Reefbot...good or bad..issues?

[coralcruze]

After using the reefbot for about a week. I am impressed. It does what it says and does it consistently. I didn't run into any issues with the Bot. I even switched out vials to do other secondary tests like Mg which i plan on having reefbot so once a month or so. Mg is one of those elements that really doesnt move and is unnecessary to test more than once every two weeks IMHO. Reef kenetics says they will be releasing copper test soon as well... I would like to see potassium, strontium and iron. I think they will release once available... Only think I would say is I would like to see reefbot be able to communicate directly with reef computers like the apex for better controlability. The app is intuitive and interface is great. here i would like to see a way to switch tube positions for differant kits and tests easily. I would think this could come in a later app update. Overall super easy to run tests automatically and knowledge is power and if you can save money but testing what you want when you want is key.

 

[ca1ore]

Bump for some more recent, and longer duration, impressions of Reefbot. I'm still contemplating one as a complement to trident (until the 'inevitable' trident II ) but credible reviews seem few and far between. With the failure of mindstream, skepticism seems the prudent course with all of these things.

 

[mikedb]

Bump for some more recent, and longer duration, impressions of Reefbot. I'm still contemplating one as a complement to trident (until the 'inevitable' trident II ) but credible reviews seem few and far between. With the failure of mindstream, skepticism seems the prudent course with all of these things.

I'm not sure if this is what you had in mind, but I am still regularly using mine with pretty good results. I wrote a bit of a 3-month update here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/w...for-me-trident-vs-reefbot.642742/post-6806769

In sum, the unit has been working well, but definitely hasn't been 'hands off'. Reef Kinetics has been updating firmware and backend servers to improve service, but it isn't perfect yet. Customer support is great, but I wish I didn't have to contact them quite as often.

At present, it is still the best and only option for automated NO3 and PO4 testing, and overall I am very happy with my unit.

 

[ca1ore]

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for.

 

[coralcruze]

reefbot is not perfect as they have some room for improving thier app a bit as some things on the app are a bit ambiguous. and I agree with the above poster that I have had to contact them a few times.

having said that however... Reefbot has been amazing tool and does what its advertised to do. and it will test using home kits consistantly each and every time. it does so much more acurately than any of us can do so.

They just updated thier server because of the influx of people who purchased the reefbot recently. Its nice to see that they are improving things and doing so quickly.

with the recent mindspring failures.. Neptune systems endless years release delays due to problems and keeping you in the dark philosophy as well as the cost per test and forceful minimum tests oer day...there just isnt a better option out there than reefbot.

Reefbot is the best option out there for home automated testing hands down IMHO. I cant wait until they come out with the doser to make automated corrections. I am onboard...

 

[ca1ore]

I check here periodically. Thread seems borderline moribund .... where’s the influx of people LOL?

 

[mikedb]

I don't get why more people aren't commenting and providing feedback. There is a very active owners group on facebook, FWIW.

On my end, I did have some issues with tests repeatedly failing during the Christmas holiday- support instructed me to make a slight adjustment to the stepper motor driver behind the back panel of the unit, in addition to moving the 'home' switch slightly. Since then, the unit has been rock solid. I am doing 4 alk tests a day right now as I switch dosing methods, and the ReefBot has been invaluable.

Someday they will add auto-ranging for the vertical axis of the charts...

 

[coralcruze]

I check here periodically. Thread seems borderline moribund .... where’s the influx of people LOL?

what are you looking for? there are a few including myself who have replied to you and gave you reviews on the reefbot... haven't you purchased one to compliment your Trident yet?

If there is a specific question you have on the reefbot lmk and I can answer for you.

However as was said to you B4. reefbot is more versatile than any other testing device out there. does testing consistently...without any wasted minimal testing like trident as I am sure you are aware. most regents can be had for $10-15 so testing is pennies as opposed to trident where you pay $45 and tests are wasted.

My suggestion is just switch over to reefbot and you will soon be selling the trident off.

does that help?

 

[YankeeTankee]

what are you looking for? there are a few including myself who have replied to you and gave you reviews on the reefbot... haven't you purchased one to compliment your Trident yet?

If there is a specific question you have on the reefbot lmk and I can answer for you.

However as was said to you B4. reefbot is more versatile than any other testing device out there. does testing consistently...without any wasted minimal testing like trident as I am sure you are aware. most regents can be had for $10-15 so testing is pennies as opposed to trident where you pay $45 and tests are wasted.

My suggestion is just switch over to reefbot and you will soon be selling the trident off.

does that help?

Thanks for the info coral, I recall reading there was some issue with the needle bending for some users. Do you know if this has been fixed in the manufacturing process and new units dont have the issue, or other mechanical issues?

If anyone else wants to chime in on their reefbot experience, we'd love to hear!

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

One thing sticks out for me that no one has mentioned. Since the vials are 20 ml and it can only use 10 ml, how are you keeping track of when reagents would expire? It sounds like you are continously mixing newer reagents with older ones. Other then that, it sounds like a great product all around.

 

[coralcruze]

Thanks for the info coral, I recall reading there was some issue with the needle bending for some users. Do you know if this has been fixed in the manufacturing process and new units dont have the issue, or other mechanical issues?

If anyone else wants to chime in on their reefbot experience, we'd love to hear!

Having the reefbot for a while now. this has to be user error. The needles are long. if you dont follow directions and install the needle on the syringe properly seems to me like the only way to have it bend. unless you inadvertantly put a bent needle on. the needle does flex but something really not right with the install of the needle actually bends.

One thing sticks out for me that no one has mentioned. Since the vials are 20 ml and it can only use 10 ml, how are you keeping track of when reagents would expire? It sounds like you are continously mixing newer reagents with older ones. Other then that, it sounds like a great product all around.

the app tracks the level used in the vial and sends you an email when to refil the vial. no mixing you just top off.

 

[Vinman]

tagging along...

Me too

 

[Dilan Patel]

Ive had mine since summer of 2018. I cannot say enough good things about it. I had a few minor errors which were quickly resolved. I test NO3,po4 alk and calc 2 times a week and it works how it is advertised. If you would like an even more in depth review I can write one later just DM me

 

[Dave33]

I purchased my Reefbot about a month ago and I really like it. I've compared several of the test kits with my Trident, Hanna Checkers & iDip testor and I find it's pretty well aligned & great to have the automated testing. The only kit brand I find to be regularly off is the API. All in all, a great investment but I've started having a major problem... My Reefbot has started bending needles. I've replaced the needles numerous times and it will typically perform a few tests (sometimes several & sometimes only one) and then bend the needle (see picture - the bend is always the same). I'm sure it's got to be an adjustment. I've heard the Reef Kinetics support is real good but I'm not able to open a ticket, for some reason and I've emailed their support several times with no response. Any suggestions or thoughts on what to do? Thanks!

 

[Dilan Patel]

I purchased my Reefbot about a month ago and I really like it. I've compared several of the test kits with my Trident, Hanna Checkers & iDip testor and I find it's pretty well aligned & great to have the automated testing. The only kit brand I find to be regularly off is the API. All in all, a great investment but I've started having a major problem... My Reefbot has started bending needles. I've replaced the needles numerous times and it will typically perform a few tests (sometimes several & sometimes only one) and then bend the needle (see picture - the bend is always the same). I'm sure it's got to be an adjustment. I've heard the Reef Kinetics support is real good but I'm not able to open a ticket, for some reason and I've emailed their support several times with no response. Any suggestions or thoughts on what to do? Thanks!

Look at the vial holder. I find that some of my vials move after testing and the needle will hit it(vial is a tad loose in the holding) thus bending the needle.

 

[Dave33]

Look at the vial holder. I find that some of my vials move after testing and the needle will hit it(vial is a tad loose in the holding) thus bending the needle.

Thanks, Dilan! I did find one vial that was slightly forward in the holder. Had to re-seat by feel because it wasn't visually obvious. Hopefully that was it. Dave

 

[GregOyeah]

is there a limit to how far the reefbot can be mounted away from your tank? or are you limited to being like 3' away like with the Alkatronic or other water sampling testers?

 

[robbyg]

I considered a reefbot but the posts on here coupled with the way it operated made me very hesitant.
I wish the owner good luck as this has the potential to be a very useful product if he can work out the issues. I recently came across this great video which reviews the reefbot.