HYDROS is different from other aquarium automation systems. Rather than having a central brain, the HYDROS platform is distributed across devices—each capable of being used on its own or together with other HYDROS products as part of a larger system. This means every HYDROS device is a smart device with its own CPU and scheduling capabilities.
A fast dual-core 32-bit processor that allows control decisions to be made within each device.
Internal health monitoring to report voltages, currents, CPU status, and the internal temperature of each device.
HYDROS Command Bus connections to transfer data and power to devices and equipment.
HYDROS Control Features:
Monitor key aquarium water parameters and control equipment from anywhere using the HYDROS app for Android and iOS.
Easily adjust settings by swiping on your mobile device. There is zero coding or complicated programming required.
Mobile text alerts and app push notifications are sent the instant something goes wrong so you can take corrective action remotely.
Set rules to turn on & off equipment automatically based on real-time data and create schedules to perform tasks throughout the day.
The HYDROS Control 2, HYDROS Control 4, HYDROS WaveEngine, and future HYDROS products can all be used together.
HYDROS is Built to Withstand Saltwater
Aquarium controllers from other companies are not built to survive in the harsh environment of a marine aquarium. They use open body connectors like RJ-45 and USB. In some cases when USB connectors are used, they aren’t even used for USB. So, if you plugged the cable into your computer by accident, the signal from the connector could destroy your PC. Many hobbyists resort to using silicone lubricant or petroleum jelly to keep water out of their connectors and to prevent them from rusting.
HYDROS is the first aquarium control system designed to thrive in the wet and salty environment of a reef aquarium. The HYDROS Control 2, Control 4, and WaveEngine are all sealed inside watertight cases with industrial splash-proof connectors for safe and long-lasting operation. The enclosures can get wet without affecting operation and the connectors are rugged, color-coded and screw on securely. These types of connectors are used on aircraft worldwide and are proven to be tough and reliable.
HYDROS is Fault Tolerant to Keep Your Aquarium Safe
HYDROS devices can be configured to be fault tolerant. Fault tolerance enables HYDROS devices to continue operating properly in the event of the failure of (or one or more faults within) some of its components.
Critical portions of the HYDROS system can be duplicated to ensure that, in the event of a probe or sensor failure, an alternative probe or sensor is available to automatically replace it.
Configuring a system to be Fault Tolerant adds cost and complexity, but it can also be the factor that saves thousands of dollars of delicate corals in the event of a failure. HYDROS devices can also be connected to a battery backup and will run in a low current mode while under battery operation.
HYDROS is an Automation Platform You Can Grow With
A HYDROS aquarium automation system consists of as many or as few devices as you need. From a single HYDROS Control 2 to a massive system with multiple HYDROS Control 4 units, WaveEngines, and future HYDROS smart devices.
There is no HYDROS “Lite.” You don’t have to start with a “Junior” version only to replace it later when your needs grow. With HYDROS, you can add a piece at a time according to your needs and budget today. You don’t have to invest in a “full version” with functionality you won’t use now because you’re scared you might want it in the future.
HYDROS does not assume you have one aquarium, either. You can use HYDROS to develop a distributed system to manage multiple aquariums. Suppose you have a reverse osmosis filter and some barrels in your garage. Add a HYDROS Control 2 to manage and report water levels for you!
HYDROS Accurately Monitors the Health of Your Aquarium
All the input/output (I/O) ports on HYDROS smart devices are designed to the highest standards for industrial-grade use. The pH and ORP Probe ports are the most accurate and noise immune in the aquarium industry. You can read more about these amazing inputs in the versatility section that follows.
All analog inputs use modern high-quality dedicated analog-to-digital converters. Aquarium controllers from other brands use low-quality A/D converters that are built into a microcontroller. The timing precision of all HYDROS devices is accurate to one hundredth of a second.
HYDROS is Versatile and Expandable Without Extra Modules
Most aquarium control systems use many different types of ports to plug in the various sensors we run on our systems. For example, your aquarium controller might only allow a temperature probe to be connected to a dedicated temperature port. But if you wanted to use an optical sensor to measure water level instead of temperature, you may be required to use a different port entirely. Or worse, you might have to purchase an entirely new module to plug in the water level sensor.
HYDROS remedies this problem with Sense Ports which allow you to connect a variety of different types of sensors to a single port type. That way, you always have the right port available regardless of the sensor you want to connect.
