Reef-Pi Build
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Main
Forum Name: Tank Threads
Forum Description: A place to show off your tank build.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=85204
Printed Date: March 06 2025 at 3:55pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Reef-Pi Build
Posted By: redleader
Subject: Reef-Pi Build
Date Posted: April 01 2019 at 10:34am
|
My controller died, and I didn't want to shell out a whole ton of money for a new one. I was running a digital aquatics which is no longer making controllers. I decided to try out a Raspberry Pi and install Reef-Pi. All I was using the DA for was Temp and PH monitoring. I have built out the temp and PH monitoring using the Raspberry Pi and it is pretty slick. I actually like it a lot more than what DA had with reef keeper lite. I plan to add in additional functionality, I'll be adding in the controllers to control the heater and lighting. I'm looking at how to add a probe for specific gravity of the water. I currently have a PH probe and two temp probes running. The cost on this build is as follows: Raspberry pi with sd card $20 temp probe $10 X 2 (I had to buy new probes as they need to be digital and DA had an analog probe) PH chip $40 parts $20 I am using the old ph probe from the DA. So I am in this about $100 I plan to spend another $80 to get the lighting and heating modules wired and working, I might be able to do it cheaper I'll let you know. If people are interested I can share the whole build and steps to reproduce this ------------- Everything in life is possible. You just have to dream big, and act bigger. 150 G Reef |
Replies:
Posted By: WildBill
Date Posted: April 01 2019 at 11:44am
| Yes, please share with us. |
Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: April 01 2019 at 12:06pm
|
This is really cool! ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: Kevin
Date Posted: April 01 2019 at 11:58pm
|
I am currently working on the same thing. I have a pi zero w currently running that is dosing calcium and alkalinity. It was monitoring temperature and notifying me by email when it went outside a given range. The probe started to rust so I removed it until I can cover it with silicone. I am working on a new pi controller that I am hoping to have monitor temperature, auto topoff, dose calcium, alk, magnesium. I am also hoping to implement auto water changes using 2 other dosing pumps, and control a few outlets using a relay. I have all the parts I am just trying to design a box I can 3d print to house it all. Anyway, it's a fun project. I would be happy to help if you want/need any. As a side note, I bought some cheap Chinese temperature probes 5 for $15 and so far they have worked great for me. I am curious to hear how the pH module works for you. It sounded expensive so I was holding off until I saw results from others. |
Posted By: redleader
Date Posted: April 02 2019 at 9:45am
|
Im, scavenging the ph probe from my DA unit. so no cost, I cut the connectors out of the old housing. I ordered some calibration solution and will get back to you, also I ordered a 2nd probe from amazon. The piece that was expensive is the ph chip from EZO it was $40. I'll let you know how it goes. I plan to get the whole build posted this weekend. Temp and Ph so far, I'll add relays and power switches next. I just like having something to do, I may try to scavenge the relay parts from the DA as well... not sure yet. ------------- Everything in life is possible. You just have to dream big, and act bigger. 150 G Reef |
Posted By: redleader
Date Posted: April 02 2019 at 9:45am
|
DA is digital Aquatics Reef Keeper Lite, mine quit working, that is why I'm doing this... ------------- Everything in life is possible. You just have to dream big, and act bigger. 150 G Reef |
Posted By: KludgeGuru
Date Posted: April 04 2019 at 2:19pm
Kevin, did you end up using Reef-Pi for all of that? I've been thinking about getting back into the Reef hobby and was considering programming my own controller. I haven't looked into Reef Pi yet so I don't know what its capabilities are. I like the idea of programming my own for the Geek factor but I'll probably start out with something like Reef Pi to get up and running. I have a few Pi's at home just sitting around.
 |
Kevin wrote:Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: April 04 2019 at 2:50pm
Yeah mine was a glorified light timer at the end. Going to be my Xmas list light timer this year! ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: April 04 2019 at 2:53pm
|
We are in discussions of doing a Saturday excursion on this. Post if you have any interest in joining. ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: Kevin
Date Posted: April 04 2019 at 8:55pm
| Yes I am currently using it for dosing and temperature monitoring. I have been dosing with it for about 2 months. I hope to have the temp monitor back up in next week. |
Posted By: redleader
Date Posted: April 25 2019 at 11:43am
|
Having a bit of trouble getting the PH controller to work. I think I'll get it figured out this weekend. The temp probe works awesome and has a great web interface. the temp probe can be created in a about an hour. the most time is spent getting the reef pi ready, downloading and installing the os and Reef-pi software. Once that is done the bread board circuit for the temp probe is really easy. ------------- Everything in life is possible. You just have to dream big, and act bigger. 150 G Reef |