Built a reef tracker I've used for 2 years - 5 min setup, no experience needed

[OliverH]

I have an app I use that works fine but figured I would check this out. It looks nice but I track multiple tanks so it won't work for me.

Totally understand! I kept this version intentionally simple to be beginner-friendly, but that means it's not ideal for more complex setups.

If you've already got a system that works for you, stick with it—consistency is way more important than the tool you use. The best tracker is the one you'll actually keep using.

I'm working on a more advanced version with multi-tank support and additional features, but no rush. Thanks for checking it out!

 

[Runningfanatic]

Hi. I've tried to download this, but it's not giving me any options to do so. I tried closing the tab in the browser and opening it again. I had no luck with that. Any other suggestions? I have Windows 11 and am using Chrome. I've attached a screenshot of what I get.

 

[petcellar]

Looks interesting!

I made an account with Notion and added the template no problem.

I've never used Notion before so we will see how this goes....

But looks like it should be straightforward.

 

[OliverH]

Hi. I've tried to download this, but it's not giving me any options to do so. I tried closing the tab in the browser and opening it again. I had no luck with that. Any other suggestions? I have Windows 11 and am using Chrome. I've attached a screenshot of what I get.

Hey!

No worries,

So here's what should happen: when you open that template link, there should be an "Add" or "Duplicate" button at the top of the page. But from your screenshot, it looks like you're not seeing that button - which is probably why you're stuck!

This usually happens when you're not logged into Notion in your browser. Here's how to fix it:

1. Make sure you're signed into your Notion account in Chrome (not just the app)
2. Refresh the page or open the template link again
3. You should now see an "Add" or "Duplicate" button at the top-right
4. Click it, choose where you want the template in your workspace, and you're done!

Still not seeing the button? Try these:

- Open Notion.so in Chrome first, log in there, THEN open the template link
- Clear your Chrome cache (Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data)
- Try opening the link in an incognito window and logging in fresh

The key thing is: Notion templates don't download as files - they copy directly into your workspace. But you need to be logged in for that "Add/Duplicate" button to show up.

Give that a shot and let me know if it works! Once you're logged in properly, it should be super straightforward.

 

[OliverH]

Looks interesting!

I made an account with Notion and added the template no problem.

I've never used Notion before so we will see how this goes....

But looks like it should be straightforward.

Nice! Glad that worked out.

Notion's pretty flexible once you get into it. The template should help you get a feel for how things work.

 

[Submerge]

Very nice. I’m glad I’m not the only one going thru this. I’ll for sure check yours out this weekend.

I just built my own because I agree notion is perfect for our needs. Its capabilities go beyond what we need and leaves us room to grow.

Currently I’m working on a script to pull the data from Robo-Tank directly that it tracks like ph temp (soon salinity) but the others I plug in from my Hanna testers.

My only concern is the free version has a limit to the space you get for photos and video and I’m planning on lots of update pics and video so I can visually track growth. I’m probably going to need to upgrade or host the images elsewhere within a few months.

This soooo beats the paper I have been using. Turns data into useable actionable info. When you see the big picture presented graphically it just makes sense, at least to my feeble mind.

I’m currently switching from AFR to 3 part balling and notion is guiding me on the best dosing strategy. I’m just starting this tank out and adding coral and adjusting lighting and other parameters weekly. This just keeps a handle on maintaining balance.

As you take notes in a daily journal format (I’m doing this mostly via microphone vs keyboard) you can create action items, questions fit follow up, shopping lists, whatever and the use ai to parse your notes to keep you on track and not forget things. You can also quickly see what you changed chronologically to try to identify what might have gone wrong if you run into problems.

The only reason not to look at doing this is fear of the unknown / learning curve. The upsides are pretty immense.

 

[OliverH]

Very nice. I’m glad I’m not the only one going thru this. I’ll for sure check yours out this weekend.

I just built my own because I agree notion is perfect for our needs. Its capabilities go beyond what we need and leaves us room to grow.

Currently I’m working on a script to pull the data from Robo-Tank directly that it tracks like ph temp (soon salinity) but the others I plug in from my Hanna testers.

My only concern is the free version has a limit to the space you get for photos and video and I’m planning on lots of update pics and video so I can visually track growth. I’m probably going to need to upgrade or host the images elsewhere within a few months.

This soooo beats the paper I have been using. Turns data into useable actionable info. When you see the big picture presented graphically it just makes sense, at least to my feeble mind.

I’m currently switching from AFR to 3 part balling and notion is guiding me on the best dosing strategy. I’m just starting this tank out and adding coral and adjusting lighting and other parameters weekly. This just keeps a handle on maintaining balance.

As you take notes in a daily journal format (I’m doing this mostly via microphone vs keyboard) you can create action items, questions fit follow up, shopping lists, whatever and the use ai to parse your notes to keep you on track and not forget things. You can also quickly see what you changed chronologically to try to identify what might have gone wrong if you run into problems.

The only reason not to look at doing this is fear of the unknown / learning curve. The upsides are pretty immense.

This is awesome! Love hearing from someone who truly gets it - Notion really is perfect for our needs.

Thanks for bringing up the storage issue - I completely missed that because I've been using an education account (unlimited storage), so it wasn't on my radar. That's a real concern for serious photo/video tracking. A few workarounds that might help:

1. Notion Plus ($10/mo) removes the limit - probably worth it for heavy visual tracking
2. Image compression before upload (TinyPNG works great)
3. External hosting (Google Photos) + embed links
4. Hybrid approach: Key milestones in Notion, archive the rest elsewhere

Your AFR → 3-part journey is exactly the kind of use case this is built for. Being able to see data trends alongside chronological notes makes dialing things in so much easier.

I'm actually working on a Pro version with automation features - things like equipment maintenance tracking, visual trend charts, smart reminders, and AI-assisted analysis. Trying to add power-user tools while keeping the basic version simple and accessible for everyone.

Sounds like you've built something that really works for your needs. That's the beauty of Notion - you can keep it simple or grow it as complex as you want.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Happy reefing!