, we received your message and are backed up and will respond soon. There has been nothing.


Kirk

Is there something specific you have a question about. I have had the Hydros since they came out with it and currently have 15 controllers in my collective so I might be able to help.

 

[n2585722]

Oh ok. Thank you. You use this in place of the hydros dosing pumps?

You can if you want. Hydros has multiple dosing pumps currently. They have a simple doser that has a flow rate of 43ml a minute and it runs from a drive port. There is a 2.5 second minimum on time so keep that in mind. There is also a 2ml per minute doser that runs off of a AC outlet on a Launch or XP8. Then there are the smart dosers. Those have varible flow rates and can be run in either direction. It depends on the pump on the flow rates but they are built within the contrller. The smaller one is the Minnow which has 2 dosing pumps and can be run at 25, 40 or 55 ml a minute in either direction. That controller also has 4 sense ports. The other is the X10 which has 4 precision stepper motor dosing pumps. Those can go from .1 to 100 ml per minute in .1 ml increments in either direction. That controller has a pH port, salinity port and 4 sense ports. It also has 2 drive ports. It is frequently paired with the iV for alkalinity testing. Those are Hydros branded dosing pumps you can use. You can use any dosing pump that can be set to a specific flow rate and set to run when powered.

 

[KirM]

Is there something specific you have a question about. I have had the Hydros since they came out with it and currently have 15 controllers in my collective so I might be able to help.

Yes. Thank you!

I want a system that can test all the things. So pH, Temp, salinity, alkalinity, nitrate, phos, calcium, mg.

I also want the system to control my heaters, sump light schedule and pump, skimmer, lights etc. In the sense that it can turn the heaters off at a certain temp, turn the fan on at a certain temp, etc.

I also want it to be able to dose to maintain levels of the elements in the tank, calcium, mg etc.

I was thinking of the X10 and Maven with the pro pack. Do you think this combo makes sense?
Also, do you know if the Maven is on the market as yet?

 

[Peair]

Oh ok. Thank you. You use this in place of the hydros dosing pumps?

It looks like my picture did not turn out too good, I will try again, it was 25 bucks, now I got my hydros pumps from SaltwaterAquarium.com, 75 bucks.

 

[n2585722]

Yes. Thank you!

I want a system that can test all the things. So pH, Temp, salinity, alkalinity, nitrate, phos, calcium, mg.

I also want the system to control my heaters, sump light schedule and pump, skimmer, lights etc. In the sense that it can turn the heaters off at a certain temp, turn the fan on at a certain temp, etc.

I also want it to be able to dose to maintain levels of the elements in the tank, calcium, mg etc.

I was thinking of the X10 and Maven with the pro pack. Do you think this combo makes sense?
Also, do you know if the Maven is on the market as yet?

Right now you can have pH, ORP using the probe port. You can also have a salinity port but at this time they are only on the Launch and X10 controllers. The temp sensor connects to a sense port as most other input devices. The Maven is not out yet. I think they are trying for the 4th quarter sometime. I currently test for alkalinity using the X10 and iV combo. I also have a salinity probe in the iV. I do manual test for the others you mentioned using Hanna testers and enter the test data into the Hydros app. I do plan on getting a Maven when they become available. The Hydros controls my heaters and cooling fans. I do have heaters that have a thermostat so those are set about 3 degrees higher than the Hydros as a backup off. I would always have a backup off for heaters. I use the chiller output type to control my cooling fans. I have DIY LED lighting and control the lighting using 6 0-10v outputs. I also have sump LED lighting that is also controlled by a 0-10v output. I also control the return pump, skimmer and flow pumps with the Hydros. My ATO and AWC is also controlled by the Hydros. I dose All For Reef and a KH buffer using 2 dosing pumps from a X10. I do use dynamic dosing on these using the alkalinity test. I plan on using the calcium to control the All For Reef dosing once I get the Maven. I also control my mixing station and RODI unit with the Hydros. So the DI reservoir is automatically refilled when it gets low from the RODI unit. The fresh saltwater reservoir is refilled from the mix tank if the contents of the mix tank is ready to use. Once the transfer is complete it will automatically refill the mix tank from the RODI unit. All I have to do is add the salt mix and press a button when ready. I also have dispense pumps that are run from the Hydros by pressing a button. One is in the DI reservoir and one is in the fresh saltwater reservoir. I use them for filling containers from either reservoir when needed for some use. I just open a valve and press and hold the button until I have enough. I then release the button and close the valve. The pump will turn off but there is a little bit of a delay. I assume you are talking about the X4 XP8 Pro Pack. That is a good starting point since is has several different types of ports and it also comes with 2 terminators and a command bus cable so you can start a collective. To add another controller to the collective you would need the controller and a command bus cable. You will want the X10 and iV if you want to test alkalinity multiple times a day. It dose use the titration method with a pH probe and sulfuric acid. It also requires 3 dosing pumps for the testing. The drain pump can be a Hydros simple doser since it is just draining back into the tank system and as long as it empties the beaker that is all that is needed. The fill pump and reagent pump you will want to use 2 of the dosers on the X10.That will leave 2 dosers on the X10 for dosing. That is what I use to dose All For Reef and the KH buffer.