Any other HydrosControl or WaveEngine users out there?

Smite

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#2
I’m considering the change as my apex is gettting really old. I wonder how many more clicks it’s got in it.

How are you liking the hydros control and wave engines? My main concern is connectivity issues with the wireless outlets. How’s that?
 
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#3
I have it just have not set it up yet. Once I switch over to new build the hydros will be in effect


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Poochaku

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#4
Big fan of hydros. Newish reefer and never owned the Apex but did a lot of research before buying and I can't see many areas where apex is superior. I also love the wave engine. If you don't use AI/ecotech powerheads I think it's a no brainer for a lot of people due to how much money you save buying pump only powerhead options.
 
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Poochaku

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#5
I’m considering the change as my apex is gettting really old. I wonder how many more clicks it’s got in it.

How are you liking the hydros control and wave engines? My main concern is connectivity issues with the wireless outlets. How’s that?
Personally I haven't had a problem with the wireless outlets and they work exactly as I have expected. They have announced that a hardwired outlet bar solution is on the way though if you're not comfortable with it.
 
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#6
I’m considering the change as my apex is gettting really old. I wonder how many more clicks it’s got in it.

How are you liking the hydros control and wave engines? My main concern is connectivity issues with the wireless outlets. How’s that?

Other than some weird app experience during setup, I haven’t had any issues.

But yeah WiFi outlets do concern me in case your router loses power or something. In the meantime I remedy that with a UPS for the modem, router and WiFi extenders.

Like the other poster they’re coming out with a wired outlet that’ll give you more ports. I think the WiFi has its place because sometimes your other equipment (like RODI) is in another room or further away. Or maybe opposite sides of a long tank.

The wave engine definitely is cool if you have the pumps they can be driven directly like the ice caps, Maxspects, reef octopus, etc. even the skimmers. Reduces the clutter with a lot less ac adapters and power bricks.

And you can control and sync all those brands up with each. You can control Tunze, Ecotech and even Jebao pumps too.

I like it better than the Apex causes expanding modules are cheaper and it’s easier to program. But Apex still got some options that hydros doesn’t and vice versa.


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djrice69

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What I don’t understand is why only 4 plugs for outlets on the hydros, the power outlet is not ip65 or water resistant but the controller is. The outlet themselves don’t seem reliable long term. WiFi is a great feature I just feel like why do I need to buy a can bus plug to plug in my other accessories or additional modules when you run out of space on the limiting controller of the hydros. Sure you can buy additional 4 plug outlet for cheap but that takes up real estate where as the apex having 8 outlets on one module, and all the 24volts plugs for other accessories. The hydros looks like a rats nest to me with the canbus wire sticking out. As far as user interface apex still wins. As far as ease of use hydros wins. The waveengine is great just have to buy there extensions cords for your device that’s another 16 times how many pumps you have. And the wave engine doesn’t work on 36volt dc pumps only 24volts dc
 
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#9
What I don’t understand is why only 4 plugs for outlets on the hydros, the power outlet is not ip65 or water resistant but the controller is. The outlet themselves don’t seem reliable long term. WiFi is a great feature I just feel like why do I need to buy a can bus plug to plug in my other accessories or additional modules when you run out of space on the limiting controller of the hydros. Sure you can buy additional 4 plug outlet for cheap but that takes up real estate where as the apex having 8 outlets on one module, and all the 24volts plugs for other accessories. The hydros looks like a rats nest to me with the canbus wire sticking out. As far as user interface apex still wins. As far as ease of use hydros wins. The waveengine is great just have to buy there extensions cords for your device that’s another 16 times how many pumps you have. And the wave engine doesn’t work on 36volt dc pumps only 24volts dc
Well, the controller can be mounted anywhere so with it water resistant you can have one in the same area as your sump so it’s easier for the probes and sensors and leak detectors to access without having to route all those through a control board.

Yes a canbus wire like a BNC isn’t as sexy as a USB cable, but I’m willing to bet that at least one of your Usb cables or connectors are rusting a little bit.

The WiFi outlet can be in a totally separate area where your power bricks are and doesn’t have to be connected physically to the control box. However there is an 8-outlet wired unit coming soon. Personally I’d use one of each.

And yes the EB832 physically takes up less space than say two WiFi 4-outlets (which each one has 4 usb power outlets too for the auto feeders, some fuge lights, and other minor accessories like fans, etc)…. However because the eb832 requires a clearance on essentially two opposite sides of the brick (one for ventilation and the other for the USB ports and 1-links), you might end up taking the same amount space in your cabinet.

Now let’s compare how many modules and real estate needed for an Apex to have 2 probe ports, 4 sensors (temp, leak detection, skimmer level, ATO), and drive ports (accessories pump, controllable fans, etc).

Not saying the Hydros is a clear winner. I don’t think neither platform is superior to the other. They are definitely pros and cons with each.

And yes the Apex interface is full featured. But it’s legacy is also looking very dated. There’s aspects of it that’s powerful, but takes a steeper learning curve to program intricate dependencies, whereas the hydros app, which has their issues too, is far easier for a novice or beginner to program.

Like here’s some programs that are menu driven (no coding required):
1) if the rope leak sensor detects water, turn off two of my return pumps, ATO pumps, and alert with audible beep.
2) if my ATO runs, do so for maximum 1 minute and send me an SMS/email and audible beep if it exceeds maximum on time.
3) control my WiFi plug (single power) that powers my RODI system to turn off after 30 minutes OR if Ato reservoir level is triggered wet OR if rope leak sensor is triggered.

Can do all this standard without having to buy additional control modules. Just the sensors and maybe some cheap wifi outlets.


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#10
Hydros will have more applications and programs down the line but if your looking for something right now Apex is the way to go! Just buy it brand new!
 

djrice69

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#11
Well, the controller can be mounted anywhere so with it water resistant you can have one in the same area as your sump so it’s easier for the probes and sensors and leak detectors to access without having to route all those through a control board.

Valid point, with the controller being closure for ph probe. But if I wanted a second ph probe one for the tank and one for a calrx I would need a module which is extra cost. And if my calrx is outside the stand I would have to wire the canbus to the extra module outside where the calrx would be placed at which is the same thing for running wires

Yes a canbus wire like a BNC isn’t as sexy as a USB cable, but I’m willing to bet that at least one of your Usb cables or connectors are rusting a little bit.

Mine hasn’t rusted yet, that’s because I don’t keep it under the stand. That power brick still needs to be plugged in and routed and I think is the weakest link.

The WiFi outlet can be in a totally separate area where your power bricks are and doesn’t have to be connected physically to the control box. However there is an 8-outlet wired unit coming soon. Personally I’d use one of each.

Sure if your accessories power plugs can reach from the tank to the outlet of places else where, I don’t think my short powerhead cables can reach the powerbar if it’s 100 ft away.

And yes the EB832 physically takes up less space than say two WiFi 4-outlets (which each one has 4 usb power outlets too for the auto feeders, some fuge lights, and other minor accessories like fans, etc)…. However because the eb832 requires a clearance on essentially two opposite sides of the brick (one for ventilation and the other for the USB ports and 1-links), you might end up taking the same amount space in your cabinet.

The usb outlet is all on state, it can not be individually controlled per usb and much of the devices that can power via usb is not enough Power to do certain things. With that there aren’t many devices you can run through those low power USB ports

Now let’s compare how many modules and real estate needed for an Apex to have 2 probe ports, 4 sensors (temp, leak detection, skimmer level, ATO), and drive ports (accessories pump, controllable fans, etc).

Apex has temp already. The non el version has dual ph probes built in, then you would need to add a simple breakout box which can be attach to other brands of leak detector found on Amazon for cheap, I use Tunze ato so I can’t comment on the ato, if I wanted an extra 3rd ph probe with temp and I/O port I can just get a cheap pm1 module.

Not saying the Hydros is a clear winner. I don’t think neither platform is superior to the other. They are definitely pros and cons with each.

And yes the Apex interface is full featured. But it’s legacy is also looking very dated . There’s aspects of it that’s powerful, but takes a steeper learning curve to program intricate dependencies, whereas the hydros app, which has their issues too, is far easier for a novice or beginner to program.

Fusion works it works so it doesn’t need much change. As for hydros I feel there’s too many clicking through different sections of the hydros, at least the language is easier to understand for the common folks. Then again apex has the Task feature makes setting up easier.

Like here’s some programs that are menu driven (no coding required): apex has task
1) if the rope leak sensor detects water, turn off two of my return pumps, ATO pumps, and alert with audible beep. it is a easy way to run if statements, but I understand where your going with if statements on the apex for advance programming, which I don’t find it hard to do.
2) if my ATO runs, do so for maximum 1 minute and send me an SMS/email and audible beep if it exceeds maximum on time.

I own a tunze so can’t comment, but I heard the Atk can notify a you and do kinda the same thing.

3) control my WiFi plug (single power) that powers my RODI system to turn off after 30 minutes OR if Ato reservoir level is triggered wet OR if rope leak sensor is triggered.

I do see a benefit of the hydros with its ato feature without having to get a different brand ato.
As for the leak detection it’s nice to have but not needed and that’s extra cost and doesn’t come with the set base price.


Can also do that with in expensive smart plugs

Can do all this standard without having to buy additional control modules. Just the sensors and maybe some cheap wifi outlets.

agreeed, but you still have to buy extra canbus wires, ato, leak detector cable, another module for the filled up sense port which adds up


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drexel

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#12
I have the Wave Engine an absolutely love it. On my new 25g lagoon build, I'm going with Hydros Control, I'll most likely go with the Control 4, as I'm connecting two tanks to one sump (25g IM ext and 10g mangrove lagoon) After having to repair my EB832 just after the warranty ran out, I'm done with Neptune Systems. I really like what they offer, but it's made with cheap parts and I can't stand the orange/gray color scheme. All of the modules just look cheap to me. If GHL had programming like Hydros, it would be a no-brainer, but unfortunately, they're still stuck in 80's programming.
For those considering Hydros, I will say that their customer support has been stellar (I had a minor issue during setup) and they actually listen to customer's requests about new features and add-ons, etc... As mentioned above, they are working on a wired outlet (which I prefer), but will say that wifi is only as good as your network, so if your network isn't reliable, then it's not the strips issue, it's your network. The other thing that's cool about Hydros is their "collective", so reefers with multiple tanks can monitor everything under one app and still have individual control.
Anyone else out there who uses vortechs and gyres like me, the Wave Engine is awesome and allows you to control all of the pumps under one hood.
Cheers!
 

djrice69

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#13
Btw I can fix your eb832 if needed, just send it to me. Reason why I like apex is if it’s out of warranty I can save money and fix the parts myself with quality components for a couple bucks and it will last longer. Can’t really do that with the hydros Bc it’s sealed at least the controller portion but the power bar from it I’m not sure as I haven’t taken it apart yet. But you end up having to pay $40 for another power bar if you don’t fix it yourself. So let’s say the 8 plugs from hydros comes out and wired how much you think it will cost to have it replaced?
 

drexel

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Btw I can fix your eb832 if needed, just send it to me. Reason why I like apex is if it’s out of warranty I can save money and fix the parts myself with quality components for a couple bucks and it will last longer. Can’t really do that with the hydros Bc it’s sealed at least the controller portion but the power bar from it I’m not sure as I haven’t taken it apart yet. But you end up having to pay $40 for another power bar if you don’t fix it yourself. So let’s say the 8 plugs from hydros comes out and wired how much you think it will cost to have it replaced?
I had it repaired already from a fellow reefer(I was going to repair it myself, but got too busy). My biggest issue with the new apex is the cheap components. I have two EB8's that are still going strong 7 years later, but the EB832's, not so much.
 

djrice69

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#15
I had it repaired already from a fellow reefer(I was going to repair it myself, but got too busy). My biggest issue with the new apex is the cheap components. I have two EB8's that are still going strong 7 years later, but the EB832's, not so much.
They switch to new components with meanwell step down power supply for the eb832 http://instagr.am/p/CM8nNM9L_Vm/
 

drexel

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They switch to new components with meanwell step down power supply for the eb832 http://instagr.am/p/CM8nNM9L_Vm/
I'm glad they made the upgrade, but for all of us that had to pay nearly $200 for a replacement, it's a little too late. They also didn't address this openly or bothered to contact the many customers who purchased the original EB832's to make it right. But whatever, I will use this apex system until it dies, then I'll wash my hands clean of them.
 

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#18
I’ve installed 2 on clients tanks, and both have failed. Neptune has connection issues every now and then, but more reliable. Maybe ecotech will come out with there’s sooner than later
 

s2k

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#19
Yeah I had connection issues until I used the 2.4ghz from the router. Doesn’t seem to work with the 5ghz.
 
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