AquaFutures Quantower Setup: Configuration and Connection Tutorial

Written by Paul

Published on

January 11, 2026

Quantower is a professional trading platform that connects to AquaFutures accounts through data feed providers like Rithmic or CQG. Setup takes 10-15 minutes: download Quantower, install it, enter your AquaFutures-provided connection credentials (username, password, server details), configure your workspace with charts and order entry, and start trading.

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.

The platform is free to download, but you need an active AquaFutures account to access live data and trading functionality. Once connected, Quantower gives you advanced charting, DOM (depth of market), and order management tools optimized for futures trading.

I'm breaking down how to download and install Quantower, step-by-step connection configuration, essential workspace setup for prop trading, troubleshooting common connection issues, and best practices for using Quantower with AquaFutures accounts.

What Is Quantower?

Quantower is a multi-asset trading platform designed for professional traders. It supports:

Futures (CME, ICE, Eurex)
Forex
Cryptocurrencies
Stocks

Why prop traders use Quantower:

✅ Free to download - No platform fees or subscriptions

✅ Connects to multiple data providers - Rithmic, CQG, Interactive Brokers

✅ Advanced DOM - Depth of market for precise order entry

✅ Customizable workspaces - Save layouts for different trading styles

✅ Fast execution - Optimized for scalping and day trading

✅ Professional tools - Volume profile, footprint charts, advanced indicators

If AquaFutures provides Quantower as your platform option, it's a solid choice for futures trading.

Step 1: Download and Install Quantower

1. Go to Quantower's Official Website

Visit: https://www.quantower.com

Click "Download" in the top navigation.

2. Choose Your Operating System

Quantower supports:

Windows 10/11 (recommended)
macOS (via Wine compatibility layer)
Linux (advanced users only)

For best performance, use Windows.

3. Download the Installer

File size: ~200-300 MB

Download location: Save to your Desktop or Downloads folder

4. Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded file
Allow admin permissions if prompted
Follow the installation wizard (Next → Next → Install)
Installation takes 2-5 minutes

5. Launch Quantower

After installation, open Quantower from:

Desktop shortcut, or
Start Menu → Quantower

First launch takes 30-60 seconds as it initializes.

Step 2: Obtain AquaFutures Connection Credentials

Before connecting Quantower, you need your AquaFutures trading credentials.

Where to find them:

Log into your AquaFutures account (web dashboard)
Navigate to "Platform Access" or "Trading Credentials"
Look for:
- Username (often your email or a custom ID)
- Password (provided by AquaFutures)
- Server/Connection details (Rithmic server, CQG server, etc.)
- Data feed provider (Rithmic, CQG, etc.)

If you don't see credentials:

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

They'll send:

Connection type (Rithmic, CQG, etc.)
Username
Password
Server address

For support details, see the customer support guide.

Step 3: Connect Quantower to Your AquaFutures Account

1. Open Quantower Connection Manager

In Quantower's main window:

Click "Connections" in the top-left
Or press Ctrl + M (keyboard shortcut)

2. Add a New Connection

Click the "+" button (Add Connection)

Select your data provider:

If AquaFutures uses Rithmic: Select "Rithmic"
If AquaFutures uses CQG: Select "CQG"
If unsure, check your credentials document

3. Enter Your Credentials

For Rithmic:

Server: Choose the server from dropdown (e.g., "Rithmic Paper" for demo, "Rithmic Live" for funded)
User ID: Your AquaFutures-provided username
Password: Your AquaFutures-provided password
System Name: Rithmic Test (for evals) or Rithmic 01 (for funded)

For CQG:

Username: Your AquaFutures-provided username
Password: Your AquaFutures-provided password
Server: Usually auto-detected

4. Click "Connect"

Quantower attempts to connect to the data feed.

Successful connection:

Green status indicator appears
You'll see "Connected" next to the connection name
Market data starts streaming

Failed connection:

Red status indicator
Error message: "Invalid credentials" or "Connection failed"
See troubleshooting section below

5. Verify Connection

Once connected:

Open a chart (ES, NQ, any instrument)
Verify live prices are updating
Check that you can place orders (don't actually execute yet—just verify the order entry panel works)

Step 4: Configure Your Workspace for Prop Trading

Quantower starts with a default workspace. Customize it for prop trading:

1. Open Essential Panels

Right-click anywhere → "Add Panel" → Select:

Chart:

Click "Add Panel" → "Chart"
Enter symbol: ES (E-mini S&P 500) or NQ (Nasdaq-100)
Choose timeframe: 5-min, 15-min, 1-hour (your preference)

DOM (Depth of Market):

Click "Add Panel" → "DOM Trader"
Enter same symbol as your chart (ES or NQ)
This shows the order book and allows one-click order entry

Positions Panel:

Click "Add Panel" → "Positions"
Shows your current open positions, P&L, and breakeven prices

Account Info:

Click "Add Panel" → "Account Info"
Displays account balance, margin, buying power

Order Entry Panel:

Click "Add Panel" → "Order Entry"
For placing limit/stop orders with precise parameters

2. Arrange Your Layout

Drag panels to organize them:

Suggested layout:

Left side: Chart (large)
Right side: DOM Trader (medium)
Bottom: Positions + Account Info (small)

3. Save Your Workspace

Once you've arranged everything:

Click "Workspaces" in top menu
Click "Save Workspace As"
Name it: "AquaFutures Trading Setup"

Next time you open Quantower, load this workspace instantly.

4. Set Up Hotkeys (Optional)

For fast order entry:

Go to Settings → Hotkeys
Assign keys for:
- Buy Market: F1
- Sell Market: F2
- Cancel All Orders: Esc
- Close All Positions: F12

Hotkeys speed up execution—critical for scalping.

Step 5: Test Your Connection With a Small Trade

Before trading your full size, test the connection:

1. Place a 1-Contract Order

Open your DOM Trader panel
Select ES or NQ
Click "Buy" for 1 contract (limit or market order)
Verify order executes

2. Close the Position Immediately

In Positions panel, click "Close" next to your open position
Or use DOM to exit (click opposite side)

3. Verify Order Execution

Check:

Order filled at expected price?
Slippage acceptable (within 1-2 ticks)?
Position closed correctly?
P&L calculated correctly?

If everything works, you're ready to trade normally.

Quantower Features Useful for Prop Trading

1. Volume Profile

Shows where volume was traded at different price levels. Useful for identifying support/resistance.

How to add:

Right-click on chart → Indicators → Volume Profile

2. Footprint Charts

Shows buy vs sell volume at each price level. Advanced tool for scalpers.

How to add:

Chart settings → Chart Type → "Cluster Chart" (footprint)

3. Trade from Chart

Quantower lets you place orders directly from the price chart:

Right-click on chart → Enable "Trading from Chart"
Click on the price level where you want to buy/sell
Order is placed at that exact price

4. One-Click Trading

Speed up order entry:

In DOM settings, enable "One-Click Trading"
Click buy/sell in DOM → order executes immediately (no confirmation)

Warning: Only enable one-click after you're comfortable. It's easy to fat-finger orders.

5. Market Depth Visualization

DOM shows bid/ask depth—how many contracts are waiting at each price level. Useful for understanding liquidity and potential resistance.

6. P&L Tracker

Quantower automatically calculates:

Realized P&L (closed trades)
Unrealized P&L (open positions)
Daily P&L total

This helps you stay within your daily loss limits and track progress toward profit targets.

Common Connection Issues and Fixes

Issue 1: "Invalid Credentials"

Cause: Wrong username or password

Fix:

Double-check credentials in your AquaFutures dashboard
Copy/paste credentials instead of typing (avoids typos)
Confirm you're using the correct connection type (Rithmic vs CQG)
Contact AquaFutures support if credentials still don't work

Issue 2: "Connection Timeout"

Cause: Firewall blocking Quantower, poor internet connection

Fix:

Disable firewall temporarily to test
If connection works, add Quantower to firewall whitelist
Switch to wired ethernet (WiFi can cause timeouts)
Restart your router

Issue 3: "Server Not Responding"

Cause: Rithmic/CQG server maintenance, wrong server selected

Fix:

Check Rithmic/CQG status page for outages
Try selecting a different server from the dropdown
Wait 15-30 minutes and retry
Contact AquaFutures support to confirm server address

Issue 4: "Data Feed Not Updating"

Cause: Market closed, subscription lapsed, connection dropped

Fix:

Verify markets are open (futures trade nearly 24 hours, but some have breaks)
Check that your AquaFutures subscription is active
Disconnect and reconnect in Connection Manager
Restart Quantower entirely

Issue 5: "Can't Place Orders"

Cause: Account not authorized for trading, evaluation not activated

Fix:

Verify your AquaFutures account is activated (not just created)
Check that you're connected to the correct account (not a demo)
Confirm your contract limits (6, 9, or 15 contracts)
Contact AquaFutures support to verify trading permissions

Issue 6: "Orders Rejected - Margin Insufficient"

Cause: Trying to trade more contracts than your account allows

Fix:

Check your contract limits in AquaFutures dashboard
Reduce position size (if limit is 6, don't try to trade 10)
Verify your account balance covers margin requirements

Best Practices for Using Quantower With AquaFutures

1. Save Multiple Workspaces

Create different workspaces for different strategies:

"Scalping Setup": 1-min chart + tight DOM
"Swing Trading Setup": 1-hour chart + order entry panel
"Monitoring Only": Just positions + P&L (for when you're not actively trading)

2. Enable Automatic Backups

Settings → General → Enable "Auto-save Workspace"

This prevents losing your layout if Quantower crashes.

3. Use Pending Orders Instead of Market Orders

Limit orders give you price control. Market orders can slip badly during volatility.

Place limit orders 1-2 ticks away from current price for near-instant fills.

4. Monitor Your Drawdown in Real-Time

Add a custom panel or note showing your:

Starting balance
Current balance
Drawdown threshold
Distance to breach

This prevents accidentally breaching your account.

5. Use Sound Alerts

Quantower can play sounds when:

Orders fill
Positions reach profit targets
Price hits specific levels

Settings → Alerts → Configure order fill sounds

This keeps you aware even if you're not staring at the screen.

6. Test Everything on Paper Trading First

If available, connect to a demo/paper trading account first:

Learn Quantower's interface
Test order entry
Practice hotkeys
Get comfortable before risking real capital

7. Close Quantower Completely When Not Trading

Don't leave it running 24/7. Close it when you're done trading to:

Prevent accidental order entry
Save system resources
Reduce connection issues

Quantower vs Other Platforms: When to Use It

Quantower is best for:

✅ Scalpers who need fast DOM execution

✅ Traders who want professional-grade tools (footprint charts, volume profile)

✅ Users who prefer customizable workspaces

✅ Anyone trading multiple instruments simultaneously

Quantower might not be ideal for:

❌ Complete beginners (steep learning curve)

❌ Traders who only need basic charts (simpler platforms like TradingView might be easier)

❌ Mac users (requires Wine compatibility layer—can be buggy)

If you're just starting prop trading, consider using Quantower's default layout first. Don't over-customize until you understand the basics.

For account setup guidance, see the evaluation rules guide.

Can You Use Quantower on Multiple Devices?

Yes. Install Quantower on:

Desktop (primary trading station)
Laptop (backup for travel)
Multiple monitors (drag workspaces across screens)

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

To switch devices:

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

For mobile trading options, see the mobile trading guide.

Do You Pay Extra for Quantower?

The platform itself is free to download and use.

Data fees:

If you're using Quantower with AquaFutures:

Data fees are included in your AquaFutures subscription ($114-$196/month)
You don't pay Quantower separately
Your AquaFutures credentials provide access to data

Premium features:

Quantower offers paid upgrades for:

Additional indicators (~$50-$100 one-time)
Advanced tools (algorithmic trading, API access)

These aren't necessary for prop trading. The free version is sufficient.

Final Thoughts: Take 30 Minutes to Set Up Properly

Don't rush Quantower setup. Invest 30 minutes to:

Configure your workspace correctly
Test order entry with small positions
Save your layout
Set up alerts and hotkeys

A properly configured platform prevents costly mistakes like:

Fat-finger orders (wrong contract quantity)
Missed exits (didn't see P&L tracker)
Connection issues mid-trade (no backup plan)

Once Quantower is set up, you'll have a professional trading environment that rivals anything institutional traders use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect Quantower to my AquaFutures account?

Open Quantower → Click "Connections" → Add new connection → Select your data provider (Rithmic or CQG) → Enter AquaFutures-provided username, password, and server details → Click "Connect." Verify connection by opening a chart (ES or NQ) and confirming live prices update.

Where do I get my Quantower login credentials for AquaFutures?

Log into your AquaFutures web dashboard → Navigate to "Platform Access" or "Trading Credentials" → Find your username, password, and server details. If not visible, email AquaFutures support requesting your Quantower credentials for your specific account type.

Is Quantower free to use with AquaFutures?

Yes. Quantower is free to download and use. Data fees are included in your AquaFutures subscription ($114-$196/month)—you don't pay Quantower separately. Premium features exist but aren't necessary for prop trading.

Why won't Quantower 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: Double-check credentials, disable firewall temporarily, confirm correct server from AquaFutures documentation, or contact support.

Can I use Quantower on Mac or Linux?

Mac: Yes, via Wine compatibility layer (can be buggy). Linux: Yes, for advanced users. Windows: Recommended for best performance and stability. If you're on Mac/Linux and having issues, consider using a Windows VM or dual-boot setup.

What workspace layout is best for prop trading on Quantower?

Left side: Large price chart (ES/NQ, 5-min or 15-min). Right side: DOM Trader (order book and one-click entry). Bottom: Positions panel + Account Info showing balance and P&L. Save this as your default workspace for quick access.

Can I trade from my phone using Quantower?

No. Quantower doesn't have a mobile app. For mobile trading, you'll need to use your platform provider's mobile app (Rithmic Mobile, CQG Mobile, etc.) or switch to a platform like TradingView that offers mobile access. See the mobile trading guide for details.

How do I test Quantower before trading real money?

If AquaFutures provides demo/paper trading credentials, connect to those first. Practice: Order entry, position management, workspace customization, and hotkeys. Once comfortable, switch to your live evaluation or funded account credentials.