API/Open Integration Options for Controllers/Equipment?

[TheWhiteFang]

Hey everyone,
I’m fairly new to the hobby but come from an IT background, so naturally I’ve been looking into smart/IoT reef equipment. While there are quite a few options out there, I’ve noticed that actual API integrations seem to be pretty limited.

Open APIs could really benefit the hobby by allowing automation, cross-platform integrations, and more flexibility. I know about open-source options like reef-pi and AquaPi, but they’re fairly limited in terms of compatible hardware. On the other side, ecosystems like Hydros and Neptune are great in terms of performance, but they tend to be closed off and expensive—pricing a lot of hobbyists out.

Are there any other controllers or equipment you’ve come across that perform well and offer open integration or usable APIs? I’d love to hear what others are using or have found!

 

[bubbgee]

What would be the purpose of the API? Most of the code for Apex is turn on and turn off (and add IF statements if necessary for certain conditions). API would be useful for cross device application and perhaps data for reporting. But again, for devices-- it's mostly turn on and off since they are on an outlet that is controlled.

For anything that isn't Neptune or Hydros, you can run Kasa and TPLink/Kasa provides API for that.

 

[TheWhiteFang]

What would be the purpose of the API? Most of the code for Apex is turn on and turn off (and add IF statements if necessary for certain conditions). API would be useful for cross device application and perhaps data for reporting. But again, for devices-- it's mostly turn on and off since they are on an outlet that is controlled.

For anything that isn't Neptune or Hydros, you can run Kasa and TPLink/Kasa provides API for that.

Honestly I hate a cluttered screen and having to use multiple apps/interfaces. Having everything in one place is really nice and appealing. I also like the idea of being able to set up a dashboard I can access remotely to access the devices on my setup without the need for a vpn or being at home.

I also think it would also be neat to be able to be able to add other integrations with the rest of my at home setup. Like lighting for the room and things like that. It may not add anything practical, but would be fun to set lighting scenes for the room that match the lighting schedule of the tank. I am sure as I learn more I could find some more practical solutions as well.

I guess my focus would be more on equipment like pumps, wavemakers, lighting, dosing pumps, etc. Being able to turn the device on and off is nice, but doesn't necessarily give me the options to tinker and customize.

 

[Cosmicus]

I know this thread is a bit old, but I’ve been looking into the same thing lately. Have you played around with open‑source options like Reef-Pi or Hydros’ limited local API? They aren’t perfect, but they offer more flexibility than most branded gear. I’m curious whether anyone here has managed to tie mixed equipment together through Home Assistant or similar tools.

 

[TheWhiteFang]

I know this thread is a bit old, but I’ve been looking into the same thing lately. Have you played around with open‑source options like Reef-Pi or Hydros’ limited local API? They aren’t perfect, but they offer more flexibility than most branded gear. I’m curious whether anyone here has managed to tie mixed equipment together through Home Assistant or similar tools.

I have looked at reef pi a little bit, but I kinda just started dabbling with Arduino and ESP style boards. I recently built the joy reef dosing system and 3d printed a fleece roller. I already use home assistant, so there are some pretty cool tools to integrate with it. I thought reef pi was abandoned, but it looks like it has had some recent updates so I will probably look into it again

 

[areefer01]

Hey everyone,
I’m fairly new to the hobby but come from an IT background, so naturally I’ve been looking into smart/IoT reef equipment. While there are quite a few options out there, I’ve noticed that actual API integrations seem to be pretty limited.

Open APIs could really benefit the hobby by allowing automation, cross-platform integrations, and more flexibility. I know about open-source options like reef-pi and AquaPi, but they’re fairly limited in terms of compatible hardware. On the other side, ecosystems like Hydros and Neptune are great in terms of performance, but they tend to be closed off and expensive—pricing a lot of hobbyists out.

Are there any other controllers or equipment you’ve come across that perform well and offer open integration or usable APIs? I’d love to hear what others are using or have found!

Most of the controllers on the market, over the counter, are limited. They are slowly starting to integrate some commands to Alexa and HA but it will vary among them. A lot of the equipment these days are doing their own apps for equipment which is a bit frustrating and makes it akin to the wild west sadly.

I can't speak for all but I can say that Neptune allows a couple of rest commands to pull data. It does not allow the hobbyist to control. There are a few of us here who use Grafana, time stamp db flavor of choice, and telegraf to pull the Apex data into our own custom dashboards and data retention. I also use Grafana to do secondary alert monitoring.

HA is also being used. Don't hold me to this but I believe a couple may be using it with GHL's controller. I've looked at it for the Neptune Apex but not set it up yet. HA is a bit wonky to me and how they do updates is a bit troublesome. Still, I know it is being used.

Hydros - I do not believe they have any access options. Is often discussed but not aware nor am I really looking. I do not use their products.

Arduino / PI systems are out there that may be of interested if you want control and logs.

HA, Alexa, also use wifi strips. Personally not a fan of those but not knocking anyone using them so figured I would throw it out as well. I am not sure how they are used but take a look at that as well.

 

[TheWhiteFang]

Hey everyone,
I’m fairly new to the hobby but come from an IT background, so naturally I’ve been looking into smart/IoT reef equipment. While there are quite a few options out there, I’ve noticed that actual API integrations seem to be pretty limited.

Open APIs could really benefit the hobby by allowing automation, cross-platform integrations, and more flexibility. I know about open-source options like reef-pi and AquaPi, but they’re fairly limited in terms of compatible hardware. On the other side, ecosystems like Hydros and Neptune are great in terms of performance, but they tend to be closed off and expensive—pricing a lot of hobbyists out.

Are there any other controllers or equipment you’ve come across that perform well and offer open integration or usable APIs? I’d love to hear what others are using or have found!

Most of the controllers on the market, over the counter, are limited. They are slowly starting to integrate some commands to Alexa and HA but it will vary among them. A lot of the equipment these days are doing their own apps for equipment which is a bit frustrating and makes it akin to the wild west sadly.

I can't speak for all but I can say that Neptune allows a couple of rest commands to pull data. It does not allow the hobbyist to control. There are a few of us here who use Grafana, time stamp db flavor of choice, and telegraf to pull the Apex data into our own custom dashboards and data retention. I also use Grafana to do secondary alert monitoring.

HA is also being used. Don't hold me to this but I believe a couple may be using it with GHL's controller. I've looked at it for the Neptune Apex but not set it up yet. HA is a bit wonky to me and how they do updates is a bit troublesome. Still, I know it is being used.

Hydros - I do not believe they have any access options. Is often discussed but not aware nor am I really looking. I do not use their products.

Arduino / PI systems are out there that may be of interested if you want control and logs.

HA, Alexa, also use wifi strips. Personally not a fan of those but not knocking anyone using them so figured I would throw it out as well. I am not sure how they are used but take a look at that as well.

That's a ton of awesome information! Thanks for all the details. I have a bit of experience with HA as I have been in IT/home labbing well before I started this hobby, and containers make things easier. I can't speak to other integrations from all the big companies with HA, but I know with some of the things I have built integration is pretty easy. I have thought about grabbing some cheap equipment and rewiring them to be controlled by esp to make them "smarter", lighting is the thing that I haven't really figured out though. The apps I have used so far (kessil and Mobius) both feel clunky and inconsistent

 

[Cosmicus]

I’ve been poking at the same issue on my setup, and the lack of open APIs is what keeps me tinkering with DIY bridges. For simple alerts and triggers, I’ve even routed status messages through ultramsg since their API is super quick to script against, so it lets me hack together notifications without fighting closed ecosystems. If more reef gear opened things up like that, we’d have a lot more room to play.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Home Assistant has an Apex Fusion integration. Works great. Especially as Apex text messaging hasn’t worked for years and push notifications are hit or miss (for me anyway). I don’t do flashy dashboards as I can’t see them, but I do have events and use the data. There’s no end to what one can do.

 

[areefer01]

Home Assistant has an Apex Fusion integration. Works great. Especially as Apex text messaging hasn’t worked for years

Just to clarify a bit - this is not something that is broken in the Neptune Apex but rather changes in cellular carrier policies and security measures.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Just to clarify a bit - this is not something that is broken in the Neptune Apex but rather changes in cellular carrier policies and security measures.

Yes and paid tiers as well. I’ve run into this with other things and it can be resolved by paying for the data, which in turn equates to a monthly fee for us minions. I’m ok without a monthly fee and using workarounds

 

[TheWhiteFang]

Home Assistant has an Apex Fusion integration. Works great. Especially as Apex text messaging hasn’t worked for years and push notifications are hit or miss (for me anyway). I don’t do flashy dashboards as I can’t see them, but I do have events and use the data. There’s no end to what one can do.

Interesting, the price of entry is what scares me away from the Neptune equipment

 

[adova]

I know this thread is a bit old, but I’ve been looking into the same thing lately. Have you played around with open‑source options like Reef-Pi or Hydros’ limited local API? They aren’t perfect, but they offer more flexibility than most branded gear. I’m curious whether anyone here has managed to tie mixed equipment together through Home Assistant or similar tools.

Any link to the "Hydros Limited Local API" info? I haven't been able to find anything yet.