Add Smart Doser

Dosing pumps are crucial in maintaining a healthy and thriving aquarium ecosystem. By delivering precise and controlled amounts of essential chemicals, such as fertilizers, supplements, and medications, dosing pumps ensure the water parameters remain stable and optimized for the aquarium inhabitants. This precision helps promote optimal growth and vitality of plants, corals, and other organisms, while also preventing the accumulation of harmful substances that can jeopardize the overall well-being of the aquatic environment.

TIP: A smart dosing pump enables the HYDROS controller to adjust the flow rate according to various criteria. Unlike a regular “simple” dosing pump, a smart dosing pump can change flow rates automatically without manual intervention.

Here is what you’ll need to get started:

  • A HYDROS Control X10 with an open unused smart dosing pump.

Step 1: Create the Smart Doser Output

  1. From the STATUS screen on your HYDROS app, tap on the three horizontal dots to the right of the OUTPUTS label and select “Add New Output.”
  2. Tap on the + symbol at the bottom right of the page
  3. Type in the name of your new output and then tap “Create”

Step 2: Configure your Smart Doser

  • Type: Select Smart Doser
  • Default Flow Rate (ml/min): You can specify the pump’s default flow rate. 
    TIP: How do I know what the default flow rate is?
    Choosing a flow rate closely matching the application volume is recommended for optimal accuracy. If the pump primarily operates at around 5mL per minute, consider setting the default value to 5. The more closely the default flow rate aligns with the actual running volume, the greater the level of accuracy.

    If you use this pump as the “Drain” or “Fill” doser for your alkalinity-testing iV Output, set the default flow rate to 100mL/min. If you use this pump as the “Reagent” doser, set the default flow rate to 3mL/min.

  • Output Device: You can select the Smart Pump number on your HYDROS X10 controller.
  • Notify When Reservoir Level Below (0=Never): You can opt for a HYDROS reminder feature that helps you track the dosing container’s level. HYDROS monitors the dosing volume and notifies you when the container is about to run out.
    TIP: To increase the amount of liquid in the container, navigate to the STATUS screen and tap the Smart Doser tile. Once on the STATUS popup, you can input the volume of the reservoir.
  • Notification Level (Reservoir Low): You can choose the notification level for when the reservoir is nearly empty.
  • Calibrate Doser: See the section below for more details.

Step 3: Save

  • Please upload your changes to the cloud.

Step 4: Define the Dosing Regimen Schedule

After configuring your pump, it’s time to inform the HYDROS control about the “How and When” of pump operation by establishing a Dosing Regimen. Please click here if you want guidance on creating a Dosing Regimen Schedule.

One-Time Manual Dosing

Once in a while, we need to do one-time adjustment dosings outside of our regular scheduled regimen.  The HYDROS makes this very easy and simple.  

Step 1: Open Doser Output Popup

  • Tap on the Doser Output Tile or Text to view the output popup options from the STATUS screen.

Step 2: Specify Volume

  • To the right of the “Manual Dose” button, enter the one-time total volume you would like to administer.
  • Tap on “Manual Dose” to start.  The HYDROS app will show you a running volume at the top of the Output Popup window.

Define Reservoir’s Volume

  1. To modify the amount of liquid in the container, navigate to the STATUS screen and tap the Smart Doser tile. Once on the STATUS popup, you can input the volume of the reservoir.

Prime the Smart Doser

What is priming a dosing pump? It refers to filling the pump and associated tubing with the intended liquid or solution before initiating operation. This ensures the pump is properly prepared and eliminates air pockets, enabling accurate and consistent delivery of the desired substance.

To prime the line:

  1. Place the output line of your dose in a container or drain.
  2. Perform a “One-Time Manual Dose” until all air is purged from the line. You might have to do multiple manual dosings depending on the length of your line.
  3. Once you see liquid exiting the output, the line is primed.  

Calibrating the Smart Doser

You might calibrate the unit depending on the wear and tear and how much you use the smart doser. We recommend calibrating the dosing machines every 4 to 6 weeks.  

Here is what you will need:

  • Smart Doser Pump (primed)
  • You will need a calibrated measuring beaker that can handle the “Default Flow Rate” of the pump you specified in Step 2.
  1. Insert the primed doser output line into the measuring/calibrated beaker.
  2. Tap on the “Calibrate” button. It will trigger the HYDROS to run the pump for EXACTLY one minute.  
  3. Remove the line from the beaker and read the volume inside.  Enter this value on the HYDROS app.
  4. Upload your changes.

To ensure proper calibration, perform a fresh “One-Time Manual Dose” using the default flow rate. Once the HYDROS has run the pump for exactly one minute, verify that the volume in the beaker matches your requested amount.

If the confirmation doesn’t work, please repeat the calibration process.

Rename Output & Change Icon

  • From the STATUS screen, tap on the Output you wish to modify.
  • On the popup, tap on the “Gear” icon on the bottom right.
  • From the Output setup page, tap on the “Pencil” icon on the top left.
  • Type in the new name you wish
  • If you wish to change the default icon, tap “Change Icon.”
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