HYDROS Start Aquarium Controller

Beginner-Friendly All-in-One Aquarium Controller

The HYDROS Start is built as a first step into aquarium automation, combining four controllable AC outlets, temperature monitoring, and four sense ports in one easy-to-use device. It works well in saltwater tanks, freshwater tanks, and ponds, and it can run on its own or link into a larger HYDROS setup as your needs grow.

Out of the box, the Start can power and monitor heaters, lighting, pumps, and skimmers, and shut equipment off automatically if something goes wrong, like a heater running too hot or a leak being detected. As you get more comfortable, you can add sense port accessories for water level and leak detection, or drive port accessories for 12V equipment. All HYDROS products are engineered, assembled, and supported in the USA.

Key Features:

• Four controllable AC outlets rated up to 8A each, 14A total
• Built-in temperature sensor for immediate tank monitoring
• Four sense ports for leak detection, water level, flow rate, and TDS as you expand
• Two drive ports delivering up to 1.5A each for ATO pumps, fans, and solenoids
• Two Command Bus ports for wired links to other HYDROS controllers
• Dual-core 32-bit processor for fast, on-device control decisions
• Automatic safety responses, like shutting off equipment during a leak or overheat event

Ideal For:

• First-time controller buyers who want simple power control and temperature monitoring
• Hobbyists who plan to add leak detection or water-level sensors down the road
• Anyone wanting an entry point into the HYDROS ecosystem that can scale later

Pro Tips:

• Start with the built-in temperature sensor and one AC outlet rule. Get comfortable with basic automation, like auto-shutoff for an overheating heater, before adding sensors.
• Add a leak sensor to your most vulnerable connection first. A single leak sensor near a sump or dosing line often catches the most common failure points.
• Plug only one device per outlet if you want independent scheduling. Since the outlets aren't individually monitored for power draw, keeping devices separate makes troubleshooting easier.