In what is a continuing trend among aquarium companies Hydros announced their Power 4 Wifi power strip for home aquarium automation. The new power strip works with the free Hydros app on iOS and Android allows you to control the outlets with rules and schedules at your whim. The power strip works on the ancient 2.4ghz wifi spectrum used by 802.11b, g, & n which does not allow a lot of data but it allows the signal to travel farther. The unit includes 4 USB ports but unlike the individual power outlets which can be controlled individually, the 4 USB ports can only be controlled as one limiting the usefulness of the ports. You can add more power 4 wifi power strips together to control different parts of your saltwater ecosystem. You can also monitor the outlets on your Power 4 power strip. If an outlet fails or loses its WiFi connection, you will be immediately notified via alerts to your mobile device. This safety feature can help prevent a tank catastrophe. For example, if the outlet powering your return pump failed, you would receive a notification to let you know something is awry so that you can take corrective action. As a temporary fix, you might decide to turn on all your flow pumps and increase their speed remotely via the HYDROS app to keep the water moving and the temperature stable until you can arrive home to investigate. Retailing for around $40 the power strip will be available through retail partners.
