Assistance on auto feeder setup

[Towels]

Hi,

Recently took the dive on hydros for my first controller setup and am currently loving it. I have an xp8 with an x4 linked to it. I have an x10 and kraken coming soon as well.

Having a hard time figuring out the best way to automatically go into feeder mode at set times throughout the day. What is currently the best way to achieve this?

Here is my ultimate goal:

I’d like the collective to go into feeder mode at 10am for 2 intervals every 4 hours (feeder mode currently turns off return and Powerheads). I’d then like my Plank pump to turn on after 3 minutes (at 10:03) and run for a total of 12 minutes until 10:15. At 10:05 the plank feeder powers on for 20 sec and then off. At 10:15, the plank pump turns off and the system goes back into normal mode causing both the return pump and the Powerheads to turn back on. However id like the Powerheads to turn on 2 minutes after going back into normal mode. If someone could help me achieve this, that would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve read that I need the hydros wave engine to achieve this? Is that true?

Thanks so much if you’ve made it this far!

 

[thom_smith]

The feeder requires two outputs. A third if you power with Hydros but would just plug into a wall outlet myself unless I had spare XP8 ports. Can also plug into the USB ports on wifi strip which you don't have. The first output, assuming you did power via Hydros, is a Constant output with one of the XP8 outlets selected as the Output Device. Then add the WIFI DEVICE below options. Lastly, add a feeder output which actually dispenses the food. Set the start time, feed interval, number of feedings, number of rotations per feeding and output device which will be the wifi device you created in step 2. A suggestion to avoid issues some run into, do not attempt to connect Hydros to a guest network because it often prevents wifi feeders, plugs or strips from communicating. Guest networks--sometimes normal internal networks--have ap isolation or client isolation features which permit controls to connect but NOT wifi feeders, plugs or strips.

HYDROS Control 4 - How to Pair WiFi Feeder Device

Use WiFi Feeder with your HYDROS control to feed and keep your fish and corals healthy.

www.coralvuehydros.com

 

[Towels]

The feeder requires two outputs. A third if you power with Hydros but would just plug into a wall outlet myself unless I had spare XP8 ports. Can also plug into the USB ports on wifi strip which you don't have. The first output, assuming you did power via Hydros, is a Constant output with one of the XP8 outlets selected as the Output Device. Then add the WIFI DEVICE below options. Lastly, add a feeder output which actually dispenses the food. Set the start time, feed interval, number of feedings, number of rotations per feeding and output device which will be the wifi device you created in step 2. A suggestion to avoid issues some run into, do not attempt to connect Hydros to a guest network because it often prevents wifi feeders, plugs or strips from communicating. Guest networks--sometimes normal internal networks--have ap isolation or client isolation features which permit controls to connect but NOT wifi feeders, plugs or strips.

https://www.coralvuehydros.com/prod... I was referring feed mode of the entire tank

Thanks for the detailed reply and apologies as I was overly detailed in my post. I guess the better question to ask is if there's a way to have the Hydros collective automatically switch modes from normal to feeding, etc.

 

[thom_smith]

Thanks for the detailed reply and apologies as I was overly detailed in my post. I guess the better question to ask is if there's a way to have the Hydros collective automatically switch modes from normal to feeding, etc.

View attachment 4906

There are feature requests outstanding to have an output trigger a mode but ability does not presently exist. The current workaround is to create a virtual Combiner output referencing the feeder as its input, set a max on time (the duration you want the simulated "mode" active) for the combiner, notification level none and make the return pump or flow pump schedules depend on the combiner output. A virtual output is an otherwise normally configured output just without an Output Device specified.

 

[Baldanders]

I was pulling my hair out trying to figure this out. So without this work-around, Feeding Mode is just a manual mode?

This feature seems important to me. Many of us use auto feeders, and need this automated.

 

[Baldanders]

There are feature requests outstanding to have an output trigger a mode but ability does not presently exist. The current workaround is to create a virtual Combiner output referencing the feeder as its input, set a max on time (the duration you want the simulated "mode" active) for the combiner, notification level none and make the return pump or flow pump schedules depend on the combiner output. A virtual output is an otherwise normally configured output just without an Output Device specifi

Apologies if I'm being thick here, but I'm not sure I follow this work-around. Would you be willing to walk me through it in more detail? I need to prepare for a long trip and really want my Plank feeder to operate in calm seas.

 

[Towels]

I was pulling my hair out trying to figure this out. So without this work-around, Feeding Mode is just a manual mode?

This feature seems important to me. Many of us use auto feeders, and need this automated.

That seems to be the case. I'm basically in "Normal mode" 24/7 and have my return pump dependency relying on the power of the auto feeder. For example, my auto feeder pump turns on at 10 am (The Plank Feeder). When the auto feeder pump turns on my return pump turns off, and so does one of my powerheads. (Dependent option - off if on) after 2 minutes, the auto feeder turns on and runs for a specific number of seconds. I have the auto feeder pump run for about 10 minutes while the feeder only runs for 10 or so seconds - that way the fish have time to eat and I can ensure all the food leaves the feeder chamber. After the interval for the feeder completes and turns off, the return pump and power head turn back on. I have this occurring twice a day and do a prepped meal in the evening.

I feel like it'd be pretty easy for the Hydros team to implement a scheduling option for switching hydros modes. Hopefully, they do eventually.

 

[Baldanders]

Thanks. That helps.

 

[Danny]

Apologies if I'm being thick here, but I'm not sure I follow this work-around. Would you be willing to walk me through it in more detail? I need to prepare for a long trip and really want my Plank feeder to operate in calm seas.

Here is a couple of screenshots of the output I use for feed mode.I have a second input which is an output I can use to turn off this output so it does not turn on but you can do it with just one input.