Automated testing systems - pros and cons

FishyLips · Jan 20, 2023

Hello everyone,
I am new to the hobby, RedSea 625XL, about 6 months old. I like automation and considering the purchase of an automated testing system. The Neptune products seem to be popular, but are there others? 1) They are understandably efficient, but what about accuracy? 2) Are they worth it? 3) Does anybody run both RedSea Dosing, but use a separate automated water testing system?

Appreciate your thoughts.

My tank: Everything is thriving; fish and mixed coral. I have RS Foundation dosing daily (Ca, Mg, Alk) and do manual testing weekly, with some Hanna testers and some others. I test specific gravity with a high-precision hydrometer. Water changes regularly, but I have not had to deal with any crazy issues yet. I have phosphate reactor, skimmer, ReefMat, refugium with mud and an algae.

shakacuz · Jan 20, 2023

pros: can be a little more hands off due to it testing for you.
cons: cost, and still have to calibrate regularly for optimal performance. ultimately you’ll have to cross check with another tester to see if it’s being consistent

Reef Kinetics · Jun 7, 2023

FishyLips said:
Hello everyone,
I am new to the hobby, RedSea 625XL, about 6 months old. I like automation and considering the purchase of an automated testing system. The Neptune products seem to be popular, but are there others? 1) They are understandably efficient, but what about accuracy? 2) Are they worth it? 3) Does anybody run both RedSea Dosing, but use a separate automated water testing system?

Appreciate your thoughts.

My tank: Everything is thriving; fish and mixed coral. I have RS Foundation dosing daily (Ca, Mg, Alk) and do manual testing weekly, with some Hanna testers and some others. I test specific gravity with a high-precision hydrometer. Water changes regularly, but I have not had to deal with any crazy issues yet. I have phosphate reactor, skimmer, ReefMat, refugium with mud and an algae.

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