ReefBay Parameter Tracker
What is the best way to track reef tank water parameters?
Log every test in a parameter tracker and watch the trend rather than single readings. ReefBay is a free app for this: record alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, salinity, pH, temperature, ammonia and nitrite, see each one on a chart against your own target ranges, and get flagged when a reading drifts out of range.
You can also snap a photo of your test results or a spreadsheet and ReefBay reads the values in for you, so moving years of old results into the app takes minutes. Your data is yours: export every tank to CSV at any time.
Free in the ReefBay app.
How it works
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1
Add your tank
Create a tank in the ReefBay app and choose which parameters you test.
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2
Log a test
Enter results by hand, or scan a photo of your test results or spreadsheet to import them.
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3
Set target ranges
Set the ranges you aim for; charts show target lines and flag readings outside them.
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4
Watch the trend
Check the charts weekly. Slow drift in alkalinity or nutrients is easier to fix than a crash.
What you get
- Alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, salinity, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite
- Charts per parameter with your target range lines
- Import results from a photo of a test card, notebook or spreadsheet
- Suggestions when a parameter is out of range
- Multiple tanks, each with its own history
- CSV export of all your tanks and a home screen widget
Frequently asked questions
What are ideal reef tank parameters?
Common reef targets: alkalinity 7 to 11 dKH, calcium 400 to 450 ppm, magnesium 1250 to 1400 ppm, nitrate 2 to 15 ppm, phosphate 0.03 to 0.1 ppm, salinity 1.025 to 1.026 specific gravity (about 35 ppt), temperature 76 to 80°F and pH 7.8 to 8.4. Stability matters more than hitting an exact number.
How often should I test my reef tank water?
Test alkalinity two or three times a week while you are dialing in dosing, and weekly once it is stable. Test nitrate, phosphate and salinity weekly, and calcium and magnesium every one to two weeks.
Can I import my old test results?
Yes. Take a photo of your notebook, test cards or a spreadsheet with dates and values, and ReefBay extracts the readings for you to review before saving.
Can I track parameters on the web?
Yes. Log in at reefbay.com/track-parameters. The app is faster for daily logging and adds charts, reminders and the widget.
Is the ReefBay parameter tracker free?
Yes. Logging, charts, target ranges, photo import and CSV export are free. DeepDive, the premium membership, adds AI analysis of your trends.
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Last updated September 30, 2026
