Huntarr.io/docs/guides/multi-instance.md

Multi-Instance Setup Guide

This guide covers how to effectively configure and manage multiple instances of the same *arr application in Huntarr.

Why Use Multiple Instances?

There are several reasons you might want to set up multiple instances of the same application:

• Specialized Content: Separate TV shows from anime, movies from documentaries
• Different Quality Profiles: One instance for 4K content, another for 1080p
• Testing vs. Production: Test new settings on one instance before applying to your main instance
• Different Media Libraries: Manage content for different users or locations

Adding Multiple Instances

Huntarr supports up to 9 instances of each application type. Here's how to set them up:

1. Go to Settings and select the appropriate tab (Sonarr, Radarr, etc.)
2. Configure your first instance with all required details
3. Click the Add Instance button at the bottom of the form
4. Fill in the details for the new instance:
   • Give it a descriptive name that clearly identifies its purpose
   • Enter the URL and API key
   • Enable it if you want it to start processing immediately

Configuration Strategies

Scenario: TV Shows and Anime

For Sonarr, you might set up:

• Instance 1: TV Shows

  • Name: "Sonarr - TV Shows"
  • Standard TV show quality profiles
  • Higher search priority for current shows

• Instance 2: Anime

  • Name: "Sonarr - Anime"
  • Anime-specific quality profiles
  • Different search parameters for anime content

Scenario: Movie Categories

For Radarr, consider:

• Instance 1: General Movies

  • Name: "Radarr - Movies"
  • Standard movie quality profiles

• Instance 2: 4K Movies

  • Name: "Radarr - 4K"
  • 4K-specific quality profiles
  • Higher resource allocation

Balancing Resources

When running multiple instances, consider these tips for optimal performance:

• Stagger Processing: Set different sleep durations to avoid simultaneous searches
• API Caps: Distribute API caps based on priority and importance
• Schedule Strategically: Use scheduling to run less critical instances during off-hours

Monitoring Multiple Instances

The Huntarr dashboard displays all configured instances, allowing you to:

• View connection status for each instance
• Monitor API usage per instance
• Track search and upgrade statistics independently

Advanced Multi-Instance Setup

For more advanced setups, consider using:

• Scheduling: Different schedules for different instances
• Stateful Management: Shared tracking to prevent redundant searches
• Specialized Settings: Tailored settings for each instance's specific needs

Next Steps

After setting up multiple instances, check out the Scheduling Guide to learn how to optimize when each instance runs.