Hydor controller

[kevinathom]

I am a newbie and considering a Hydor controller with 2 of their evolution powerheads. Does anyone have any thoughts on this product or perhaps have one for sale?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Reefplumber13]

Im about to order one my self

 

[dball711]

I recently traded for one and its a great product. Worth the price but check to see if anyone has one used, thought I saw one listed here by BigChiquita for around $40.

 

[Reefplumber13]

They can be bought brand new on amazon for 45 shipped to your door

 

[dball711]

The Smart Wave right? Cheapest i coud find on Amazon was $53 with free shipping. I traded for mine, about a $40 value.

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Does the controller still make the pumps clank. I have some of the new pumps hooked up to my reefkeeper and I still get the clank sound from time to time. I am thinking about ditching them for one of the chinese Jebos.

 

[dball711]

Xyzpdq0121;937279 wrote: Does the controller still make the pumps clank. I have some of the new pumps hooked up to my reefkeeper and I still get the clank sound from time to time. I am thinking about ditching them for one of the chinese Jebos.

If the pump clanks I think its a pump function not the controller, all the controller does is provide power to the pump.

 

[lagunareef]

^That is correct. If your pumps are making the clicking noise upon startup, or worst off, spinning backwards, you can contact Hydor. They will replace the impeller/bushings - at least that's what they did for me.

As for the Smartwave controller, it works well but there's not many options as compared to the real benefits of a controller, i.e. Apex, Reefkeeper, etc. Then again, the price point is very different. The controller works well but eventually, you'd want more control and capabilities.

 

[donniea1800]

I had one for a while. They work well. The power heads to click slightly when powered on. I liked the controller but the clicking when powering on started to get on my nerves.

 

[mikesmith34]

I have one running 4 power heads and it works fine.

 

[braselton4]

If you plan on using the wave function let me tell you of an issue you will run into. On the powerhead front cage there is a plastic/rubber stopper on the inside. It is there to keep the propeller from spinning in reverse. Obviously the wave function turns these powerheads on and off which causes the propellers to bump that stopper often. The likelihood of these stoppers breaking off is very high. The only fix is to keep replacing the cage. That being said I still like the controller and pumps. The reason I like them is not only the functionality but also the customer support. Hydor will send you new cages for free including shipping. All you have to do is go on their website and email them your model numbers and the quantity needed. My advice to you is to ask for 2-4 replacement cages as soon as you get the pumps running.

 

[braselton4]

Also, visually check them daily. If you do not catch a broken one, it will just be spinning in reverse making it completely ineffective.