IoT & Embedded Systems · Smart Aquarium Technology

ReefBreeders

A modernization of a smart aquarium ecosystem spanning web software, AWS IoT, embedded firmware, connected devices, and hardware integration.

Client request

What the client needed.

ReefBreeders, a US manufacturer of smart marine-aquarium equipment, needed to replace legacy applications and firmware that could no longer be safely maintained or extended. The new ecosystem had to preserve existing device functionality, reliably connect physical equipment to cloud services, support future hardware, and incorporate weather and lunar data into lighting features.

Our approach

What we did.

We rebuilt the software and firmware foundations of the ecosystem. The work connected Laravel web applications, AWS IoT services, C and Arduino firmware, real-time communication, device configuration, and environmental data integrations. We also worked with the client’s hardware engineers on component choices, prototype testing, software compatibility, and device-integration requirements.

Delivered

Useful from day one.

Full redevelopment of legacy applications
Embedded firmware modernization across the device lineup
AWS IoT cloud connectivity for physical devices
Smart lighting controls and automated schedules
Real-time application and device synchronization
Weather and moon-phase data integrations
Hardware prototype testing and integration consulting
Cross-device testing, debugging, and stabilization

Technology

Built with.

Software redevelopment

A maintainable control platform for aquarium equipment.

The previous software was no longer practical to update. We replaced it with a modern application architecture that retained essential device capabilities while making future development possible.

Modernized backend services in PHP and Laravel
Built and updated user-facing web interfaces with Laravel Blade
Implemented lighting intensity, color-channel, and device configuration controls
Created automated lighting schedules with sunrise and sunset transitions
Improved synchronization between applications and connected equipment
Diagnosed and resolved legacy application and integration issues

Embedded firmware

Firmware rebuilt for the existing device lineup.

We redeveloped embedded software across ReefBreeders devices so application-level controls, device behavior, and future updates could share a stable and maintainable foundation.

Rebuilt legacy firmware using C and Arduino technologies
Modernized firmware architecture for continued device development
Improved communication between device firmware and software applications
Implemented firmware-side support for configuration and operational controls
Resolved firmware issues affecting behavior and connectivity
Tested compatibility across supported devices and new prototypes

Cloud-connected IoT

Physical devices connected to the cloud ecosystem.

AWS IoT and real-time services connected aquarium hardware, firmware, backend services, and web applications into one coordinated operating environment.

Integrated connected devices with AWS IoT infrastructure
Developed cloud-based communication between hardware and applications
Implemented Socket.IO updates for operational data exchange
Synchronized device configuration and state across the ecosystem
Connected weather data to lighting-related features
Added moon-phase data for moonlight-related functionality

Hardware collaboration

Software engineering that supported new product development.

ReefBreeders continued to design and manufacture its own hardware. Our role was technical consulting, integration design, and validation so new physical products fit the evolving software ecosystem.

Advised on components, communication technologies, and software compatibility
Defined integration requirements for new aquarium devices
Tested hardware prototypes and identified integration issues
Validated device behavior and application compatibility
Coordinated firmware requirements with the client’s hardware engineers
Provided technical feedback throughout cross-device testing