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Description
HYDROS Duet: Aquarium Controller with Dual Continuous-duty Stepper Motor Dosing Pumps
The HYDROS Duet is a smart aquarium controller built around two continuous-duty stepper-motor dosing pumps designed for high-volume applications in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Where most dosers handle light daily two-part additions, the Duet is built for more demanding jobs: automatic water changes, calcium reactor effluent control, kalkwasser additions, liquid food delivery, and sulfur reactor feeding. Pump speeds range from 0.1 to 600 ml/min, and both pumps can run in reverse to simplify drain-and-fill plumbing.
The Duet runs on the HYDROS cloud-based app, the same platform used across the full HYDROS product line. Monitor and control it from anywhere, set custom alerts, and receive push notifications when something changes. No programming required. Scheduling and automation are handled through tap-and-drag menus in the app. The Duet works as a standalone controller or as part of a larger HYDROS system, and when paired with other HYDROS devices (sold separately), it provides full outlet control for lights, pumps, heaters, and accessories. Note that outlet control requires a HYDROS XP8, Smart Plug, Launch, Start, or WiFi Power Strip, none of which are included.
The IP65-rated enclosure features aircraft-style connectors and a dual-core 32-bit processor built for the corrosive reef environment. Four Sense Ports support temperature probes, optical and capacitive level sensors, flow sensors, leak detectors, and switches. One Drive Port provides switched 12V DC power for ATO pumps, fans, solenoids, and cabinet lights (1A per port, 1.5A total). Two Command Bus ports connect to other HYDROS devices to transfer data and power across the system. All accessories are sold separately.
Key Features:
- Two continuous-duty stepper motor dosing pumps designed for continuous use with a speed range of 0.1 to 600 ml/min per pump
- Both pumps can run in reverse, simplifying drain and fill plumbing for automatic water change setups
- Managed through the HYDROS cloud-based app with remote access, push notifications, and custom alert settings
- No programming required: scheduling and automation are configured through tap and drag menus on the app
- 4 Sense Ports accept HYDROS temperature probes, optical and capacitive level sensors, flow sensors, leak detectors, and switches
- 1 Drive Port provides switched 12V DC power for ATO pumps, diaphragm pumps, fans, solenoids, and cabinet lights (1A per port, 1.5A total)
- 2 Command Bus ports connect to other HYDROS devices for data transfer, power sharing, and system-level automation
- Splash-resistant enclosure with aircraft-style connectors built for the corrosive reef environment (IP-65 Rating)
- Works as a standalone controller or integrates with the broader HYDROS ecosystem
- Outlet control over lights, pumps, and accessories requires additional HYDROS devices (not included)
- Pharmed pump tubing rated for approximately 1,000 hours of use; tubing and head components are user-serviceable wear items
- Dimensions: 10.75 x 6 x 5.875 in; Weight: 8.05 lbs
Ideal For:
- Reef and freshwater hobbyists running scheduled automatic water changes who need reliable, high-flow pumps rated for continuous duty
- Reefers managing calcium reactors, kalkwasser reactors, or sulfur reactors who need precise, programmable effluent control
- HYDROS ecosystem users looking to add dosing and controller functionality without purchasing a separate doser
- Advanced hobbyists who want sensor-based automation tied directly to dosing, including level-triggered water changes and leak detection shutoffs
- Aquarists dosing liquid foods, amino acids, or other supplements on a scheduled program who need variable flow rates from micro to high volume
- Hobbyists upgrading from a basic timer-based doser to a cloud-connected, app-managed dosing controller with real-time monitoring
Pro Tips:
- Pair the Duet with a HYDROS XP8 for full system control. The Duet manages dosing and sensors alone, but for controlling lights, return pump, heater, and outlets from the same app, add a HYDROS XP8 or compatible HYDROS device with outlets. Plan ahead if outlet control is a goal.
- Track pump head hours and replace tubing on schedule; Pharmed tubing heads last about 1,000 hours. Tubing, rollers, and bushings are wear items not under warranty. Keeping a run time log helps schedule replacements to prevent failures, dosing errors, or leaks during water changes.
- Start water change at low flow, verify volumes before automation. Manually run each pump to measure output at target speed, as flow varies with tubing condition, height, and line length. Ensure drain and fill volumes match before scheduled run.
- Use Sense Ports to add safety to your water change setup by connecting optical or capacitive level sensors, enabling the Duet to pause or stop dosing if a sump or reservoir reaches an unexpected level. It guards a pump capable of moving up to 600 ml/min. The Duet also monitors its health and alerts if a pump stops drawing current mid-cycle.
HYDROS Duet Technical Specifications:
Physical
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 10.75 x 6 x 5.875 in
- Weight: 8.05 lbs
- Tubing Size (ID x OD): 4.8 x 8mm
- Barb Fitting Size (ID x OD): 3 x 5mm
- Pump Speed Range: 0.1 to 600 ml/min (per pump)
- Number of Dosing Pumps: 2
- Pump Type: continuous-duty stepper motor dosing pumps; continuous use rated; runs in reverse
- Pharmed Tubing Head Life: Approximately 1,000 hours
Sense Ports
- Quantity: 4 universal input ports
- Compatible Sensors: Temperature, water level, leak detection, flow rate, dual TDS, and more
Drive Ports (12V DC)
- Quantity: 1
- Max Per Port: 1.5A
- Total Max Amperage: 3A
Command Bus
- Quantity: 2 ports
- Function: Data transfer and power delivery to HYDROS accessories
Connectivity
- WiFi device control: Up to 8 devices via HYDROS app
- App: HYDROS cloud-based app (iOS and Android)
- Local control: Available via WiFi even without internet
Processing
- Processor: Fast dual-core 32-bit
- Control logic: Executed locally on-device
In the Box
- HYDROS Duet controller
- Power supply
Note: HYDROS XP8, Smart Plug, or WiFi Power Strip required for outlet control. Not included.
Set Up Instructions:
- Unbox the HYDROS Duet and connect the included power supply.
- Download the HYDROS app on your iOS or Android device.
- Follow the in-app setup process to connect the Duet to your WiFi network.
- Install tubing using the 4.8 x 8mm tubing and 3 x 5mm barbed fittings. Route inlet lines to your source reservoirs and outlet lines to your destination (display tank, sump, drain).
- Connect any sensors to the Sense Ports: temperature probes, level sensors, flow sensors, leak detectors, or switches as needed for your setup.
- Connect any 12V DC accessories (ATO pump, fan, solenoid, cabinet light) to the Drive Port. Do not exceed 1A per port or 1.5A total device draw.
- Use the app to calibrate each dosing pump. Run each pump manually and measure actual output to verify flow rates before creating a dosing schedule.
- Set your dosing schedule, alerts, and notifications in the app. Configure sensor-based automation (such as level-triggered pause or shutoff) before running unattended water changes.
- For outlet control over lights, return pumps, heaters, and other accessories, pair the Duet with a HYDROS XP8, Smart Plug, or WiFi Power Strip (purchased separately).
- Monitor pump head hours and replace Pharmed tubing, rollers, and bushings as needed. Tubing head life is approximately 1,000 hours. These are wear items and are not covered under warranty.
For more detailed instructions, visit https://www.coralvuehydros.com/product-support/
Safety and Maintenance Notes:
- Keep the enclosure splash-resistant by securing all cable connections and seating aircraft-style connectors fully.
- Do not place the Duet where it can be submerged or exposed to direct spray.
- Do not exceed the Drive Port current limits (1A per port, 1.5A total).
- Tubing and head components should be inspected regularly for wear, cracking, or deformation.