What Is the ReefControl Lite?

• The ReefControl Lite is a smart controller for marine (reef) aquariums, made by Red Sea.

• It is part of Red Sea’s ReefBeat ecosystem, which is their connected-aquarium platform: using the ReefBeat mobile app, you can monitor and automate your aquarium systems.

• Unlike purely manual controllers or traditional probes, the ReefControl Lite offers real-time digital sensing plus automation of some devices, making it a kind of “brain” for your aquarium.

Specifications

1. Sensors / Probes

   • It comes with a combined ReefSense pH + Temperature probe.

   • That probe is automatically temperature-compensated.

   • The probe has dual ceramic external junctions, which enhance durability.

   • Accuracy: for pH, ~ ±0.05 pH; resolution 0.01 pH.

   • Temperature accuracy: about ± 0.05 °C.

2. Ports / Expandability

   • The controller supports up to 2 ReefSense probes or sensors.

   • You can connect a variety of ReefSense probes: for example, salinity + temperature, ORP, leak detector.

   • There is one 12 V DC output that the Lite can control.

   • Also, there’s a dedicated port for ReefControl Power (sold separately) → which allows control of AC-powered devices.

3. Connectivity & Control

   • Uses Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) to connect to your home network and integrate with the ReefBeat app.

   • Via ReefBeat, you can:

     • Monitor parameters in real time

     • Set up alerts / notifications if something goes outside of your defined safe ranges (e.g., pH, temperature)

     • Automate device control based on sensor readings (e.g., turn on/off a 12V device)

     • Log historical data and see trends over time.

   • Firmware updates are automatic via Wi-Fi.

4. Automation & Safety

   • With the 12 V output, you can automate devices like an ATO pump or a cooling fan based on sensor input.

   • When paired with ReefControl Power, you can also control AC devices (heaters, chillers, ozonizers, etc.) according to sensor data.

   • Supports an ATO module (Automatic Top-Off) — Red Sea sells a ReefControl ATO Module that plugs directly into the Lite for water-level management.

   • You can connect a ReefSense Leak Detector: if it senses water, the system can trigger emergency quick actions (e.g., shut off pumps) and send notifications.

5. Probe Calibration & Use

   • Calibration is semi-automatic through ReefBeat.

   • Calibration data is stored on the probe itself. That means if you move the probe to another controller (or temporarily detach it), you don’t lose its calibration.

   • Bluetooth remote use: you can temporarily use the probe disconnected from the tank (e.g., at your mixing station or near a sink), and the app can still read from it via Bluetooth.

6. Reliability & Future-proofing

   • Because ReefSense probes are digital, they are less prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI) compared to analog probes.

   • The design is modular: future ReefSense probe types (if Red Sea releases them) should be compatible with the Lite, allowing expansion.