Low Power Mode

The HYDROS system is designed to work seamlessly with 12V backup batteries. It can detect when it’s running on battery power and automatically switch to a “Low Power” mode as specified by the user. With this mode, you can select which outputs and schedules should continue running and which should stop completely.

What you need to get started

  • A HYDROS Kraken with a 12V Sealed Lead Acid or AGM battery or
  • A HYDROS WaveEngine or WaveEngine LE and a 12v Battery Backup Unit, such as the IceCap Battery Backup V3.

Step 1: Create Low Power Mode

Add a new Mode and configure it using the following values:

  • Input Voltage – Leave this at -1V
  • Mode Time Out – Set this to 00:00:00
  • Exit Delay – Set this to 00:00:00
  • LED Color – Select a color that will display on all HYDROS devices
  • Active – ONLY enable outlets you want running during a power outage.
    TIP: When experiencing a power outage, you must be mindful of the outputs you choose to run in “Low Power” mode. Only run what is necessary, and avoid using high-power devices like heaters and return pumps. The battery’s primary function is to keep the water moving in the areas where your fish and corals are located. Stagnant water can quickly deplete oxygen, so using a flow pump to keep the water oxygenated during the outage is crucial. If you need to run heaters or other high-power equipment, it’s recommended that you consider investing in a generator.
     

Step 2: Assign Low Power Mode

From the Main Menu, select OPTIONS

  • Low Power Mode – Select “Low Power”
  • Low Power Exit Delay – In certain situations, creating a more complex battery mode may be necessary. For instance, if you lose power and one or more of your pumps are still above the water level once the water has drained down to your sump, you may need the WaveEngine to delay the start of the regular schedule until power is restored.
    TIP: To determine which pumps should remain on and at what intensity they need to run, we highly recommend performing a FULL system shutdown and testing it out. It’s important to remember that every tank is unique, and even flow pumps from the same brand and model may vary in performance.

Step 3: Test Your Setup

It is important not to assume that everything is working perfectly. To ensure your settings are correct, you should test them by simulating a power outage. You can do this by shutting off the circuit breaker or unplugging all devices from the power source. Please take note of how your tank and equipment react when everything is turned off, and observe how they respond as everything is powered back on. Make any necessary adjustments and repeat the testing process until satisfied with the results.

EXAMPLE:

Create Low Power Schedule (Flow Pumps)

If you own a WaveEngine or one that operates as part of a group, chances are you have flow pumps running. You can create a distinct Flow Schedule that operates only in “Low Power” mode. This schedule would only run specific pumps at a designated velocity.

Create a new Schedule and configure it using the following values:

  • Pattern – Constant Speed – Constant speed is the most power-efficient flow.  Ramping the pump up/down will consume more battery power.
  • Constant Speed – Set this to 1% if you want the pumps to run at Minimum Speed.  Depending on your system, you might have to play and test different speeds until you find one that fits your needs.  You want water to move around, but it is unnecessary to “whip” the corals when running on battery power.  
  • Pump Count – Set this to the number of pumps you want to run when this schedule is active.  
    WARNING: The battery will be depleted faster if you run more pumps simultaneously.
  • Pump # – Select each pump you want to add to the schedule.
  • Position # – Select the position you want this pump to assume when running in this schedule.  
  • Allow Reverse – Do Not Enable
  • Start Time –  Set this to 00:00:00
  • End Time – Set this to 00:00:00
  • Run every N Days – Set this to 1
  • Run On Days of Week – Select ALL days of the week
  • Depends On – Unused
  • Enable Advanced Settings – Leave them disabled.
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