reef-pi

reef-pi is a modular control system for aquarists comfortable building electronics. Its Raspberry Pi software can schedule outlets, manage temperature, run dawn-to-dusk lighting, automate top-off and dosing, read pH, display charts and send alerts. The project publishes parts guidance and step-by-step modules rather than requiring one fixed hardware bundle. Source code, development history and snapshot packages are public, and the web interface supports several languages. That openness allows repair, adaptation and scrutiny that a sealed controller may not offer.

The project is not a ready-made safety appliance. Mains electricity near salt water, relay ratings, enclosure design, probe calibration, stuck pumps and network failure all require engineering controls outside the software. A dosing timer should have physical limits and an independent way to fail safely; a controller must not turn one bad sensor into a catastrophic action. Build and test each module away from livestock, include drip loops and protected power, and verify alarms under failure conditions. reef-pi rewards careful makers, not anyone seeking plug-and-play automation.