Just installed my ReefBot Lab this week. Received unit in January, but just now cycling tank (plumbing took way longer then I anticipated!).
Only testing API Ammonia and Red Sea Nitrite Pro so far.
A couple of things I have noticed so far…
1. Bubble in the large syringe looks to under shoot sample volume of SW for most tests.
- Not sure why they don’t simply over pull the sample by 1-2 mL, dispense accurate volume in test chamber purely base on displacement - any air would be at top, then discard remaining in RO as waste SW. Seems like that would be more accurate…. and relatively easy to implement.
2. I need a “SW Prime” routine to ensure all SW in line have fully been purged and no air worked its way in there. (I had to add 3’ of TBG to reach my sump). If I had a “SW Prime”, then I could schedule that just prior to a set of scheduled tests. Perhaps this is already in the app somewhere as it would be very simple to program???
3. Why does the Test chamber need 10 mL calibration. In my unit there is still plenty of space in the chamber. All test volumes should be dispensed/measured with the syringe. So as long as it does not overflow, we should be good, correct? Could I just trick the calibration to allow more SW in test chamber? - this would allow each test to clear a bit more SW prior to test.
4. I see on the website several improvements.
How am I supposed to know what has been improved since my very recent purchase? Ordered in October 2023, received delivery February 2024. Hard to stomach that there are enhancements not included in my very recent purchase.
What’s new in Batch #6?
- Enhanced Stirring Mechanism: This will guarantee proper vials’ stirring, especially viscous Nitrate & Phosphate tests.
- Improved Color Sensor: Enhanced accuracy and precision with the upgraded color sensor technology.
- LED Switch: Turn lights on/off with a click of a button
5. Seems like they should include some maintenance routines.
- SW Prime - as discussed above
- Reagent stir - could go around the horn and simple stir all the reagents every night or even every X hours.
I sure hope I do not get to the same point as
@BeanAnimal !!! I love supporting new technology and this one seems like it should be able to be performed to the same quality as manual testing. I really hope ReefKinetics will work with us to make this Bot work well!!!