Reef Kinetics Lab Discussion

DatsoonDave

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 17, 2021
Messages
67
Reaction score
35
Location
hb, ca
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Honestly, I got mine about a month ago and I can see myself getting to this point. 1 in 3 Alk tests actually is readable, and when it does I don't know if I can trust the number. Really cool idea, and I think the team is working hard at it, but it needs another round of polishing.
I got a 15.7 dkh result today, with salifert solutions . Manually tested after, and it was 8.
Api tests don't even read apparently
Pretty new to it, but yeah, what's the point if you have to manually
test after every test
 

Boogieman

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
62
Reaction score
16
Location
canada
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Maybe @Reef Kinetics needs to come to this thread and try to provide some answers ..
I see them on another thread where it's all good news, and they are quite active.

I am looking to purchase a couple of auto testers, but if these problems are happening to the point, people are taking them off line cause they are not accurate or repeatable.
And are not getting answers or some resolution from @Reef Kinetics to their issues. It does not seem like it's worth the headache.
 

DatsoonDave

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 17, 2021
Messages
67
Reaction score
35
Location
hb, ca
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Maybe @Reef Kinetics needs to come to this thread and try to provide some answers ..
I see them on another thread where it's all good news, and they are quite active.

I am looking to purchase a couple of auto testers, but if these problems are happening to the point, people are taking them off line cause they are not accurate or repeatable.
And are not getting answers or some resolution from @Reef Kinetics to their issues. It does not seem like it's worth the headache.
I ordered some ABC reagents to try. I still haven't read enough about adjustments, etc.
 

MyFirstCar

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 14, 2022
Messages
168
Reaction score
131
Location
Toronto
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Maybe @Reef Kinetics needs to come to this thread and try to provide some answers ..
I see them on another thread where it's all good news, and they are quite active.

I am looking to purchase a couple of auto testers, but if these problems are happening to the point, people are taking them off line cause they are not accurate or repeatable.
And are not getting answers or some resolution from @Reef Kinetics to their issues. It does not seem like it's worth the headache.
I mean, there's a lot of valid criticism against the reefbot, and if you look at the BeanAnimal thread their support really lacks, but from what I see the Mastertronic is just as bad if not worse. Maybe we're just not really ready for autotesters.
 

DatsoonDave

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 17, 2021
Messages
67
Reaction score
35
Location
hb, ca
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I mean, there's a lot of valid criticism against the reefbot, and if you look at the BeanAnimal thread their support really lacks, but from what I see the Mastertronic is just as bad if not worse. Maybe we're just not really ready for autotesters.
That's what I'm thinking.
I have my kits dialed in manually, so I think. Now I'm buying more reagents and questioning results
 

Reef Kinetics

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
455
Reaction score
356
Location
Beirut, Lebanon
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Man, I just set up my Bot, and I can't even get the WiFi to work, let alone run a test to see if mine is accurate. I submitted a ticket. Says it's connected but I have flashing blue lights still.
Hello! I apologize for not noticing this thread earlier. If you encounter this problem, please make sure to connect the device within the first 10 minutes after initiation. Also, please ensure that your wifi's password only contains letters and numbers, without any special characters.
If the device's light continues to blink blue, you can try to fix it by going to the app, pressing the top left button, and clicking on Device "RK...". From there, you can go to settings and click on the edit wifi button to connect the device. If this doesn't work, please let me know so I can escalate the issue to the team.

Regards,
 

Reef Kinetics

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
455
Reaction score
356
Location
Beirut, Lebanon
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Honestly, I got mine about a month ago and I can see myself getting to this point. 1 in 3 Alk tests actually is readable, and when it does I don't know if I can trust the number. Really cool idea, and I think the team is working hard at it, but it needs another round of polishing.
Hello, I'm sorry to hear that. I have forwarded your ticket to the support team. They should have contacted you by now to assist you with this matter.

Regards,
 

Reef Kinetics

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
455
Reaction score
356
Location
Beirut, Lebanon
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I got a 15.7 dkh result today, with salifert solutions . Manually tested after, and it was 8.
Api tests don't even read apparently
Pretty new to it, but yeah, what's the point if you have to manually
test after every test
Hi Dave! The maximum value that Salifert alkalinity reads is 15.7 dkh. When you get this result(and is wrong), this usually happens when the titrant/indicator is insufficient, as the endpoint color will never be reached. Our team would like to send you some pointers via email to help you with some recommendations regarding the tests you are using. Can you please provide us with your email address?

Have a great day!
 

Reef Kinetics

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
455
Reaction score
356
Location
Beirut, Lebanon
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I ordered some ABC reagents to try. I still haven't read enough about adjustments, etc.
Please be advised that the ABC reagents are currently in the Beta phase, as indicated on the app. Due to this, we do not recommend using them at this time as they may not provide accurate results. If you would like, I can send you some test kits that we recommend for use with the device in your location. Let me know if you would like me to do so.
 

DatsoonDave

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 17, 2021
Messages
67
Reaction score
35
Location
hb, ca
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi Dave! The maximum value that Salifert alkalinity reads is 15.7 dkh. When you get this result(and is wrong), this usually happens when the titrant/indicator is insufficient, as the endpoint color will never be reached. Our team would like to send you some pointers via email to help you with some recommendations regarding the tests you are using. Can you please provide us with your email address?

Have a great day!
Ok cool

Absolutely.
 

niccumec

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 3, 2023
Messages
63
Reaction score
20
Location
Austin, TX
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
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.
IMG_4578.jpeg


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!!!
 

BeanAnimal

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 16, 2009
Messages
3,230
Reaction score
4,883
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
My experience was just not good. Nice idea, nice enough people but more "feel good" than "good".

Cheery responses and positive responses don't fix technical issues, design flaws or software shortcomings.

1. The system is 100% fully cloud dependent. This device can't function without constant communication to their cloud.

2. No transparency in firmware updates or software updates. No transparency regarding "tweaks" to individual system results (I still think they do this for each person who complains).

3. No end user calibration in context to scaling results to match a standard. So if you know for a fact that the reefbot reads x.x low on a test, you just have to live with it.

4. Too many variable to overcome with reagent QC even if the ReefBot itself was flawless

5. My results were believable sometimes and then something would change and they would be all over the map, same reagent, same tank, just something changed. Again I suspect that tweak things daily, as all test sequences and interpretation are done via the cloud service. The "reefbot" is just that, the robot being controlled from afar.

There is a lot more - but I just gave up. I am not spending more money on an upgrade to get the hardware to the latest revision either.
 

Reef Kinetics

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
455
Reaction score
356
Location
Beirut, Lebanon
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
1. Bubble in the large syringe looks to under shoot sample volume of SW for most tests.
Hello Eric, this slight change is due to the water inside the needle, this is normal.
I need a “SW Prime” routine to ensure all SW in line have fully been purged and no air worked its way in there.
When you calibrate your test chamber, the pumps will learn your tube lengths. The device pulls water once initiating every test to ensure that new water is being tested. If needed, you can prime the tube by selecting it in the "Device Hardware Test" option on the tests setup page. However, priming will not be necessary in your case.
Why does the Test chamber need 10 mL calibration
This formula enables the pumps to learn the tube lengths to dispense the old and residue water inside the tubes before testing new water.
How am I supposed to know what has been improved since my very recent purchase?
It's important to note that enhancements made to newer devices are not indications of any faults with the previous versions. Older devices function perfectly fine. The only difference between earlier batches and newer ones is the inclusion of an upgraded photometer and stirrer motor. Upgrades are routine and implemented regularly every few batches.
SW Prime - as discussed above
This exists, but we do not believe it is essential, especially since the device does this automatically and ensures pumping only new water during each test.
Reagent stir
We have added optional stirring tests that can be scheduled by users for reagents that tend to go stale when left untouched for a few days. However, this feature is not implemented automatically for all reagents since some reagents should never be mixed, and to avoid any conflicts with users' scheduled tests. This feature was implemented in the past few years to stir reagents automatically when no tests are running. However, there were some complaints, as some units were running at night, so these tests should remain optional. You can find them on the tests setup page as well.
I really hope ReefKinetics will work with us to make this Bot work well!!!
We will ensure the best experience possible, our agents are ready to help and assist you with any question or issue you might be facing.

Have a great day!
 

Reef Kinetics

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
455
Reaction score
356
Location
Beirut, Lebanon
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
(I still think they do this for each person who complains).
Hello Bill! I hope you're doing well. We wanted to remind you that we are available to assist you in setting up your device and helping you change your initial opinions.
Regarding this fact, we want to assure that all devices are connected through the same cloud, so if any test sequence is edited or changed, it will be changed on all devices. The team can only change the alignment and leveling of the syringes and pumps individually, which is used solely for some issues if some devices lose calibration over time, or different syrignes were used. I can assure you that we cannot perform any individual test tweaks.
No end user calibration in context to scaling results to match a standard
Although currently unavailable due to the fact that the ReefBot is as accurate as the test kit used, the team is planning to introduce such a feature on the mobile app. This feature is aimed at providing the users the ability to increment their values when they believe that the test kit accuracy does not meet their expectations.

We invite you to accept our invitation soon, as we are confident that the unit will meet your expectations and change your initial view.

Have a great day!
 

When to mix up fish meal: When was the last time you tried a different brand of food for your reef?

  • I regularly change the food that I feed to the tank.

    Votes: 14 34.1%
  • I occasionally change the food that I feed to the tank.

    Votes: 16 39.0%
  • I rarely change the food that I feed to the tank.

    Votes: 8 19.5%
  • I never change the food that I feed to the tank.

    Votes: 2 4.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 1 2.4%
Back
Top