CoralVue is soon to release its latest addition to the Hydros Aquarium Controller portfolio, the Control X10. Like others in the range, the X10 comes fitted with two Command Bus, two Drive Ports, and four Sense Ports to power 12V DC equipment, leak detectors, temperature sensors, and level sensors, only this time two Probe Ports have been added to monitor salinity and pH/ORP.
To measure salinity Hydros are using a K10 factor probe, which they say is much more applicable to reefing applications. It can be placed in a sump in the usual way or isolated via a separate Hydros iV isolation vessel to take a sampled salinity without anomalies from stray voltage. Get a Control X10, a pH Probe and an iV stirrer, and Alkalinity testing can then be carried out via the Hydros App. Just like other Alk testing machines, Hydros Alk testing in the Hydros iV utilizes 3 Dosing Pump heads for the Sample, Waste, and Reagent. Users still have one remaining doser on the X10 to make Dynamic Doses. And that brings us to our next point – the dosers.
The Hydros X10 has four Kamoer-looking dosing pumps bolted onto its shell, which we think is unique within the controller market. Advanced Alk testing and correction is one thing, but you can just use these variable speed pumps as standard dosing heads, again via the app, and dose your choice of 1,2,3 or 4-part, amino acids, or whatever you like while also controlling up to eight separate Wi-Fi devices at the same time. It’s dust and rain-proof and can be used for freshwater and pond applications too.
What we think
We’ve enjoyed watching the evolution of the Hydros controller and the new Hydros Control X10 is possibly one controller to rule them all. We like the unique look and rugged construction of the Hydros range, its richness of features, and the determination by the CoralVue team not just to create their own vision of an aquarium controller, but also to keep seeking and adding on new solutions to test, power, and sense fundamental parameters that are needed to support aquarium life.
Every controller should monitor Temperature, pH, and Salinity. The added Salinity probe, four dosing pumps, and dozens of other features from this one unit put the Hydros Control X10 right up there in terms of application, capability, and recommendation.
