Welcome to Your Micro Reef Controller
You’re just a few steps away from fully automating and controlling your reef!
This guide will walk you through setup, connection, and getting your controller running smoothly, whether you’re at home or managing your tank remotely.
What This Device Does
The Micro Reef Controller allows you to:
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Control your heater
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Adjust pump speed and flow
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Set light schedules and intensity
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Monitor water temperature
How Control Works
There are two ways to access your controller:
Local Mode (First Step)
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The device creates its own WiFi network:
PicoReef-XXXX (unique to your controller) -
Used for initial setup and direct control nearby
Remote Mode (Anywhere Access)
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Connect the controller to your home WiFi
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Control your reef from anywhere at:
control.pnw-custom.com
STEP 1: Plug It In
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Connect the controller to power
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Plug in your temperature probe
STEP 2: Connect to the Controller
On your phone or computer:
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Open your WiFi settings
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Look for: PicoReef-XXXX
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Tap to connect
Don't see it? Try this:
Refresh your WiFi list
Turn WiFi off and back on
Unplug controller → wait 15 seconds → plug back in
STEP 3: Open the Control Screen
Once connected:
A control screen will automatically open
If not, open your browser and try: 192.168.4.1
Understanding the Interface
Main Controls
Pump Dial: Adjust flow speed
Light Dial: Adjust brightness
Heater Toggle: Turn heater on/off
Schedule
Set custom lighting schedules
Includes sunrise + sunset ramping
Requires WiFi setup for full functionality
Top of Screen
Current water temperature
Device MAC address (you’ll need this later)
Settings
Connect to your home WiFi
Rename your controller
Factory reset if needed
Update Firmware
Upload firmware updates when available
Uses a simple file upload system
STEP 4: Enable Remote Access
Once your controller is connected to WiFi:
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Go to: control.pnw-custom.com
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Create an account
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Log into your dashboard
Add Your Controller
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Click “Add Controller”
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Enter your MAC address
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Name your controller
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Click Add
You’ll see a success or error message:
✔️ Connected = ready to go
❌ Error = check MAC address or network
