About the Hardware
The Marine Assistant Controller V3 is our most capable reef automation platform to date, bringing together everything we've learned from previous generations into a single, powerful controller. Designed specifically for reef keepers, it combines extensive monitoring capabilities, flexible equipment control, and seamless Home Assistant integration in a compact, DIY-friendly package.
Built around modern ESP32 technology, the Controller V3 features support for float switches, optical level sensors, leak detection, DS18B20 temperature sensors, PWM outputs, WS281x LED control, and isolated analogue inputs for monitoring parameters such as pH, ORP, EC, and TDS. Integrated Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity provide reliable communication with Home Assistant, while the onboard real-time clock allows critical automations to continue operating even if your network becomes unavailable.
The hardware is designed to be easy to assemble, highly expandable, and suitable for everything from simple monitoring tasks to fully automated reef systems. Whether you're controlling pumps, monitoring water levels, managing lighting, or tracking water quality, the Controller V3 provides a flexible foundation for building a smarter reef aquarium.
Please note: The Marine Assistant Controller V3 is currently under development. Hardware features and specifications may evolve as testing continues and new functionality is added.
Components
The Marine assistant v3 is still in the finalisation stage but what we can say is that it will be available as with all the other Marine assistant range as a Kit, Including the Main PCB and Separate components to complete the hardware. The final assembly will need to be done by yourself, the end user. build guides will be available to guide you through every step of the process.
As for the Sensors, the MA-V3 is compatible with an extremly wide range of sensors, you decide exactly the components used and are not tied into a closed selection of sensors.
This version of the Hardware has undergone extensive testing, we have gathered feedback from many users during the Beta testing phase and built this to be the very best it can be.
The Heart of the System
Why We Chose This Platform
✔ Reliable Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
✔ Powerful ESP32-S3 dual-core processor
✔ Large memory capacity for future expansion
✔ Excellent ESPHome and Home Assistant support
✔ Wide range of available GPIO and peripheral interfaces
✔ Open-source ecosystem with long-term community support
✔ Ideal for advanced monitoring, automation, and data logging
This platform gives the Marine Assistant Controller V3 the performance and flexibility needed to become the central hub of a modern reef aquarium automation system.
