Yes. reef-pi is open-source software for building a Raspberry Pi aquarium controller, but it is not a ready-made box: the Pi runs the software while compatible sensors, switching hardware, and other electronics connect it to your tank equipment. You choose which functions to build, such as timers, temperature control, lighting, pH monitoring, dosing, or auto top-off.
What reef-pi is—and what it is not
reef-pi is a configurable DIY controller project. Its software repository provides the controller software, while the project website organizes installation and feature-specific build guides. You supply and assemble the physical hardware needed for the functions you want.
A Raspberry Pi single-board computer is the computing platform, not the whole controller. Before choosing a board, check the current reef-pi build guidance and supported platform information: Raspberry Pi’s December 5, 2018 article gives Pi Zero and Pi 3 as examples, but that does not establish compatibility for every current model.
The project is described as a reef controller, though its creators also discuss adapting parts of it to freshwater tanks. Which features make sense depends on the aquarium and the specific build; not every tank needs or can use every module.
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What can reef-pi control?
The software lists a browser-based interface, on-demand and timer-based equipment control, LED lighting schedules, temperature monitoring and control, pH monitoring, peristaltic dosing, auto top-off, email alerts, charts, dashboards, and tank photography. These are project capabilities, not a promise that a basic installation includes the hardware for all of them.
| Function | What it can do | Build elements to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment control | Switch compatible equipment on demand or on a timer. | Switching hardware suitable for the equipment and an appropriate connection to the Pi. |
| Temperature | Monitor water temperature and, in a configured setup, switch heaters or chillers to maintain a range and send alerts when readings leave it. | A compatible temperature sensor and switching hardware matched to the heater or chiller. |
| Lighting | Schedule lights, including day/night or lunar-cycle effects when the lighting hardware supports them. | Lighting control electronics compatible with the fixture and desired control method. |
| pH | Monitor pH; configured thresholds can trigger actions or alerts. | A compatible pH probe and interface electronics. |
| Auto top-off | Use a water-level sensor to trigger fresh water as evaporation lowers the level. | Level sensing and a suitable pump or other water-delivery actuator. |
| Dosing | Control peristaltic pumps to add measured liquids, such as reagents or liquid food. | Pumps, tubing, and control electronics appropriate to the dosing task. |
Adafruit’s reef-pi overview also describes macros for combining actions into multi-step workflows, such as a water-change routine. The exact equipment and sequence depend on how the system is built.
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How to choose a build that fits your aquarium
- List the jobs you want automated. Decide whether you need timers, temperature monitoring, lighting control, pH monitoring, top-off, dosing, or only a subset.
- Map each job to hardware. Identify the sensor that measures a condition, the switching or interface electronics that connect it to the Pi, and the actuator—such as a heater, light, or pump—that performs the action.
- Check compatibility before buying. Confirm that your intended Pi platform, sensors, control electronics, and existing aquarium equipment work together. The official project site separates installation from guides for power control, temperature, auto top-off, lighting, pH, and dosing; use the guide for each selected module rather than assuming one parts list covers every build.
- Plan upkeep and safe operation. Consider how probes, tubing, and other replaceable parts will be inspected and maintained. Because this is a DIY system used around water and powered equipment, verify that your design and components meet applicable safety requirements. The cited project material does not specify a jurisdiction-specific electrical standard or certify a build.
- Build incrementally. Start with a clearly defined function, confirm that its sensor readings and control actions behave as intended, and add other modules only when their hardware and maintenance needs are understood.
Can you use reef-pi for a freshwater aquarium?
Yes, in principle. Adafruit says reef-pi can be useful for freshwater aquariums, and Raspberry Pi’s project article notes that elements can be adapted to different setups. That is not a guarantee that reef-specific functions transfer unchanged: choose modules based on what your freshwater tank actually needs, and confirm each sensor, actuator, and control method suits that setup.
A dosing example is not a reef-pi parts list
Raspberry Pi Official Magazine describes a separate aquarium dosing project by Joe Stiff that used a Raspberry Pi Pico, relays, and two pumps. Stiff reported a total project cost of £14 and a target accuracy of 0.5 millilitres or less; he configured one pump to deliver 200 ml of calcium hydroxide per day in 96 small doses. These are figures for his individual project as reported by the magazine, whose page’s exact publication date is not established here—not current prices or general performance guarantees for reef-pi.
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- Precise Dual-Axis Control: Features X and Y axes joystick providing smooth analog values from 0 to 255. The built-in MCU handles ADC conversion, ensuring stable and accurate positioning for your DIY projects.
- 5 Press Option: Includes 4 functional buttons (A, B, C, D), and Joystick Press. Each button supports five distinct trigger states: Press, Release, Single Click, Double Click, and Long Press for advanced control logic.
- I2C Interface: Communicates via a standard I2C interface (Default Address: 0x5A). This saves GPIO pins on your controller and simplifies the wiring process for developers.
- Wide Voltage Compatibility: Supports a power supply range of 3V to 5V, making it perfectly compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and other common microcontrollers.
- Easy Connectivity & Compact Design: Equipped with a PH2.0-4PIN anti-reverse connector for secure, solder-less wiring. Its compact 90×40 mm form factor is ideal for handheld game consoles or remote robot controllers.
The magazine quotes Stiff explaining that he wanted the doser to be low voltage because it would be near water, and compact enough to sit beside a reef tank without looking out of place. That is his design rationale, not a safety certification or a substitute for checking the requirements that apply to your own build.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about add-on controller boards?
One community example is the Leviathan board, whose repository describes relay outputs, dosing outputs, PWM lighting, pH and temperature inputs, and top-off sensors for reef-pi. It is an optional community add-on, not a required or officially endorsed component; assess its documentation and suitability for your build before relying on it.
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- Contact Water/Liquid Level Sensor, This is a photoelectric water liquid level sensor that is operates using optical principles. Open collector output mode, suitable for connecting various circuits and product applications.
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- This sensor probe is small in size and has a structure that can be placed up, down, laterally, and diagonally in multiple orientations to detect solution spillage, dryness and horizontal level. Can be used as a reminder and alarm function.
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- Compatible with Arduino motherboard and Raspberry Pi motherboard. for Automatic Irrigation Systems, Aquariums, Plants, in The Garden, in Agriculture etc.
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