If you have been paying any attention to the reefing world over the last few years, there is almost zero chance you’ve missed the explosive popularity of PNW Custom’s Micro Reef. Ever since the legendary Jake Adams published his spotlight article, “Building the Smallest Reef Tank Possible,” on Reef Builders back on February 2, 2022, the nano and pico reefing scenes haven’t been the same. Almost every major influencer in the hobby has featured this tiny marvel on their channels, proving that incredible biodiversity doesn’t require a massive footprint.
The mastermind behind it all is Harley Finberg, a true visionary whose passion for the hobby translates directly into his thriving business. Harley is a familiar face and highly sought-after speaker at major events like MACNA, ReefStock, and Aquashella. If you’ve been to any of these shows, you know that the PNW Custom booth is consistently one of the busiest and most exciting spots on the floor. While he skyrocketed to fame with the Micro Reef, Harley’s relentless innovation has also brought us top-of-the-line frag racks, the brilliant “Small-In-One” tanks, custom gear, and highly efficient pico filtration systems.
We always knew great things were coming from Harley, but today, the famous Micro Reef just got even better.
Reef Builders is thrilled to be the first to drop the news: The PNW Custom Micro Reef Controller is officially here.
Total Automation in the Palm of Your Hand
Historically, automating a tank under 5 gallons meant dealing with a mess of oversized wires, bulky plugs, and equipment designed for much larger systems. The new Micro Reef Controller changes the game entirely by providing a compact system designed to automate your tank from home or anywhere in the world.
At an incredibly compact size of just $3\text{ in} \times 3.5\text{ in} \times 1\text{ in}$, this single hub completely cleans up your cord organization. It features multiple USB inputs and a sensor input, allowing you to run your essential equipment through a single USB-powered hub.
What Can It Do?
Whether you are running the original 40oz Micro Tank , the 1 Gallon or 1.5 Gallon Small-In-One , or any other aquarium using USB-powered equipment, this device gives you unprecedented command over your system.
Key features include:
- Precision Temperature Control: Manage your heater or cooling fan with an included external temperature probe.
- Flow Management: Dial in your exact pump speed and alternate flow modes.
- Advanced Lighting Schedules: Control your light intensity and set up natural sunrise and sunset ramping to keep your micro-corals happy.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Keep an eye on your live water temperature straight from your phone.
Local Setup, Global Reach
Setup is brilliantly simple. The controller operates in two distinct modes to fit your lifestyle:
- Local Mode: When you first plug it in, the device generates its own local WiFi network (PicoReef-XXXX). This allows you to connect directly with your phone for initial setup and direct control nearby.
- Remote Mode: Once connected to your home WiFi, you can log into a dedicated dashboard at control.pnw-custom.com. This gives you the power to view all connected controllers, monitor your parameters, and make real-time adjustments to your reef from anywhere in the world.
If you are heading to Reefapalooza this weekend, you are in luck. The Micro Reef Controller will be available at the PNW Custom booth for you to see in person.
Your micro reef is about to become fully automated, incredibly stable, and accessible no matter where life takes you. Harley Finberg has done it again, and the future of pico reefing has never looked brighter!
