Kraken FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the HYDROS Kraken:

What devices are compatible with the HYDROS Kraken?

People often inquire about the compatibility of their devices with the Kraken. For instance, they may ask if their Sicce pump or ReefBrite LEDs work. However, you can quickly and easily determine the compatibility of your device by answering two simple questions:

1. Do you know if your device requires a power supply brick?

NO: The device is incompatible with the Kraken. Connect it to an XP8 or a WiFi outlet to make it work with HYDROS.

YES: The device MIGHT be compatible. Please go ahead and answer question 2 below.

2. What is the OUTPUT voltage on the power supply brick’s sticker?

12 or 24V output = The device IS compatible.

You can typically find the specs on a sticker or a smooth surface on the power supply itself. Look for the OUTPUT section in the specs. If it is 12 or 24V (where V stands for volts), your device is compatible with the Kraken. However, if the output is anything other than 12 or 24, including but not limited to 5, 18, 27, or 36V, it is incompatible with the Kraken. In other words, to work with Kraken, the output voltage must be 12 or 24V.

My device is compatible, but the connectors do not match. How do I connect my pump power supply to a Kraken port?

To connect a compatible device, you must remove its small power supply and let the Kraken power it.

Let me explain with an example. You might have a Flow pump that includes the pump, a controller, and a small power supply brick. By removing the small power supply and putting it away for safekeeping, you can connect the pump to the controller and then connect the controller to the Kraken. You will need one of the available adapter cables (sold separately).

This way, you can consolidate the power supply of multiple devices with the Kraken. It’s a convenient solution for those who want to simplify their power supply setup.

Which devices can be used with the 12V Orange Drive Ports?

The four orange Drive Ports at the top of the Kraken are non-variable 12V. This means they can run small pumps, small lights, or any device where the power supply output is 12V.

WARNING: Each orange Drive Port has a maximum load of 2.5A or 30W. All four orange drive ports combined can have a maximum load of 4A or 48W.

The HYDROS Fish Feeder is 5V and cannot run on the 12V Drive Port!

Which devices can be used with the 24V Red Force Ports?

The eight red Force Ports at the bottom of the Kraken are non-variable 24V. This means they can run pumps, lights, or any device where the power supply output is 24V.

WARNING: Each Red Force Port has a maximum load of 8A or 192W.

I have run out of ports. Can I connect a 12V Drive Port device to a 24V Force Port or vice versa?

No! Drive and Force ports have a single voltage output and do not modulate based on the connected device. Connecting an incompatible device can damage both the device and potentially the Kraken.

What is the size of the barrel connectors on the end of the Force and Drive port cables?

Drive and Force port cables have a standard 5.5mm x 2.1mm male barrel connector. You can purchase an adapter kit if your device has a different size barrel.

What are the amp load limits for the Kraken (as a whole) and the force and drive ports?

The Kraken’s maximum load capacity is determined by its power supply. The power supply provided by the Kraken has a maximum output of 20A and a maximum draw of 5.5A. This means that the power supply draws a maximum of 5.5A from your household outlet and can provide a maximum of 20A for your aquarium devices.

Each orange Drive Port has a maximum load of 2.5A or 30W. All four orange drive ports combined can have a maximum load of 4A or 48W. Each Red Force Port has a maximum load of 8A or 192W.

Is there a limit to the number of devices connected to the Kraken, or can I connect as many devices as I want?

Yes, there IS a limit! If you’re using the HYDROS Kraken, it’s important to note that the power supply has a maximum capacity of 20A or 480W. It means that if you connect too many devices that collectively exceed the limit of 480 watts, the power supply will be unable to provide enough current. Some devices will shut down due to insufficient power.

EXAMPLE: You have the following equipment connected to the Kraken:

Various HYDROS devices in a collective connected via the command bus port drawing a total of 40W
Three 100W lights running at 100%
Two 75W flow pumps running at 100%
Three 50W wave pumps running at 100%

Based on your listed equipment, the total power consumption is 640W, and if you turn all of them ON simultaneously, the power supply would be overloaded by 160 watts. In such a situation, the power supply automatically reduces the voltage in a futile effort to provide the required current. However, as the voltage is lowered, some connected devices may not have enough power to run and will automatically shut down.

It’s important to note that the Kraken power supply can only handle a maximum draw of 480 watts. You must stay within this limit, as it can cause the connected devices to shut down unexpectedly without any specific pattern. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the Kraken power supply manageable. Remember, safety comes first!

Can I use a Lead-Acid or AGM Battery with my Kraken?

Yes, you can! The HYDROS Kraken is designed to be fully compatible with a 12V Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) or AGM Battery. The Kraken will slowly and steadily charge the battery to ensure it’s ready for use when needed. The charging rate for the battery is 1 Ah (amp hour) per hour. So, for a 20 Ah (amp hour) battery, it would take approximately 20 hours to fully charge it from 0 to 100%.

WARNING: CoralVue strongly advises against using Unsealed Lead-Acid Batteries. Failure to properly ventilate the battery can result in toxic gas accumulation, explosion, and electrical hazards.

What is the max Amp load on the Lead-Acid or AGM battery?

The Kraken has a maximum load of 10A when running on battery power. The Kraken battery cable comes pre-equipped with a 10A fuse.

Is it possible to connect a Lithium-Ion or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery to the Kraken?

Yes, but one MUST disable the battery charging mechanism inside the Kraken before connecting the battery. This is because lead-acid and lithium batteries have different voltage and charging algorithms and are fundamentally different in chemical compositions. The Kraken charger is specifically designed for lead-acid batteries and doesn’t have the necessary built-in safety features to prevent overcharging lithium batteries. Failing to disable the charging mechanism on the Kraken could result in battery damage, safety hazards, and potential loss of capacity or lifespan.

WARNING: ONLY use LiFePO4 batteries with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS).

How do I turn off the battery charging function on the Kraken?

If you are using a battery type other than Lead Acid, you must first disable the charging feature on the Kraken.

Disconnect the battery if connected.
Power down the Kraken by completely disconnecting it from the Mean Well™ power supply. Using a Phillips hand screwdriver, carefully remove the four screws and lid. The lid has three wires connected to the body, so it is best to carefully turn it on its side.
Locate and DISCONNECT jumpers JP3 and JP4 and pull them off. Place them back and ensure the jumper only connects to one pin.
Gently replace the lid and install the four screws, taking care not to overtighten and damage the lid.
Finally, reconnect the Kraken to the power supply.

Can the Kraken replace my flow pump controller, similar to the WaveEngine?

No, the HYDROS Kraken can supply power to the device but cannot control it. The Kraken functions like an ON/OFF switch, meaning it only has two states – entirely on or completely off. It is not designed to function as a dimmer switch that can adjust the device’s intensity.

When using a device with a built-in controller, you still need to use the native controller. The Kraken only replaces the power supply brick.

Can the Kraken replace the power supply of other HYDROS devices, such as the WaveEngine, XD, and X10?

Yes, but remember, the Kraken Drive and Force ports are power only; they do not transfer communication data. In a System Collective setup, you must connect the Command Bus cable to the HYDROS devices, including the Kraken.

TIP: The Kraken is a “power giver” device, so its power supply is isolated. You can use a data/power cable when connecting to other power-giving devices such as the X10, XP8, XD, or WaveEngines.