Install the Bridge — Demo Reef

Step 1 · Pick your host

The Bridge runs anywhere you have Docker. Pick the box you already keep on — instructions adjust below. The actual install command is the same everywhere.

In DSM, open Container Manager → Registry, search for reefcmd/bridge and download the latest tag. Then go to Container → Create and use the docker run settings below (volume + port mapping).

docker run

docker run -d \
  --name reefcmd-bridge \
  --restart unless-stopped \
  -v reefcmd-bridge-data:/data \
  -p 127.0.0.1:8765:8765 \
  reefcmd/bridge:latest

docker-compose.yml

services:
  reefcmd-bridge:
    image: reefcmd/bridge:latest
    container_name: reefcmd-bridge
    restart: unless-stopped
    volumes:
      - reefcmd-bridge-data:/data
    ports:
      - "127.0.0.1:8765:8765"
volumes:
  reefcmd-bridge-data:

Why 127.0.0.1:8765? The Bridge has a tiny status page that shows the pairing code during setup. Binding the port to localhost keeps it visible only on the host machine. Don't remove the 127.0.0.1: prefix — if you do, anyone on your network could read the code while you're pairing.

Cancel

Step 2 · Run it

Paste the command into your host's terminal (or compose UI) and start the container. The Bridge will boot, generate its pairing code, and wait for you to enter it here. Nothing happens until you do.

First boot takes ~5 seconds.

Step 3 · Find your pairing code

The Bridge prints a 6-digit code on first boot. Two ways to read it:

Option A · Container logs

docker logs reefcmd-bridge

Look for the line that starts Pairing code:.

Option B · Browser on the host

Open http://localhost:8765 on the host you installed it on. If you're SSH'd in or there's no browser, use http://<NAS-IP>:8765 from any device on the local network.

Don't see a code?

Check the container started: docker ps
Check the volume mount is correct (data must persist across restarts)
If you re-used a Bridge from an earlier install, it may already be paired. Remove the reefcmd-bridge-data volume to start fresh.

Step 4 · Enter the code

Type the 6 digits the Bridge printed on first boot. Pasting works too.

Code expires 10 min after the Bridge starts.

Code expired?

Codes are valid for 10 minutes from the time the Bridge starts. To get a fresh one, run curl -X POST http://localhost:8765/regenerate-code on the host, or restart the container with docker restart reefcmd-bridge.

Step 5 · Name your Bridge

Your Bridge is paired. Give it a name you'll recognize — useful if you ever run more than one (a backup Pi, a second tank room, etc.).

Bridge name