If you could get a new controller what would you get. With the merger of the Neptune, EcoTech, and AI the MXM platform looks appealing. But the quality of Hydros and simplicity of the app looks like the user friendly and most expandable option. What are your thoughts and thanks for you feedback.
-
Welcome back Guest!MARSH is a private reefing group. Comments and suggestions are encouraged, but please keep them positive and constructive. Negative threads, posts, or attacks will be removed from view and reviewed by the staff. Continually disruptive, argumentative, or flagrant rule breakers may be suspended or banned.
Hydros or Apex With all the new updates what system would you get and why? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter KTXreef
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Users who are viewing this thread
I am leaning towards Hydros personally because I am interested in the wave engine. I agree MXM is appealing but I don't own own any vortechs and even though I am interested in the flow patterns offered I am not sure I would want to spend that much money on powerheads. It seems most people say they like them for the "no cord in the tank" feature but don't mention if they like the flow options or if they are ok with not being able to aim the flow.
I had a Nero 3 that failed in under a year. Replaced for free under warranty but doesn't make me want to spend money on any more of their flow pumps. I did like the Nero while it worked and was close to buying a 5 when the 3 died.
I have an AI Prime and 2 XR-15 but I don't see myself changing the lights enough to need to bring them into a separate controller system when the native app works well enough. I haven't liked the mobius app as much as the AI app though.
I hope Hydros makes an option similar to the Trident and a dosing option that isn't as expensive as the X10.
Edit: also the build quality of the Hyrdos looks better, more durable.
I had a Nero 3 that failed in under a year. Replaced for free under warranty but doesn't make me want to spend money on any more of their flow pumps. I did like the Nero while it worked and was close to buying a 5 when the 3 died.
I have an AI Prime and 2 XR-15 but I don't see myself changing the lights enough to need to bring them into a separate controller system when the native app works well enough. I haven't liked the mobius app as much as the AI app though.
I hope Hydros makes an option similar to the Trident and a dosing option that isn't as expensive as the X10.
Edit: also the build quality of the Hyrdos looks better, more durable.
Last edited:
R-BallJunkie
Supporting Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2006
- Messages
- 1,521
- Reaction score
- 235
hydros is good. service, product and community. sorry i did not go with them initially, much regrets.
New AI return and crossflow pumps to add to the MXM list of options.
Aqua Illumination Launches Orbit Crossflow and Axis Centrifugal Pumps | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog
Aqua Illumination has launched two surprise new DC pump ranges called the Orbit, and the Axis, only with some very familiar form factors. The Orbit is an unashamedly rebadged Maxspect Jump gyre flow…
reefbuilders.com
R-BallJunkie
Supporting Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2006
- Messages
- 1,521
- Reaction score
- 235
Mastertronic is releasing a newer model called the Mastertronic Essential.
Forgo's the previous needles and uses a drop counter. I sold my mastertronic...very finicky piece of equipment. when it worked it was great. When it didnt, it sucked.
The parameters covered look good: alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate, calcium and magnesium.
Alkatronic, rock steady reliable.
paradizecityz
Guest
Never had any issues with Apex so I would probably stick with them but I'm out the hobby and trying to sell my Apex 
I’ve ran both Apex and Hydros. I never had much problems with either. In the last several years there’s been a lot of complaints about Apex. Hydros has more versatility it seems. I don’t use mine for much, but with all their new upgrades it’s gonna be pretty nice. A friend of mine likes the dynamic dosing.
As far as setup, I found mine was pretty easy to get up and running. I haven’t had any crazy issues yet. A friend of mine gave me an X4 so I set it up. He also wired in a float switch for my skimmer. So I basically only use it for that, temp, pH, a fan, and a few fail safes. If you get one, definitely get the “wired” XP8 over the Wi-Fi Power Strip like I’m currently running with my X4. Anything Wi-FI can go offline, but it comes right back. I still wouldn’t trust it with my CaRx.
As far as setup, I found mine was pretty easy to get up and running. I haven’t had any crazy issues yet. A friend of mine gave me an X4 so I set it up. He also wired in a float switch for my skimmer. So I basically only use it for that, temp, pH, a fan, and a few fail safes. If you get one, definitely get the “wired” XP8 over the Wi-Fi Power Strip like I’m currently running with my X4. Anything Wi-FI can go offline, but it comes right back. I still wouldn’t trust it with my CaRx.
I have used Apex for almost 10 years now and if I started fresh today I would be tempted to try Hydros. Woke up this morning to an issue I have gotten twice before, somehow the addresses for all the modules got jumbled and I ended up having to delete all modules and set everything back up. One example, all the outlets for one of my power strips were listed as being on the auto feeder. I think it has to do with the aquabus number being the order things are added and if something happens where they get re-added the addresses can get jumbled.
Cody
Vice President
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
Content Moderator
Board Member
Supporting Member
I just wish that Neptune made a P)4 and NO3 monitor. That's the only missing piece of the puzzle as far as I'm concerned, and I would gladly sub out Ca and Mg to get them. The later just aren't as important as the former.
