HYDROS Control XP8 Energy Bar

The HYDROS Control XP8 Energy Bar is a controller-grade aquarium power center with eight individually controlled 120V AC outlets for managing system-critical equipment. Unlike a basic power strip, the XP8 is also a full HYDROS controller that can participate in a HYDROS Collective, monitor outlet power use, control compatible HYDROS WiFi devices, and help automate important aquarium equipment through the HYDROS app.

HYDROS XP8 Aquarium Energy Bar Overview

The XP8 is designed for aquariums where heaters, return pumps, skimmers, lights, UV sterilizers, algae scrubbers, feeders, and other powered devices need more secure control than a standard timer or consumer smart plug can provide. Each AC outlet is built directly into the HYDROS controller platform, allowing the XP8 to operate as both a controllable energy bar and an intelligent decision-making device inside the HYDROS ecosystem.

This makes the XP8 especially useful for reef aquariums, freshwater systems, fish-only systems, sump-based installations, and controller upgrades where outlet reliability matters. It can be used on its own as a HYDROS controller with eight AC outlets, or connected to other HYDROS Controls by Command Bus to build a larger Collective. In a Collective, the XP8 can share decision-making with other HYDROS devices, giving the system a more distributed control structure instead of relying on one central controller for every action.

Expanded XP8 Power Control Features

• Eight controllable AC outlets: The XP8 provides eight individually controlled 120V AC outlets for powering aquarium equipment such as heaters, return pumps, skimmers, lights, powerheads, algae scrubbers, UV sterilizers, and filters. This gives the aquarium a clean control hub for the equipment that normally fills a cabinet or sump area with separate timers and power bars.
• Individual outlet power monitoring: Each outlet has individual power monitoring, allowing the HYDROS system to see how connected equipment is behaving. This can help identify abnormal power draw, failed equipment, stuck devices, or gear that is not running when expected.
• Full HYDROS controller capability: The XP8 is not just an accessory power strip. It is a HYDROS controller that can share or take over intelligent decisions based on the status of other devices in a HYDROS Collective.
• Two Command Bus ports: Command Bus connectivity allows the XP8 to connect by wire to other HYDROS controllers for power and communication. This supports a more resilient control network and helps reduce dependence on a single wireless connection.
• Compatible WiFi device control: The XP8 can control up to eight compatible HYDROS WiFi devices such as fish feeders, smart outlets, and WiFi power strips. This makes it expandable for systems that need more controlled equipment beyond the eight built-in AC outlets.
• Built-in Mean Well power supply: The XP8 includes a built-in 60W universal-voltage Mean Well power supply, helping power the controller while supporting reliable operation across 110V and 220V electrical environments.
• Passively cooled operation: With no noisy cooling fan, the XP8 runs silently except for relay switching when outlets turn on or off. This is important for quiet living rooms, offices, bedrooms, and display aquarium areas.
• Optically isolated circuitry: The XP8 uses isolation between the power circuitry and control circuitry to help improve safety and reduce electrical noise that could affect controller operation.
• HYDROS app control and alerts: Use the HYDROS app to configure schedules, rules, modes, manual outlet control, and alerts. This gives users practical control over daily equipment operation, feeding modes, maintenance routines, and safety responses.
• Aquarium cabinet-ready design: The XP8 is built for serious aquarium use and is a better fit for system-critical equipment than ordinary WiFi strips, especially when outlets need to work with sensors, alerts, and other HYDROS devices.

HYDROS Control XP8 Energy Bar Specifications

• Product type: HYDROS controller and 8-outlet AC energy bar
• UPC: 850009641380
• Manufacturer SKU: HDRS-CXP8
• AC outlets: 8 individually controlled 120V AC outlets
• Outlet monitoring: Individual power monitoring per outlet
• Command Bus ports: 2
• HYDROS WiFi device control: Up to 8 compatible HYDROS WiFi devices
• Maximum per relay: 8A
• Total max amperage: 14A
• Power supply: Built-in 60W universal-voltage Mean Well power supply
• Power cord length: 6 ft
• Cooling: Passive cooling with no fan
• Voltage compatibility: 110V and 220V
• Certification design: Designed to pass ETL/UL certification
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

XP8 Compatibility and Application Notes

The XP8 is best used for AC-powered aquarium equipment where dependable control and monitoring are important. It is ideal for heaters, return pumps, skimmers, UV sterilizers, lighting, reactors, feeders, and other devices that benefit from schedules, alerts, or sensor-driven rules. It does not include Sense Ports, Drive Ports, pH/ORP probe ports, or salinity probe ports, so those functions require another HYDROS controller or compatible accessory in the same HYDROS Collective.

Official HYDROS XP8 Video

Setting Up Your HYDROS XP8 Energy Bar

Mount the XP8 in a dry, elevated location inside or near the aquarium cabinet, route all power cords with drip loops, and avoid placing the unit where it can be exposed to direct splashing or standing water. Connect the XP8 to the HYDROS app, join it to a 2.4GHz WiFi network if required, complete any firmware updates, then configure each outlet with the correct equipment type, schedules, rules, alerts, and Collective settings.

What's Included

• 1 x HYDROS Control XP8 Energy Bar