Hydros Control X4

The Hydros Control X4 is a powerful HYDROS aquarium controller for freshwater, saltwater, reef, and pond applications that need expanded monitoring, direct 12V accessory control, pH/ORP probe inputs, 0-10V control, alerts, and HYDROS ecosystem expansion. With four Sense Ports, two Drive Ports, two pH/ORP Probe Ports, 0-10V input and output capability, two Command Bus ports, and support for compatible HYDROS WiFi devices, the Control X4 is a flexible controller-only foundation for serious aquarium automation.

HYDROS Control X4 Aquarium Controller Overview

The Control X4 is designed for aquariums that need more than basic monitoring. It can track key conditions such as temperature, pH, ORP, water level, flow, and leak detection while also controlling compatible 12V accessories and participating in 0-10V control or input applications. This makes it a strong option for reef systems, freshwater planted aquariums, larger fish-only systems, pond applications, sump-based installations, and hobbyists who want one controller with a broader mix of ports.

Compared with smaller HYDROS controllers, the X4 gives more room to build a complete automation plan around one device. The four Sense Ports can cover safety and monitoring inputs, the two Probe Ports can handle pH and ORP applications, the Drive Ports can power small accessories such as ATO pumps or solenoids, and the 0-10V ports allow integration with variable speed equipment, switches, or compatible control signals. It can be used alone or added to a HYDROS Collective where other HYDROS devices share inputs, outputs, and control logic.

Expanded Control X4 Features

• Four universal Sense Ports: The Control X4 provides four Sense Ports for compatible HYDROS sensors such as temperature probes, optical level sensors, leak detectors, flow sensors, magnetic switches, and push-button switches. This makes it easier to monitor multiple areas of the system without immediately adding another controller.
• Two pH/ORP Probe Ports: The two Probe Ports allow pH and ORP monitoring through compatible probes. This is useful for tracking aquarium pH stability, ORP trends, calcium reactor performance, or multiple probe-based monitoring points in a single system.
• Digital galvanic isolation: HYDROS probe input design helps preserve measurement accuracy by reducing interference from other connected aquarium equipment such as pumps and motors. This is important for stable pH and ORP readings in complex aquarium systems.
• Two 12V Drive Ports: The Drive Ports provide switched 12V DC power for small accessories such as ATO pumps, cooling fans, cabinet LEDs, and solenoids. They give the X4 direct low-voltage output capability for practical automation tasks.
• Current-monitored drive output: Each Drive Port can monitor current draw, allowing the controller to alert the user if a connected motor or accessory draws too much current or stops drawing current. This adds an extra layer of protection for small pumps and control devices.
• 0-10V input and output control: The Control X4 includes 0-10V input and output capability for sending or receiving commands from compatible devices. This can support variable speed pumps, control signals, push buttons, float switches, and integration with other automation hardware.
• Two Command Bus ports: Command Bus ports provide power and communication with other HYDROS devices, allowing the Control X4 to operate as part of a broader HYDROS Collective with shared inputs and outputs.
• Compatible WiFi equipment control: Through the HYDROS app, the Control X4 can manage compatible HYDROS WiFi power strips and smart outlets for larger AC-powered aquarium gear such as heaters, return pumps, lights, skimmers, feeders, UV sterilizers, and algae scrubbers.
• App-based setup and alerts: The HYDROS app allows rules, schedules, alerts, and equipment modes to be configured through a smartphone or tablet. This gives the X4 advanced control capability without requiring code-based programming.
• Rugged aquarium construction: The IP65-rated enclosure and industrial-style connectors are designed for the humidity, dust, salt creep, and splash-prone conditions found around aquarium stands and sumps, while proper mounting and drip loops are still required.

Hydros Control X4 Specifications

• Product type: Advanced aquarium controller
• UPC: 850009641175
• J&L SKU: HD-C4
• Sense Ports: 4
• 12V Drive Ports: 2
• pH/ORP Probe Ports: 2
• 0-10V inputs: 1 port with four channels
• 0-10V outputs: 1 port with four channels
• Command Bus ports: 2
• HYDROS WiFi device control: Up to 8 compatible HYDROS WiFi devices
• Drive Port capacity: Up to 1A per Drive Port and up to 1.5A total for the device
• Processor: Dual-core 32-bit processor
• Dimensions: 7.8" L x 3.6" W x 2.5" 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, saltwater, reef, and pond monitoring and control

Compatibility and Application Notes

The Control X4 is best suited for aquariums that need multiple sensor inputs, pH and ORP monitoring, direct 12V accessory control, and 0-10V integration from one controller. It is a strong fit for larger reef systems, planted aquariums, equipment-heavy freshwater setups, pond control, sump protection, and automation upgrades. This is the controller-only item, so sensors, probes, power supply, WiFi outlets, smart plugs, pumps, and other accessories should be selected separately as required.

Setting Up Your HYDROS Control X4

Download the HYDROS app, register the controller, connect it to a 2.4GHz WiFi network, and update the firmware if prompted. Mount the Control X4 permanently in an elevated location such as an aquarium cabinet wall or equipment panel, avoid floor placement, and route all cables with proper drip loops. Configure Sense Ports, Drive Ports, Probe Ports, 0-10V ports, alerts, schedules, and compatible HYDROS WiFi devices through the app, then add the X4 to a Collective if it will work with other HYDROS controllers.

What's Included

• 1 x Hydros Control X4 controller