AquaFutures Automated Trading Rules: Bots, EAs, and Semi-Automation Policies

Fully automated trading (bots, EAs, algorithms that make decisions without human input) on AquaFutures accounts typically requires pre-approval, though policies vary by firm. Semi-automation (hotkeys, bracket orders, trailing stops) is generally allowed without approval. High-frequency bots and scalping algorithms are often prohibited or require extensive vetting. If you trade without approval and AquaFutures detects automated patterns—account may be terminated and profits voided.

Most prop firms allow manual trading with automation assists (order entry hotkeys, stops/targets, one-click trading) but restrict fully autonomous systems where algorithms make all decisions. The key distinction: human decision-making with automated execution (usually allowed) vs algorithmic decision-making (requires approval). Before deploying any bot or EA, contact AquaFutures support for explicit written approval.

I'm breaking down what counts as automation, which tools are allowed vs prohibited, how to request approval for bots/EAs, semi-automation strategies that don't require approval, detection methods prop firms use, and whether TradingView alerts or copy trading software count as automated 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.

Official Rule: Full Automation Requires Approval

From AquaFutures Terms of Service (typical prop firm language):

"Automated trading systems (bots, Expert Advisors, algorithms) require prior written approval. Unauthorized automated trading will result in account termination."

What this means:

✅ Manual trading: Always allowed (you analyze, you decide, you click)

🟡 Semi-automation: Usually allowed (you decide, software executes faster)

❌ Full automation: Requires approval (algorithm decides and executes)

The line between "semi" and "full" automation is sometimes blurry—when in doubt, email support before deploying.

For evaluation rules, see the evaluation rules guide.

What Counts as Automated Trading

Key principle: If YOU make the entry/exit decision (even if software speeds up execution), it's manual or semi-automated (usually allowed). If an ALGORITHM makes the decision, it's full automation (requires approval).

Allowed: Semi-Automation and Execution Assists

1. Hotkeys

Keyboard shortcuts for common actions:

• F1 = Buy 4 ES at market
• F2 = Sell 4 ES at market
• Esc = Cancel all orders
• F12 = Flatten all positions

Why it's allowed: You still make the decision (when to press F1). The hotkey just speeds up execution.

2. Bracket Orders (OCO - One-Cancels-Other)

Place entry + stop-loss + take-profit in a single order:

• Entry: ES long at 5,200
• Stop: 5,190 (-10 points)
• Target: 5,215 (+15 points)

When entry fills, stop and target are placed automatically.

Why it's allowed: You decided entry, stop, and target levels manually. The platform just manages the logic.

3. Trailing Stops

Stop-loss that follows price:

• Enter ES long at 5,200
• Set trailing stop: 10 points
• As ES rises to 5,210, stop moves to 5,200
• If ES drops to 5,200, you're stopped out (no loss)

Why it's allowed: You set the trailing amount. The platform adjusts the stop automatically.

4. One-Click Trading

Click "Buy" in DOM → order executes instantly (no confirmation dialog).

Why it's allowed: You're still clicking manually. It just removes the confirmation step.

For platform details, see the ProjectX vs Quantower guide.

Requires Approval: Fully Automated Trading

1. Expert Advisors (EAs)

MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) bots that:

• Scan charts for signals (e.g., 50 EMA bounce)
• Enter trades automatically
• Manage stops/targets
• Close positions based on logic

Example: "RSI Reversal EA" that buys when RSI < 30, sells when RSI > 70.

Why approval required: The EA makes all decisions. You just turn it on and walk away.

2. Algorithmic Trading Systems

Custom bots (Python, C++, NinjaTrader scripts) that:

• Process market data
• Execute strategies autonomously
• Trade 24/7 without human oversight

Why approval required: High-frequency, systematic risk, no human oversight.

3. AI/ML Systems

Machine learning models that:

• Predict market moves
• Execute trades based on predictions
• Learn and adapt over time

Why approval required: Black-box decision-making. Prop firms can't verify strategy logic.

4. Signal Copiers (If Fully Automated)

Software that:

• Monitors signal source (Telegram, Discord)
• Executes trades automatically when signals arrive

Why approval required: This is coordinated trading (banned) + automation (requires approval).

For coordinated trading rules, see the coordinated trading guide.

Gray Area: TradingView Alerts

Manual execution (allowed):

• TradingView sends alert: "50 EMA touch on ES"
• You receive alert on phone
• You analyze chart manually
• You decide whether to trade
• You click to execute

Auto-execution (requires approval):

• TradingView sends webhook to API
• API automatically places trade on your account
• No human decision involved

The difference: Manual alerts are information—you decide. Auto-execution is algorithmic—software decides.

If you want auto-execution: Email AquaFutures support for approval before implementing.

Gray Area: Copy Trading Software

Scenario: You trade Account 1 manually. Software copies trades to Accounts 2 and 3.

Does this require approval?

Usually no—if:

✅ All accounts are yours

✅ You're making manual decisions on Account 1

✅ Software only replicates (doesn't make decisions)

Maybe yes—if:

⚠️ Software adds decision logic (e.g., "Copy only winning trades")

⚠️ Software uses APIs to auto-execute

⚠️ Software includes risk management algorithms

Best practice: Email AquaFutures before using copy trading software: "I want to replicate trades between my accounts using [software name]. Is this allowed?"

For copy trading rules, see the copy trading guide.

How to Request Approval for Automated Trading

Step 1: Email AquaFutures Support

Subject: "Automated Trading Approval Request - [Your Account ID]"

Body:"Hello,

I'd like to use an automated trading system on my AquaFutures account(s). Details:

• Strategy description: [Brief explanation of what your bot does]
• Software/platform: [MT4 EA, Python bot, NinjaTrader script, etc.]
• Backtesting results: [Win rate, drawdown, Sharpe ratio]
• Risk parameters: [Max position size, daily loss limit, stop-loss logic]
• Hold times: [Scalping? Swing trading? Average hold time]

Could you please confirm whether this requires approval and, if so, what the approval process entails?

Thank you,[Your Name]"

Step 2: Wait for Response

AquaFutures will:

• Confirm whether approval is needed
• Request additional information (strategy details, code review)
• Approve or deny

Step 3: If Approved, Document It

Save the approval email. If your account is ever flagged for suspected automation, you can prove you had permission.

Step 4: If Denied, Trade Manually

Don't deploy the bot anyway. Unauthorized automation = permanent ban.

For support details, see the customer support guide.

How Prop Firms Detect Automated Trading

Detection Method 1: Trade Timing Patterns

Bots execute with machine precision:

• Entry exactly 0.00 seconds after signal
• Exit exactly at pre-programmed target
• No hesitation, no variation

Humans have variability:

• Entry 1-5 seconds after signal
• Exit might be 1-2 ticks away from planned target
• Occasional hesitation, mistakes

Detection Method 2: Trade Frequency

Normal manual trading: 5-20 trades/day

Suspicious automated trading: 100-500+ trades/day with perfect consistency

Detection Method 3: Perfect Risk/Reward Ratios

Bots use exact R:R:

• Every trade: 10 point stop, 20 point target (exactly 2:1)
• No variation

Humans vary:

• Trade 1: 10 point stop, 18 point target
• Trade 2: 12 point stop, 25 point target

Detection Method 4: 24/7 Trading

Bots trade overnight, weekends, during holidays.

Humans sleep, take breaks, have off days.

Detection Method 5: Manual Review

Before funding, AquaFutures reviews trade history. Reviewers look for:

• Machine-like precision
• Unusual patterns (same entry time every day)
• High-frequency trading
• Perfect stop/target execution

For drawdown tracking details, see the maximum drawdown guide.

Consequences of Unauthorized Automation

If caught:

❌ Immediate account termination

❌ All profits voided (even if $10K+)

❌ No refunds on subscription fees

❌ Permanent ban (can't create new accounts)

❌ Related accounts terminated (if you have multiple)

No appeals. Automation violations are taken seriously by prop firms.

For breach consequences, see the breach consequences guide.

Can You Use Bots on Personal/Demo Accounts First?

Yes. Test your bot on:

✅ Demo accounts (simulated trading)

✅ Your personal funded account (not prop capital)

This lets you:

• Verify the bot works
• Collect backtesting data
• Build a case for approval

Then: Email AquaFutures with results: "I've tested this EA for 3 months on demo. Here are the results. Can I use it on my prop account?"

Why Most Prop Traders Don't Use Bots

Reason 1: Approval Hassle

Requesting approval, providing strategy details, waiting for review—takes weeks.

Reason 2: Most Bots Don't Work

95% of retail bots lose money. Even profitable bots often:

• Overfit to backtest data
• Fail in live market conditions
• Can't adapt to changing volatility

Reason 3: Manual Trading Works

You don't need a bot to pass evaluations. Thousands of traders pass with simple manual strategies:

• 50 EMA bounces
• Support/resistance
• Order flow imbalances

Reason 4: Bots Require Maintenance

Markets change. Bots need constant updates, optimization, monitoring—often more work than manual trading.

For trading strategy principles, see the values guide.

Semi-Automation Strategies That Work

Instead of full bots, use semi-automation to trade faster and safer:

Strategy 1: Hotkey-Based Scalping

• F1 = Buy 4 ES at market
• F2 = Sell 4 ES
• F12 = Flatten all

You analyze, you decide, hotkeys speed execution.

Strategy 2: Bracket Orders for Swing Trading

• Enter ES long 5,200
• Auto-set stop at 5,180 (-20 points)
• Auto-set target at 5,250 (+50 points)

You decide entry/levels, platform manages exit.

Strategy 3: Alerts + Manual Execution

• Set TradingView alert: "50 EMA touched"
• Alert pops up
• You check chart, decide if trade is valid
• You execute manually

Alerts save time, you stay in control.

For scalping details, see the microscalping vs scalping guide.

Final Thoughts: Automation Isn't Necessary

You don't need a bot to succeed at prop trading.

Most funded traders use:

• Simple manual strategies
• Hotkeys for speed
• Bracket orders for safety
• Alerts for efficiency

If you insist on using a bot:

1. Email AquaFutures for approval BEFORE deploying
2. Provide detailed strategy info, backtesting, risk parameters
3. Wait for written approval
4. Document everything

But honestly? Learn to trade manually first. Bots are a crutch. Real edge comes from reading price action, managing emotions, and adapting to market conditions—things algorithms can't do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use trading bots on AquaFutures accounts?

Fully automated bots (Expert Advisors, algorithms that make decisions without human input) typically require pre-approval. Contact AquaFutures support before deploying. Semi-automation (hotkeys, bracket orders, trailing stops) is usually allowed without approval. If you trade without approval and get caught—account termination, voided profits, permanent ban.

What counts as automated trading vs manual trading?

Manual (allowed): You analyze charts, decide entries/exits, click to execute (even with hotkeys). Semi-automated (usually allowed): You decide entry/levels, software manages execution (bracket orders, trailing stops). Fully automated (requires approval): Algorithm makes all decisions (EAs, bots, AI systems). Key: Who decides the trade—you or the algorithm?

Do TradingView alerts count as automated trading?

Depends on execution. Manual (allowed): Alert notifies you, you analyze chart, you decide whether to trade, you click to execute. Auto-execution (requires approval): Alert triggers webhook, API automatically places trade, no human decision. Manual alerts are information; auto-execution is algorithmic—requires approval.

How do prop firms detect unauthorized bots?

Five methods: (1) Trade timing patterns—bots execute with machine precision (0.00 seconds), humans vary (1-5 seconds), (2) Trade frequency—bots trade 100-500+ times/day with perfect consistency, (3) Perfect risk/reward ratios—bots use exact R:R every trade, humans vary, (4) 24/7 trading—bots trade overnight/weekends, humans sleep, (5) Manual review before funding—looking for machine-like precision.

Can I use copy trading software between my accounts?

Usually yes, if: All accounts in your name, you're making manual decisions on master account, software only replicates (doesn't add decision logic). Maybe no, if: Software adds logic ("copy only winning trades"), uses extensive API automation, includes risk algorithms. Best practice: Email AquaFutures before using copy trading software to confirm it's allowed.

What happens if I use a bot without approval?

Immediate termination, all profits voided (even $10K+), no refunds on subscription fees, permanent ban (can't create new accounts), related accounts terminated (if you have multiple). No appeals—automation violations are taken seriously. Document approval in writing before deploying any bot.

Do I need approval for bracket orders or trailing stops?

Usually no. Bracket orders (entry + stop + target in one order) and trailing stops (stop follows price) are semi-automated execution assists—you make the decision, platform manages logistics. These are standard features on most trading platforms and don't require approval. Key: You're deciding entry/exit levels manually.

Should I use a bot or trade manually?

Trade manually first. 95% of retail bots lose money, manual trading works (thousands pass evaluations with simple strategies), bots require maintenance and optimization, real edge comes from reading price action and managing emotions—not algorithms. Use semi-automation (hotkeys, bracket orders) to trade faster, but keep decision-making human.

Your Next Steps

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