Hydros Control X3

The Hydros Control X3 is a compact HYDROS aquarium controller for hobbyists who want sensor monitoring plus a dedicated pH/ORP probe input in a smaller controller format. With two Sense Ports, one pH/ORP Probe Port, two Command Bus ports, support for compatible HYDROS WiFi devices, and app-based alerts, the Control X3 is well suited for freshwater and saltwater systems that need reliable parameter monitoring without stepping up to a larger controller package.

HYDROS Control X3 Aquarium Controller Overview

The Control X3 adds probe-based monitoring to the compact HYDROS controller platform. It can connect to two sensor devices for functions such as temperature, water level, leak detection, or flow monitoring, while the dedicated Probe Port allows pH or ORP monitoring through compatible probes. That makes it a strong choice for reef tanks, freshwater planted systems, fish-only aquariums, calcium reactor monitoring, pH trend tracking, ORP monitoring, sump safety, and general aquarium alerting.

As part of the HYDROS ecosystem, the Control X3 can be used as a standalone controller or added to a larger Collective. This gives it flexibility for both new controller installations and existing HYDROS systems that need another pH/ORP input or additional sensor coverage. When paired with compatible HYDROS WiFi outlets or power strips, it can also control aquarium equipment such as heaters, lights, pumps, feeders, and skimmers based on schedules, alerts, or sensor-based logic.

Control X3 pH ORP and Sensor Features

• One pH/ORP Probe Port: The Control X3 includes one Probe Port for monitoring either pH or ORP. This gives the controller direct access to an important aquarium parameter for tracking pH stability, monitoring oxidation-reduction potential, or supporting applications such as calcium reactor oversight.
• Digital galvanic isolation: The pH/ORP input uses digital galvanic isolation to help protect measurement accuracy from interference created by other connected equipment such as motors and pumps. This matters because poor isolation can cause unstable or misleading probe readings in electrically noisy aquarium systems.
• Two universal Sense Ports: The two Sense Ports support compatible HYDROS sensors for temperature, water level, leak detection, flow rate, magnetic switch, push-button, and other supported inputs. This lets the Control X3 combine probe monitoring with practical aquarium protection and alerting.
• App-based alerts and notifications: The Control X3 can send alerts through the HYDROS app when configured conditions are met. This is useful for temperature swings, leak detection, water level changes, pH or ORP concerns, or equipment conditions that need attention before livestock or equipment are affected.
• Control of compatible WiFi outlets: When paired with compatible HYDROS WiFi power strips or smart plugs, the Control X3 can switch aquarium devices such as lights, pumps, heaters, skimmers, feeders, and UV sterilizers. This allows control rules to be based on time schedules, manual modes, or sensor readings.
• Two Command Bus ports: The Command Bus powers the controller and allows communication with other HYDROS devices. This helps the Control X3 become part of a more resilient HYDROS network rather than operating as a single isolated device.
• Standalone or Collective operation: The Control X3 can operate independently on a smaller system or join a HYDROS Collective where multiple controllers share inputs, outputs, and system logic. This makes it useful as a primary controller or as an expansion point for another pH/ORP input.
• Quick app-based configuration: The HYDROS app uses menus, icons, schedules, and rule-based setup instead of traditional programming. This allows the Control X3 to support beginner-friendly setup while still giving advanced users meaningful control options.
• Aquarium-ready construction: The IP65-rated housing and rugged connectors are designed for the humid, dusty, splash-prone environment found around aquarium stands and sumps. The controller should still be mounted above the floor with drip loops and protected from direct water exposure.
• Internal health reporting: The controller reports internal operating status such as voltage, current, CPU status, and internal temperature so the HYDROS system can monitor device health as well as aquarium conditions.

Hydros Control X3 Specifications

• Product type: Aquarium controller with pH/ORP monitoring
• UPC: 850009641366
• J&L SKU: HD-C3
• Sense Ports: 2
• Probe Ports: 1 pH/ORP Probe Port
• Command Bus ports: 2
• HYDROS WiFi device control: Up to 8 compatible HYDROS WiFi devices
• Processor: Dual-core 32-bit processor
• Dimensions: 5" L x 2.7" W x 2.3" H
• WiFi compatibility: 2.4GHz only
• Enclosure rating: IP65 dust and splash protection; not waterproof
• Mounting bracket: Yes
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
• Application: Freshwater and saltwater monitoring, pH or ORP tracking, sensor-based alerts, and HYDROS ecosystem expansion

Compatibility and Application Notes

The Control X3 is best used when the aquarium needs pH or ORP monitoring plus two additional sensor inputs. It is a practical choice for users who want pH trend visibility, ORP monitoring, temperature alerts, leak detection, water level monitoring, or smart outlet control through compatible HYDROS accessories. It does not include Drive Ports or a salinity probe port, so choose another HYDROS controller if direct 12V output control or conductivity/salinity monitoring is required from the controller itself.

Setting Up Your HYDROS Control X3

Download the HYDROS app, register the Control X3, connect it to a 2.4GHz WiFi network, and update the firmware if prompted. Mount the controller permanently in an elevated location, keep cables organized with proper drip loops, and configure the Sense Ports and pH/ORP Probe Port through the app. The Control X3 can then be run as a standalone controller or added to an existing HYDROS Collective for shared monitoring and control.

What's Included

• 1 x Hydros Control X3 controller