Fully automated reefing water tester - the Reefbot!
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- Опубликовано: 14 май 2021
- Recently I did a video on the brand new Mastertronic from Focustronic and I had a number of viewers keenly point out that there were a lot of similarities to the cheaper Reefbot that has already been out for some time.
Thankfully one of those viewers lived nearby and had a Reefbot I could loan for a month to test for a review!
So how does the Reefbot stack up? Is it overpriced junk, or the next 'essential' reefing bit of gear?
For more information on the Reefbot, please check out their website here:
www.reefkinetics.com 
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A GREAT REVIEW SAM JUST LOVED THIS VID.
Thank you!
Thanks for another informative video. Knew little about Alktronic, had never even heard of ReefBot. Thumbs up here!
Cheers mate!
Good review buddy cheers mate 🍻
Glad you enjoyed it
Great vedio Sam..iam using REEFBOT for one year it is giving me good result thanks for reviewing..
Thanks for sharing
Parker, I appreciate the video. The more testers out there, better for all the reefers. I hope the competition brings out a really good tester. I think for all my LPS's I would get the Spin Touch for now. What do you think?
Hey Sark, you bet! Was not long ago that we had NONE of these and now we are spoilt for choice! Spintouch for home use is an interesting one, it is super simple to use, but is not plumbed into your tank and therefore still requires you to manually do the test. That being said, it is very easy - but the tests are fairly expensive. There is honestly pros and cons to every one of the options :D
@@ParkersReef I went to a local shop with a vial of my tank water. They did the rest, I think about 3 minutes, came back with results. It was great and expensive like you said (I think he charged me $12.00). I just wanted to compare to my numbers.
@@sarkprusa3102 perfect!
None of the things it tests requires more than weekly tests and I struggle to justify the cost of the device.
I am more excited about the release of Ecometry which uses electrodes to measure a bunch of stuff (including phosphates!) in seconds, without reagents or calibration. Just not automatically.
It's a tiny device you connect to the USB port of your phone, put a drop of water and seconds later the results are on your phone.
Plenty would argue that more information gives you more knowledge. Even if you did schedule it to test each just once a week, there are plenty of people that would buy for that alone.
But that is the beauty of our hobby, we don’t all approach things the same way :)
I’m curious on the accuracy of the device you mention :)
@@ParkersReef I was told Ecometry will be released still this year and I hope I can beta test it. I'm also curious about its accuracy, especially in PO4. The price is also a bit steep for such a tiny device (700 eur).
The electrodes cost 10 eur and must be replaced every 50 tests.
The Mastertronic’s cost difference is taken up by the build quality and also things like a flood sensor that turns your pumps off and alerts you rather than just continually flooding your home if you’re out of town, better customer service and a app that is more detailed and gives you better maintenance functionality. The Reefbot is easier to access for part replacement but that is a side effect of its simplicity or crudity (whichever way you choose to look at it) and as it was the first on the market with a potential mass appeal that shows.
Pros and cons to both. I personally think the mastertronic still has a way to go with the app, there were no shortage of quirks there. The build quality was noticeably better though yes
You can fix the reef bot by adding a leak sensor to a controller and it programmed to shut off. But I think that Reefkinetics should have just added that in from the start.
Can you do a review on the Neptune trident. That would be awesome. Love the video by the way thanks
Hey mate, I don't have an apex system and as the trident does not run stand alone, I cannot test it. Also, stock is very difficult to obtain in Australia, Neptune is not supporting the Australian market well at all
The "lift flap" looks like a fish! That's great. Haha 😄🤣
Haha yeah, neat touch
@@ParkersReef life rule #32 Gatta enjoy the little things.
Right there with you 👌🏻
Great video,keep it up!🌏👉
Thanks, will do!
Don't forget the Ion director does not test KH, you need to purchase the kh director also. Cost starts to add up and installation becomes a bit messy. The reefbot pro would be more suited to you Sam if you have a spare 3 grand and wanna test everything possible.
Very true, although my KHG will do that job for me.
I don’t want to judge it until I get my hands on one, as I wasn’t a fan of the coral cares either on paper and now I love them 😅
G'day Sam
Thank you for all your efforts and the unbiased videos all ways looking forward to the next. I'm looking into a automated water testing device and was keen on the spin touch and would appreciate your opinion. I have a 1000 ltr tank 8 months in and yep wish i had the benefit of your journey with your tank build missed out by this much in the words of get smart . Yes im interested in the two you have shown
But they scare me
All the best Tim
Hey Tim, they're all good but probably for different reasons.
The spin touch is really meant for shop use, you need to grab a sample of water out manually, use a fairly expensive disk per time and the accuracy is nothing to rave about (although it gives you a rough idea easily and quickly).
The Mastertronic is very expensive, but does look the best of the bunch, It is still far from perfect though, but I think most of the issues are basic software bugs that should be fixed. Being the newest, it is also set for further expansion the most too.
The reefbot is about the cheapest of the lot and it's build quality kinda does show that. With that being said, it worked a treat for me and I am really considering purchasing one.
That probably hasn't narrowed things down all that much for you though :P
@@ParkersReef Thank you for the quick reply Sam still leaning towards the spin touch less moving parts small size . My tank is softies and LPS I’m sorry for putting you in a hard position do you think spin touch is accurate enough for this type of tank thanks again I’ll shout you a drink or three if we ever meet cheers Tim
Absolutely accurate enough! To be honest, as long as it is consistent, that is the main thing.
I was highly sceptical of the spin touch when it first came into my LFS, but I’ve grown to love it.
@@ParkersReef your a legend thanks for the comparisons they have been a great guide 🐠🐡🐠🐟🐟
My pleasure 👍🏻
You've got to wonder what those imprecisions of construction that cause issues like bending needles means for the long term reliability of the product. Certainly heard a lot of concerning feedback from the international community on the reefbot and that personally steered me towards the Mastertronic. So much more expensive, but if I get a reliable product with the possibility of automated dosing and the like integrating into it, sounds like a win to me. I was very tempted by the ION director but the lack of phosphate testing ended up being its downfall.
Yeah phosphate would be great!
Same for me will not buy it because of this the trident too because it is the parameter who can change the most quickly and so the most important to track with the kh
Can the reefboot and the Mastertronic be used without having a sump or they are a risk that they y drain the water out of the tank?
Without a sump would be fine, but I would highly recommend having them above the water line to be safest
Little vials means changing reagents like filter socks....kinda makes me appreciate the large reagents the trident uses
yeah for sure - that is a big advantage of the trident. Getting stock of those tridents (in Australia at least) is a challenge though
@@ParkersReef that's a bummer....Bulk reef supply don't ship to yall?
@@Sammy31Dee nope :)
@@Sammy31Dee they do but it’s a hurdle haha
Can the results be seen when you kit stay at home same the Mastertronic ? All the test I saw about this product said the test was not accurate in contrary of the Mastertronic that should be
I found it to be accurate, two tests were offset but consistent with the tank water. There is no display in the unit, so you need to view results on your web enabled in device
This device has better design for wiles and the option of different reagents.
Would be perfect if improvements are made to make it more safe and accurate.
I think some of the improvements could be made yourself, I'm certain I could make a stronger syringe holder :)
Sam, when is GHL coming out with their tester? Any ideas?
due here in Australia any week now.....
Wouldnt that come down to the accuracy of test kit it’s self.
It’s actually more accurate than using the test kit manually. The sensor is better at identifying the colours against a standard than our eye
WAIT FOR THE GHL lol everything I've seen from GHL so far is pretty fantastic.
Until you find out the price per test, and how often. You need to change the testing cell
@@boomcar911 What is the price per test and how often do you need to change the testing cell? Asking because I already pre-ordered 😁
I am waiting for the GHL, but it is taking a long time! Plus it is starting behind the 8 ball with no phosphate measurement.... But I am still keen to try it first before making my mind up
@@ParkersReef yeah it's really too bad that it doesn't measure phosphate... I'm hoping it wins on accuracy though.
@@DillondeVoor for sure - plus it uses hardly any water for all those other tests which is a bonus too
Sam, correct me if I'm wrong: The Mastertronic has 12 vials and the Reefbot only 8. Thus when I count the number of reagents needed, the Mastertronic can make the 5 tests but the Reefbot can only make 3?
Hey Bernard, yes that is correct. 8 vs. 12 reagent bottles. The number of tests you can perform is totally dependent on the reagent choices you make (for both machines)
@@ParkersReef thanks for your answer mate! I'll take the Mastertronic then. With the 12 vials we can do the 5 tests without manual intervention by having to interchange the vials as for the Reefbot if I understand correctly.
Totally understandable, mastertronic is a classy bit of gear that is for sure
General question for you after watching your Mastertronic video then this one... Everyone says that "Reef tanks - and particularly SPS corals - thrive on stability"
My question is - do you have a definition of stability?
For example as someone who's dosing ALK, CA and MG - so far manually - and testing / dosing once per week (First tank, about 9 month old, Softies and LPS only), I'm seeing ALK slowly dropping about 0.5 DKH across the week before I dose to bring back to my target
Do I need to be testing / dosing more regularly than once a week / should I be doing this twice a week or even daily?
Like an impossible question to ask, but thought i'd give it a try - all opinions welcome !
Weekly is more than fine when things are going right, more often than that will catch a potential problem sooner :)
@@ParkersReef So if I'm "losing" 0.5 Dkh over the course of a week before dosing to bring this back is that ok, or does that not meet the definition of "stable"?
Sorry - not trying to take your time - would just really value your opinion :)
Yes, I would say that is not stable. It is stable enough, but more stable would see more thriving coral
@@ParkersReef Thanks so much for the feedback - really appreciate your time... Off to the LFS / WorldWideInterTubeWeb we go for a dosing pump to try to keep things in check through the week!
I’d highly recommend a little doser to spread the addition out over the day. You’ll find the closer you keep the value to your set point, the more it will consume too ;)
Wait for the GHL Parker so that you can give us a good detailed review. LOL, I can't afford any of them.
hahaha yeah I hear you mate. I am lucky, I have been able to score a loan of each so far, see if my luck continues :)
For me, the flexibility is important. I know one of the parameters which I really need to investigate in my tank is Iodine. Something like GHL does not have the capability as far as I know. How noisy is the reefbot?
This model makes some noise, nothing outrageous but you know when it is testing.
Flexibility of switching in other parameters (or adding new ones) is a huge benefit of the reefbot and the mastertronic
You can't even get a decent manual test for iodine. I wouldn't expect to see one of these auto testers include iodine for a long time. Maybe some will get a programming update to use salifert's test but I've heard you can't trust anything but a an ICP test when dosing iodine.
@@iant419 Way I look at manual testing for iodine (and testing in general) isn't for precision but stability. Not looking at chasing a specific number. Using the same test consistently you should be able to see any trends and adjust accordingly.
@@freakygoblin3068 Yeah, I get that but iodine overdose can wipe a tank. It's one of the most dangerous things to dose or so I've heard. And I've heard the Iodine tests are one of the least accurate and reliable tests they make. R2R users said they threw the salifert ones away after trying to verify results with ICP. They say it can build up slowly and overdose 6 months later if your slightly dosing too much. IDK though this hobby has an endless supply of contradicting advice.
Is the device make noise? Next time whenever you do review..can you pls record actual sound too? Will it make as printer like noise?
It’s makes a decent amount of noise, not quite as bad as an old ribbon printer
@@ParkersReef 😁😁...got it...thanks..👍
Looking at the electronics, I wonder if this has passed emission standards tests?
electronics emissions? Seems all fairly standard to me?
@@ParkersReef lol, what do you mean by 'fairly standard' - the 'banggood style' motor controllers (the red daughter boards) ? Does it come with the relative certificates (FCC, CE, RCM) or not - for the entire system that is? This is what I asked. If sold in local stores it should have documents complying with RCM, in USA with FCC and EU with CE, as some of the standards. My main interests is in the radiated emissions ;)
Sounds you like you would know more than me. I cannot say as I don’t know. I just know it looks like the same style of electronics on all other reefing equipment.
Another informative video. Thank you.
@@miroslavradev756 Thanks for sharing things one should consider.
Will you test the v2?
If I can get my hands on one I’d be happy to
That being said, this was basically a version 1.5 😅
I heard this machine has lots of problems….Only uses 50% reagent, the needle bends while moving to different valves and there’s some connectivity issues along with customer service. The company is based in Lebanon so I don’t think they invested into advertising and obtain customer service teams world wide to cater to all customers in all different time zones
yes there are lots of horror stories out there - although I gotta say, you get that from all brands and products... There is also a band of people (who are less vocal) really enjoying their reefbot.
@@ParkersReef yes I was considering getting one but I have see more reviews and research but this was a great video 😎
i think you have to wait for the GHL you will not have to deal with alot of test kits some are okay and some not on point at all only 2 refrance bottles and you are done i us the kh director and it is solid as a rock used it for 6 month 4 as tester only and 2 controling my alk ..
The ion will not test phosphate
@@tomg5405 i know every tank is not the same and every reefer needs are not the same 🤷♂️
Phosphate would be great, no doubt about it!
@@ParkersReef am with you 100% but say i dont trust API and redsea is the most acuret or aquaforest and and some test need powder and to refel the vaile i need to have 2 test kits or 2 refels from aquaforest so i test by heand and ca and mag and K is important for over a year old tank for coloring ... what am trying to say if its not that of an old of a tank you will need to test for alot of stuff but if your tank is mature and staple now you look for groth and color
I just got the kHD and it was a horrible experience - I will leave it at that - still can't trust the results.- posted on the support forum 35 hours ago... crickets. I'm probably going to get a refund and go with the ReefFactory. There are a couple in the works / new - Xepta has issues.
I was told to go for ReefFactory but GHL was same price for me and I thought better quality. The issues like 10hour testing setup - then another 6 to connect wifi (and remotely) I can suffer - but I just cant trust the results. Everyone I have heard who uses the Alkatronic loves it - so there's that
sorry to hear Sunny! I have to say though, I have heard horror stories from every automated tester out there. KHG's (which I love), alkatronic (been a few get real angry about them), Reefbots (some serious issues with a few there!) and now KHD from GHL. Seems even the best can make a bad product from time to time.
Hope you get it sorted soon!
I really don't see the purpose of these, same with the mastertronic. They are as accurate as an off the shelf test kit and you are basically paying for a machine to do the test 🤷🏻♂️ Get your hands on an ION director and give that a test 🤓
If I can get my hands on an ION probe, I will certainly be testing it!
good point but it doesn't test KH, you need the kh director also. Reefbot can do pretty much any test.
@@richardportelli1983 my point is that it's only as accurate as a home test kit. For the money I'd rather do the test myself and get the same result as the robot that's doing it for me. You still have to but the test kits 🤷🏻♂️
@@ParkersReef it's a fantastic piece of kit. I was one of the lucky few that got to beta test 😁 hopefully you get your hands on one soon enough. They start rolling them out at the end of the month
@@NanoTankReefer yeah but I think the point is most people hate doing tests, I would rather have it automated myself.
had one, hated it never again
Certainly has been a lot of bad experiences out there!!!
@@ParkersReef Sorry Sam, did not mean to bomb your video. I came back to remove my comment. Seems inappropriate for me to leave it.
It's a fair comment if you provide constructive information such as why you hated it.
No need to remove anything man, I’m not affiliated with them at all - all feedback is welcome!
@@freakygoblin3068 rubbish app decides to work as and when. Support was a complete joke. Test accuracy was way off to any other test kits. My list goes on and on. They are £900 here in the U.K. and I honestly wouldn’t pay £50 for one.
Shorts and t shirt ,your heater must be to high or old video ,it's bloody freezing
hahaha you know what it is like, the mrs likes it warm :P
That thing got a super bad review
And here I quite like it 🤷🏻♂️