What is reef-pi?
- Thread starter GHOSTLY
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N.Sreefer
Valuable Member
Basically like raspberry pi for reef tanks you can use it as a modular diy controller and build a diy automated set up.
Auquanut
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I think that's it exactly. From what I can tell, Reef Pi is a build it yourself controller. It looks to me like there's nothing simple to it. The upside is that you build it to your needs. If you're savvy enough, it can be awesome. There's potentially nothing you can't do.
I'm a simple man. We're talking "short bus" simple. The mechanics of Reef Pi make no sense to me. I gotta stick to old school.
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Lol I know what reef-pi is, but I won't be having a slice of that pi, no savy here lol
Gtinnel
10K Club member
You and me both. I decided to try it once and after a few hours of reading I realized I'm not smart enough to do it. Then I bought an apex.
DrZoidburg
Valuable Member
The coding can be hard unless you use some already made. Kind of think also like arduino. Can do tons of things with them.
Irongolem411
Active Member
Makes for a nice project, especially if you are in school and interested in computer engineering or computer science. Leave yourself some room for some programming projects.
DrZoidburg
Valuable Member
Only other thing it would take a little electrical calculations.
NeonRabbit221B
2500 Club Member
Just going to say with the guides these are not too challenging to build or configure. If you can solder or learn to solder you can do it. Also community it great and responsive. I think I have like 4 running and 2 just incase one has engine failure
ZoWhat
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OP
OP
GHOSTLY
2500 Club Member
I had go remember 50 numbers of pi and I couldn't
Weasel1960
Valuable Member
I would recommend looking at the Reef Pi sub forum in the DIY section. While it is true that it is a build your own controller there are some like RoboTank that are already built all you have to do is add the RaspberryPi board. The real difference is that it is all basically FreeWare, non proprietary and the ReefPi community is there as your support. It’s pretty interesting. I plan on doing it and have no background in electronics.
ColoredRock
Well-Known Member
Ask yourself why do you need a controller and work back from that.
Im asking myself that question... I know there are certain features that the products we use are now built in, so a controller is not needed as much.. and again work backward from that...
My list I am working on is:
pH monitoring and temp.. .. not to chase numbers but to look at treads... and alerts
"or if" or "and or" statements.. if x = y STOP
one day soon someone smarter then me will connect an Alk monitor to it..I dont want it to dose it for me
ATO if needed.. I use gravity.
Leak detection.
A pretty screen next to a really pretty tank boosting my ego to people seeing it going WOW!!! (joking aside)
You can get that with APEX, GHL, Hydo.. etc there are a few others. But I personally think they rope you into their products and leave out some flexibility...
Flexibility comes with its own issues.. you need to spend more time making it all work.
My 2 cents
Im asking myself that question... I know there are certain features that the products we use are now built in, so a controller is not needed as much.. and again work backward from that...
My list I am working on is:
pH monitoring and temp.. .. not to chase numbers but to look at treads... and alerts
"or if" or "and or" statements.. if x = y STOP
one day soon someone smarter then me will connect an Alk monitor to it..I dont want it to dose it for me
ATO if needed.. I use gravity.
Leak detection.
A pretty screen next to a really pretty tank boosting my ego to people seeing it going WOW!!! (joking aside)
You can get that with APEX, GHL, Hydo.. etc there are a few others. But I personally think they rope you into their products and leave out some flexibility...
Flexibility comes with its own issues.. you need to spend more time making it all work.
My 2 cents
DrZoidburg
Valuable Member
@zoa what More like the ohms law triangle, and others. It will get you going in a good direction. Every little piece you add to this has its ratings and effects. Just something to keep in mind if you don't want to fry something.
