About
reef-pi is a modular, open-source aquarium automation controller designed for reef tank enthusiasts who want full control over their aquarium environment without the high cost of commercial controllers. Built on the Raspberry Pi platform, reef-pi combines free software with community-sourced hardware guides to create a powerful DIY solution. The system supports a wide range of reef-keeping automation tasks including auto top-off (ATO) to compensate for evaporation, precise temperature monitoring and control, dawn-to-dusk lighting simulation, automated dosing for additives and supplements, and real-time pH monitoring and logging. reef-pi's modular architecture lets hobbyists build only the components they need — start with the core software installation, then add individual feature modules such as the power controller, light controller, or dosing controller as requirements grow. All modules are managed through a web-based dashboard accessible from any browser on the local network. The project is actively developed on GitHub, has a vibrant community on the Reef2Reef forums, and offers comprehensive documentation for both beginners and experienced builders. Because it is entirely open-source and runs on inexpensive Raspberry Pi hardware, reef-pi dramatically reduces the cost of professional-grade reef tank automation. It is best suited for tech-savvy reef hobbyists, makers, and developers interested in combining aquarium keeping with hands-on hardware and software tinkering.
Key Features
- Auto Top-Off (ATO): Automatically detects and replenishes evaporated water to maintain consistent salinity levels in the reef tank.
- Temperature Control: Monitors water temperature in real time and triggers heaters or chillers to keep levels within a safe range.
- Dawn-to-Dusk Lighting: Simulates natural sunrise and sunset lighting cycles to promote coral health and replicate ocean light conditions.
- Automated Dosing: Schedules and precisely controls dosing pumps to deliver supplements, alkalinity, calcium, and other additives on a timed basis.
- pH Monitoring: Continuously tracks pH levels and logs historical data so hobbyists can identify trends and maintain a stable reef environment.
Use Cases
- Automating freshwater top-off to compensate for evaporation and maintain stable salinity in a reef tank
- Simulating natural dawn-to-dusk lighting cycles to promote coral growth and health
- Monitoring and controlling water temperature by triggering heaters or chillers automatically
- Scheduling precise dosing of alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium supplements for coral nutrition
- Logging and tracking pH levels over time to detect and correct water chemistry imbalances
Pros
- Completely Free & Open-Source: No licensing fees — the software, guides, and parts lists are freely available, making professional-grade automation affordable.
- Highly Modular Design: Users can build and add only the modules they need, scaling the controller from a simple power strip to a full-featured reef management system.
- Active Community & Documentation: Backed by a dedicated community on Reef2Reef and GitHub, with comprehensive step-by-step guides for every major feature.
- Runs on Affordable Hardware: Built on the widely available and inexpensive Raspberry Pi platform, significantly undercutting the cost of commercial reef controllers.
Cons
- Requires Technical Knowledge: Setting up reef-pi involves electronics assembly, wiring, and basic Linux/software configuration — not suitable for non-technical users.
- DIY Hardware Assembly: Users must source, purchase, and assemble all physical components themselves; there is no ready-to-use hardware kit available.
- Community-Only Support: There is no commercial support or warranty — users rely on forums, GitHub issues, and community goodwill for troubleshooting help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reef-pi?
reef-pi is an open-source, Raspberry Pi-based controller for reef aquariums. It provides free software and DIY guides to automate tasks like temperature control, lighting, dosing, auto top-off, and pH monitoring.
Is reef-pi free to use?
Yes, reef-pi is completely free and open-source. The software is available at no cost. Users only pay for the Raspberry Pi and electronic components needed to build the physical controller.
What hardware do I need to get started?
At minimum, you need a Raspberry Pi (any model with network connectivity), a microSD card, and a power supply. Additional hardware depends on which modules you want to build — the project website provides detailed parts lists for each feature.
How do I access the reef-pi interface?
reef-pi runs a web server on the Raspberry Pi. Once configured, you can access the dashboard from any web browser on the same local network by navigating to the Raspberry Pi's IP address.
Do I need programming experience to use reef-pi?
Basic technical familiarity with Linux and electronics is helpful for the initial setup. However, the project provides detailed step-by-step guides, and day-to-day operation is managed through a user-friendly web interface without any coding required.
