How to Set Up ProjectX for AquaFutures: Step-by-Step Connection Guide

Written by Paul

Published on

January 15, 2026

ProjectX setup for AquaFutures takes 15-20 minutes: download ProjectX from the official website, install it on Windows 10/11, enter your AquaFutures-provided Rithmic or CQG credentials (username, password, server), connect to the data feed, and verify your account shows correct balance and contract limits. Once connected, ProjectX gives you clean charting, simplified DOM order entry, and fast execution for futures trading.

The platform is free to use with your AquaFutures subscription. Unlike Quantower's complex interface, ProjectX prioritizes simplicity—preset layouts, essential indicators, and streamlined order flow. Perfect for beginners who want to start trading within hours, not weeks.

I'm breaking down the complete installation process, credential setup, connection troubleshooting, essential workspace configuration, test trade verification, and best practices for using ProjectX with AquaFutures accounts.

Quick heads-up: This article is based on my real experience with Aquafutures and the info available when I published/updated this. Things change in prop trading — rules, payouts, promos, all of it.

For the absolute latest, check Aquafutures´s website or their faq page.

Step 1: Download ProjectX

1. Visit the Official ProjectX Website

Go to: https://www.projectx.trading (or the URL AquaFutures provides in your welcome email)

Important: Only download from the official website. Third-party sites may distribute malware.

2. Click "Download"

Look for the download button in the top navigation or homepage.

3. Select Your Operating System

ProjectX supports:

Windows 10/11 (recommended, best performance)
macOS (via compatibility layer, less stable)
Linux (advanced users only)

For best results, use Windows.

4. Save the Installer

File size: ~100-200 MB

Save location: Desktop or Downloads folder

File name: ProjectX-Installer.exe (or similar)

Download time: 2-5 minutes on standard internet connection.

Step 2: Install ProjectX

1. Locate the Downloaded File

Go to your Desktop or Downloads folder and find ProjectX-Installer.exe

2. Run the Installer

Double-click the file.

If Windows shows a security warning:

Click "More info"
Click "Run anyway"

This warning appears for new software—it's safe to proceed.

3. Allow Administrator Permissions

Click "Yes" when prompted for admin access. ProjectX needs this to install properly.

4. Follow Installation Wizard

Click "Next"
Accept license agreement (read it if you want)
Choose installation location (default is fine: C:\Program Files\ProjectX)
Click "Install"

Installation time: 2-5 minutes

5. Complete Installation

When prompted:

Check "Launch ProjectX" (to open it immediately)
Uncheck "Create desktop shortcut" (optional, your preference)
Click "Finish"

ProjectX should launch automatically.

Step 3: Obtain Your AquaFutures Connection Credentials

Before connecting ProjectX, you need your trading credentials from AquaFutures.

Where to find credentials:

Log into your AquaFutures account (website)
Navigate to: Settings → Platform Access (or similar)
Look for:
- Connection type: Rithmic or CQG
- Username: Your trading login (often your email or custom ID)
- Password: Platform-specific password (different from your web login)
- Server: Rithmic server address or CQG server

If you don't see credentials:

Email AquaFutures support: "I need my ProjectX connection credentials for my [Beginner/Standard/Instant] account."

They'll send you:

Connection type (Rithmic/CQG)
Username
Password
Server details

Save these credentials in a secure location (password manager or encrypted note).

For support details, see the customer support guide.

Step 4: Connect ProjectX to AquaFutures

1. Open ProjectX

If it didn't launch automatically after installation, find it:

Start Menu → ProjectX
Desktop shortcut (if you created one)

First launch takes 30-60 seconds as it initializes.

2. Open Connection Manager

In ProjectX:

Click "Connect" or "Settings" in the top menu
Select "Connection Manager" or "Add Connection"

3. Choose Your Data Provider

Select:

Rithmic (if AquaFutures uses Rithmic)
CQG (if AquaFutures uses CQG)

Check your credentials document to confirm which one.

4. Enter Your Credentials

For Rithmic:

Username: [Your AquaFutures username]
Password: [Your AquaFutures password]
System Name: Rithmic Test (for evaluations) or Rithmic 01 (for funded accounts)
Server: Select from dropdown (usually auto-detected)

For CQG:

Username: [Your AquaFutures username]
Password: [Your AquaFutures password]
Server: Auto-detected (usually)

5. Click "Connect"

ProjectX attempts to connect to the data feed.

Successful connection indicators:

✅ Green status light appears
✅ "Connected" message displays
✅ Market data starts streaming (you'll see ES price updating)

Failed connection indicators:

❌ Red status light
❌ Error message: "Invalid credentials" or "Connection failed"
❌ No market data visible

If connection fails, see Step 5: Troubleshooting below.

Step 5: Verify Your Account Setup

Once connected, verify everything works correctly.

1. Check Account Balance

In ProjectX:

Look for "Account Info" panel (top-right or bottom)
Verify balance matches what you expect:
- Evaluation: $25K, $50K, $100K, or $150K
- Funded: Whatever your funded balance is

If balance is wrong:

You might be connected to the wrong account (demo vs live)
Disconnect and reconnect with correct credentials

2. Verify Contract Limits

Check your contract limits:

Beginner: 6 contracts (or 9 for $100K+)
Standard: 15 contracts
Instant: 6-9 contracts depending on size

Try placing a test order (don't execute yet) for more contracts than your limit. The platform should reject it or warn you.

3. Confirm Instruments Are Available

Open a chart for ES (E-mini S&P 500):

Type "ES" in the symbol search
Chart should load with live price data
Verify you see candlesticks updating

Repeat for other instruments you trade (NQ, YM, CL, GC).

For available instruments, see the instruments list guide.

4. Test Order Entry (Don't Execute)

Open the DOM (Depth of Market) panel:

Click on "DOM" or "Order Entry"
Select ES
Click "Buy" or "Sell" to stage an order (don't actually submit it)
Verify the order entry form appears correctly

Cancel the order before submitting.

Step 6: Configure Essential Workspace

ProjectX starts with a default layout. Customize it for prop trading.

Layout 1: Chart + DOM Side-by-Side (Recommended for Beginners)

Left side (60% of screen):

Price chart (ES or NQ)
Timeframe: 5-min or 15-min
Add 1-2 indicators (moving average, RSI)

Right side (40% of screen):

DOM (Depth of Market) for order entry
Shows bid/ask spread, pending orders, current position

Bottom:

Positions panel (shows open trades)
P&L tracker (shows daily profit/loss)

How to arrange:

Drag panels by their title bars
Resize by dragging edges
Right-click panel headers for more options

Layout 2: Chart-Only (For Analysis)

Full-screen price chart with minimal distractions. Use this when:

Planning trades before market open
Analyzing multiple timeframes
Not actively entering orders

Layout 3: DOM-Only (For Scalpers)

Full-screen DOM with no chart. Use this if:

You scalp off order flow (not price patterns)
You need maximum focus on bid/ask depth
You trade ultra-short timeframes (tick charts)

Save Your Layout:

Once you've arranged panels:

Click "File" → "Save Workspace" (or similar)
Name it: "AquaFutures Trading Setup"
Next time you open ProjectX, load this workspace

Step 7: Place a Test Trade

Before trading your full size, test the connection with 1 contract.

1. Open DOM for ES

Select ES from instrument dropdown
DOM should show current bid/ask prices

2. Place a 1-Contract Buy Order

Click "Buy" at the current market price
Or set a limit order 2-3 ticks away from market

3. Verify Order Executes

Order should fill within 1-2 seconds
Check "Positions" panel—ES position should appear
Verify P&L starts updating (even if small)

4. Close the Position Immediately

In Positions panel, click "Close" or "Flatten"
Or use DOM to place an opposite order (sell if you bought)

5. Verify Position Closed

Positions panel should be empty
P&L locks in (small gain or loss)
Account balance updates

If test trade works correctly, you're ready to trade normally.

If something goes wrong:

Order doesn't execute → Check internet connection, verify credentials
Position doesn't close → Contact ProjectX support immediately
P&L doesn't update → Refresh platform, check connection status

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Issue 1: "Invalid Credentials"

Cause: Wrong username or password

Fix:

Copy/paste credentials directly from your AquaFutures email (avoid typos)
Confirm you're using platform password (not your website login password)
Check for extra spaces before/after username/password
Contact AquaFutures support to verify credentials

Issue 2: "Connection Timeout"

Cause: Firewall blocking ProjectX, poor internet connection

Fix:

Disable firewall temporarily to test (if connection works, whitelist ProjectX)
Switch to wired ethernet (WiFi can be unreliable)
Restart your router
Check if Rithmic/CQG servers are down (search "Rithmic status" online)

Issue 3: "Server Not Responding"

Cause: Wrong server selected, maintenance downtime

Fix:

Try selecting a different server from the dropdown
Wait 30 minutes (might be scheduled maintenance)
Check AquaFutures website/email for service alerts

Issue 4: "Market Data Not Updating"

Cause: Markets closed, subscription issue, connection dropped

Fix:

Verify markets are open (futures trade nearly 24 hours, but some have breaks)
Disconnect and reconnect in Connection Manager
Check that your AquaFutures subscription is active (not expired)
Restart ProjectX entirely

Issue 5: "Can't Place Orders"

Cause: Account not authorized for trading, evaluation not activated

Fix:

Verify your account status in AquaFutures dashboard (Active? Funded?)
Confirm you're connected to correct account (not demo)
Check that your subscription is paid and current
Contact AquaFutures support to verify trading permissions

For platform comparison details, see the ProjectX vs Quantower guide.

Essential ProjectX Features for AquaFutures

1. One-Click Trading

Enable this for faster order entry:

Settings → Trading → Enable "One-Click Trading"
Now clicking "Buy/Sell" in DOM executes immediately (no confirmation)

Warning: Only enable this after you're comfortable. Easy to fat-finger orders.

2. Hotkeys

Assign keyboard shortcuts for common actions:

Settings → Hotkeys
Assign:
- F1 = Buy Market
- F2 = Sell Market
- Esc = Cancel All Orders
- F12 = Flatten All Positions

Speeds up execution, critical for scalping.

3. P&L Alerts

Set audio alerts when you hit profit/loss thresholds:

Settings → Alerts → Daily P&L
Set alert at -$400 (warning you're approaching daily loss limit)
Set alert at +$300 (celebrate small wins)

Keeps you aware without constantly watching P&L.

4. Position Limits

Configure hard limits to prevent overtrading:

Settings → Risk Management → Max Position Size
Set to your contract limit (6 for Beginner, 15 for Standard)

Platform rejects orders that exceed this limit.

5. Auto-Close at Market Close

ProjectX can automatically flatten positions before market close:

Settings → Trading → Auto-Flatten Positions
Set time: 3:50pm ET (10 minutes before futures session close)

Prevents accidentally holding overnight (if you don't intend to).

For overnight trading policies, see the overnight trading guide.

ProjectX vs Platform Dashboard: Which to Trust?

ProjectX shows:

Real-time balance including unrealized P&L
Current positions
Order book depth

AquaFutures dashboard shows:

Official balance (what AquaFutures calculates)
Drawdown threshold
Win days count

Which to trust for critical decisions?

Use AquaFutures dashboard for:

Checking drawdown threshold before trading
Verifying win days
Confirming you're not breached

Use ProjectX for:

Real-time trading decisions (entries/exits)
Monitoring open positions
Quick P&L checks during the session

If there's a discrepancy (ProjectX says $51,000, AquaFutures says $50,900), trust AquaFutures. Their system is authoritative.

For dashboard details, see the trading dashboard guide.

System Requirements for ProjectX

Minimum:

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
RAM: 2GB
CPU: Intel i3 or equivalent
GPU: Not required (integrated graphics fine)
Storage: 500MB
Internet: 5 Mbps download, stable connection

Recommended:

OS: Windows 11
RAM: 4-8GB
CPU: Intel i5 or better
Storage: 1GB (for updates and logs)
Internet: Wired ethernet (10+ Mbps)

ProjectX runs on modest hardware. If you can browse YouTube smoothly, you can run ProjectX.

Can You Use ProjectX on Multiple Computers?

Yes. Install ProjectX on:

Desktop (primary trading station)
Laptop (backup for travel)

Important: You can only be logged into one instance at a time. If you log in on your laptop, your desktop connection disconnects.

To switch devices:

Close ProjectX on Device A
Open ProjectX on Device B
Connect with your credentials

Your workspace and settings don't sync between devices. You'll need to reconfigure layouts on each machine.

ProjectX Updates: How to Stay Current

Auto-updates:

ProjectX checks for updates on launch. When an update is available:

Notification appears: "Update available"
Click "Download and Install"
ProjectX restarts automatically (takes 2-3 minutes)

Manual updates:

If auto-update fails:

Go to ProjectX website
Download latest version
Run installer (it overwrites old version)
Reconnect with your credentials

Don't skip updates. New versions fix bugs and improve stability—critical for prop trading where platform crashes can cost you money.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Stay Simple

ProjectX's biggest advantage is simplicity. Don't overcomplicate your setup:

✅ Use default layout (chart + DOM) for first week

✅ Add only 1-2 indicators (moving average, RSI)

✅ Trade 1 instrument (ES or NQ) until comfortable

✅ Test execution with 1-2 contracts before going full size

❌ Don't add 10 indicators to your chart

❌ Don't enable one-click trading on Day 1

❌ Don't trade 5 instruments simultaneously

ProjectX is designed to get out of your way. Let it. Focus on execution, risk management, and consistency—not on tweaking your platform.

Once ProjectX is set up (15-20 minutes), you'll spend the next 6-10 weeks passing your evaluation. The platform doesn't make you profitable—discipline does.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does ProjectX setup take for AquaFutures?

15-20 minutes total: download and install (10 minutes), enter AquaFutures-provided credentials (5 minutes), verify connection and account (5 minutes). First-time setup is quick compared to Quantower's 30-45 minutes. ProjectX prioritizes simplicity—default layouts work immediately.

Where do I get ProjectX login credentials for AquaFutures?

Log into AquaFutures website → Settings → Platform Access. Look for username, password, connection type (Rithmic/CQG), and server details. If not visible, email AquaFutures support: "I need my ProjectX credentials for my [account type]." They'll send credentials within 24 hours.

Why won't ProjectX connect to my AquaFutures account?

Common causes: Invalid credentials (wrong username/password), firewall blocking connection, wrong server selected, or AquaFutures account not fully activated. Fix: Copy/paste credentials to avoid typos, disable firewall temporarily, try different server from dropdown, or contact support to verify account status.

Do I need to pay for ProjectX separately?

No. ProjectX is free to use with your AquaFutures subscription ($114-$291). No platform fees, no data fees—everything is included. Just download, install, and connect with your AquaFutures credentials.

Can I use ProjectX on Mac or Linux?

Yes, but: ProjectX works best on Windows 10/11. Mac support exists via compatibility layer (can be buggy). Linux support is for advanced users only. For best performance and stability, use Windows. If you must use Mac/Linux, expect occasional issues.

How do I configure ProjectX workspace for prop trading?

Recommended layout: Left side (60%) = price chart (ES/NQ, 5-min or 15-min), Right side (40%) = DOM for order entry, Bottom = Positions panel + P&L tracker. Drag panels to arrange, resize edges, save workspace as "AquaFutures Setup." Load it each session.

Should I enable one-click trading immediately?

No. One-click trading executes orders instantly without confirmation—easy to fat-finger. Keep it disabled for your first 1-2 weeks. Once comfortable with order entry, enable it for faster execution. Scalpers benefit most; swing traders don't need it.

What if ProjectX balance doesn't match AquaFutures dashboard?

Minor discrepancies ($50-$100) can occur due to timing or unrealized P&L calculations. If major discrepancy (>$200), trust AquaFutures dashboard—it's authoritative. Use ProjectX for real-time trading, use AquaFutures dashboard for official balance and drawdown threshold checks.