Hydros Control X3-Salinity

The Hydros Control X3-Salinity is a compact HYDROS aquarium controller built for conductivity and salinity monitoring in marine aquariums. It combines two Sense Ports, one conductivity/salinity Probe Port, two Command Bus ports, support for compatible HYDROS WiFi devices, and HYDROS app control in a controller-only format for hobbyists who want salinity-aware monitoring without buying a larger controller package.

HYDROS X3-S Salinity Controller Overview

The Control X3-S is designed for aquariums where conductivity or salinity visibility is a priority. Stable salinity is critical in reef and marine systems because evaporation, ATO problems, water-change errors, and dosing mistakes can all shift salinity over time. By adding a dedicated salinity-capable controller to the HYDROS ecosystem, hobbyists can monitor one of the most important saltwater parameters while also keeping access to two flexible sensor inputs for temperature, water level, leak detection, or other supported safety sensors.

This controller is especially useful for saltwater aquariums, reef tanks, fish-only marine systems, sump areas, ATO safety systems, and water-mixing setups where salinity trends need to be watched closely. It can be used as a standalone controller or added to an existing HYDROS Collective to provide salinity monitoring alongside other HYDROS controllers. When paired with compatible HYDROS WiFi outlets or power strips, it can also participate in equipment control, alerting, and rule-based automation through the HYDROS app.

X3-S Salinity Monitoring Features

• Dedicated salinity Probe Port: The Control X3-S includes one conductivity/salinity Probe Port for monitoring conductivity levels in marine aquariums when used with the required HYDROS Salinity Probe Kit. This gives saltwater hobbyists a dedicated way to track salinity trends inside the HYDROS platform.
• Two universal Sense Ports: The two Sense Ports support compatible HYDROS sensors such as temperature probes, water level sensors, leak detectors, flow sensors, magnetic switches, and push-button switches. This allows salinity monitoring to be combined with practical aquarium safety inputs.
• Controller-only flexibility: This item is sold as a controller-only unit, allowing the user to select the power supply, Salinity Probe Kit, sensors, and outlets that best match the system. This is useful when adding salinity monitoring to an existing HYDROS setup or building a custom control layout.
• HYDROS app alerts: The Control X3-S can send alerts through the HYDROS app when configured limits or conditions are met. This helps users react to water level changes, leak detection, salinity concerns, temperature swings, or other sensor-triggered events.
• Compatible WiFi equipment control: Through the HYDROS app, the Control X3-S can control compatible HYDROS WiFi power strips and smart outlets for equipment such as heaters, lights, pumps, skimmers, feeders, algae scrubbers, and UV sterilizers.
• Two Command Bus ports: The Command Bus powers the controller and communicates with other HYDROS devices, allowing the X3-S to become part of a larger HYDROS Collective rather than operating as an isolated monitor.
• Standalone or Collective operation: The X3-S can work on its own for a focused salinity and sensor-monitoring setup or join other HYDROS controllers so salinity data can be used alongside other inputs and outputs across a larger system.
• Compact monitoring footprint: The small enclosure is easy to mount inside aquarium cabinets, near sumps, or beside mixing equipment where salinity monitoring is most useful.
• Aquarium-ready enclosure: The IP65-rated enclosure is dust and splash protected for aquarium environments, while the controller should still be mounted above the floor and protected from direct water exposure.
• Internal health monitoring: The Control X3-S reports internal information such as voltage, current, CPU status, and internal temperature, helping the HYDROS system monitor controller health as well as aquarium conditions.

Hydros Control X3-Salinity Specifications

• Product type: Aquarium controller with conductivity/salinity monitoring
• UPC: 850009641694
• J&L SKU: HD-C3S
• Sense Ports: 2
• Probe Port: 1 conductivity/salinity 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
• Required for salinity monitoring: HYDROS Salinity Probe Kit sold separately
• Application: Marine aquarium conductivity and salinity monitoring, sensor alerts, and HYDROS ecosystem expansion

Compatibility and Application Notes

The X3-S is the correct choice when the goal is conductivity or salinity monitoring through the HYDROS ecosystem. It does not include a pH/ORP Probe Port, Drive Ports, power supply, or Salinity Probe Kit. Use compatible HYDROS sensors and accessories to build the final configuration, and choose another HYDROS controller if pH/ORP monitoring or direct 12V Drive Port output is required from the same controller.

Official HYDROS X3-S Video

Setting Up Your HYDROS Control X3-Salinity

Download the HYDROS app, register the controller, connect it to a 2.4GHz WiFi network, and update the firmware if prompted. Mount the controller permanently in an elevated location with proper drip loops and keep it protected from direct water exposure. Add the required Salinity Probe Kit for conductivity monitoring, configure any connected Sense Port sensors, then set alerts, rules, and compatible HYDROS WiFi outlets through the app.

What's Included

• 1 x HYDROS Control X3-S controller module