Reef Factory Smart Tester - Setup & Review!

[@cerb131]

I was one of the first people to get the Smart Tester here in Europe when they launched it. Mine has been dead on with what my Hanna ULR checker reads. I have set mine to test once daily and it just does it job. I did however have a leak issue with mine that I talked direct with Reef Factory and they send me spare parts right away. Turns out I had a leaky hose but it was an easy fix. Also their new pumps are pretty much silent so that is also a plus. All in all I like the machine :)

[@ParkersReef]

It’s been super impressive!!

[@zsoltir3012]

how many things does it measure? what does this measure?

[@cerb131]

Mine is set to measure Phosphate, It can only measure one thing per machine, so its po4, no3, ca or mag@@zsoltir3012

[@ParkersReef]

@@zsoltir3012 did you check the video? It is all covered there

[@grantrogers2878]

Although I run all Reef Factory gear on my tank, I decided to buy the Mastertronic recently. Being stuck using one supplier of test kits was to thing that turned me off. Particularly with the supply issues we've had the last few years. Having the GHL kH Director and being unable to get reagents was one of the reasons I got rid of it. You mentioned in your video about being able to space out Magnesium tests, but I believe that you still need to do these daily with the Smarter Tester, as there is no RO water to flush the needle after each test and they need to keep the needle moist so it doesn’t clog. Another great video and I'm sure Reef Factory will sell a few more as a result. Your Mastertronic videos were what convinced me to make the purchase.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah ok, I was hoping the schedule could be updated to allow once a week dosing. If it needs to run every day at a minimum, that will be a real shame

[@grantrogers2878]

@@ParkersReef helps sell more reagents

[@andrewstrutt1703]

Thanks Sam, have just splashed out. Tech den currently have them on special. I have a Mastertronic and am looking to replace its phosphate testing with iron or iodine.

[@ParkersReef]

Nice pickup!!! You'll love it for phosphate testing, it is ridiculously accurate for that parameter

[@antoniofaustino2548]

It looks interesting would be nice to hear your thoughts in a few months time . Got a few beauty's from your dream reef today. Thanks mate!

[@ParkersReef]

Sensational mate, glad to hear!!

[@wallacepretorius7785]

Nice review Sam, you tank looks beter and better every time I see it👌

[@ParkersReef]

You’re too kind, thank you :)

[@shadyrarosreef]

Hey Sam, how often would you recommend to test for phosphate using the smart tester and alk using the KH keeper, and what time of day would be best? Thanks.

[@ParkersReef]

Personally I’d think once a day would be ample, but I’m not sure what the maximum gap you can do yet is

[@shadyrarosreef]

@@ParkersReef Thanks, is there a certain time of day that is best to test for phos and alk?

[@ParkersReef]

@shadyrarosreef anytime is fine, consistent times to compare with is best though

[@scottrousseau8441]

Have they modified the app yet to schedule a test once a week? Or twice a week? Unit still holding up well?

[@ParkersReef]

I actually ran into a problem with my unit, was my fault, I had it below the water line and it actually flooded and damaged the electronics :/ That being said, I don’t believe the schedule situation has changed yet

[@frank874]

Hey Parker, did you use the filter? The manuel said no filter for po4, or is this my mistake?

[@ParkersReef]

That’s a good point, the manual is a little confusing there isn’t it? I did use the filter and my results were spot on

[@Evasusingdaddysaccount]

Glad somebody asked this.

[@ParkersReef]

I’m still running the filter and have tested my phosphates high and low - unit is still spot on 👍🏻

[@Evasusingdaddysaccount]

Without the filter holder, the tube would just flop around. So that is a defo need. I've removed the filter element from inside itself, as I'm worried "albeit only a small amount" but some benficial bacteria will grow on the filter and may affect the intake water parameter for the P04.

[@ParkersReef]

you can secure the hose if need be

[@spizzy7996]

Love your gadget, automation reviews. Cough, DD Kamoer KH Manager review, cough 🙂 Keep up the good work.

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks mate, appreciate it! Yes, I need to get to the Kamoer kh review, I just need to get the unit updated to the current spec so it works as intended :)

[@vincenthendri9465]

Hi Sam, this is out of the topic but i remembered you never QT your fish. I wonder if you have ich in your display? Also, what is your prosedures to prevent diseases from new fish before entering your DT? Thank you Sam🙏

[@ParkersReef]

Hi, yeah that’s correct. I have no doubt there is white spot in my tank, but it never shows. I run a large UV and only chose fish that are not highly susceptible to white spot (no Achilles, powder tangs, etc)

[@tomg5405]

wich pump you have in the aquarium?

[@ParkersReef]

Return pump is Abyzz, flow pumps are MP60, tunze and one Nero 7

[@dxfgful]

Was great to meet you today Sam. I sort of want to KH Keeper to be redone in the same box, if anything purely for my OCD to make it all neat. I also have wondered why all the KH testers are PH probe based. Why no colorimeter like the hanna checkers?

[@ParkersReef]

Was great meeting you too! All KH automation testers are ph based as it is a very accurate way (and affordable reagent) to measure Kh in saltwater. That’s why they came first, now other parameters are becoming affordable and accurate which is super exciting

[@vascojardim6703]

The Trident uses colorimeter based KH testing just like the Hanna checkers. I tend to find the pH ones more accurate, depending on the quality(cost) of the ph probe

[@grzegorzkasprzyk9734]

In fact there are many other ways to measure KH by titration. I try to test my own device similar to KH keeper that do not use pH probe. It is much faster and use less reagent

[@jonathanstephens7804]

Great review 😊

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you!!

[@queencityreefs]

Great review! Expensive for sure though. Thanks for sharing.

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for watching!

[@viking_reefing]

Great and informative video Parker, definitely kept me entertained during breakfast! However, the price point is, in my opinion, way of for what it can do. Should be about 50% lower for vide market appeal. I also don’t like the fact that they tend to use a lot of third party options instead of manufacturing the parts themselves. The dosing pumps are a prime example.

[@ParkersReef]

Fair enough too! I think this will gain popularity over time. Many thought the same about automated alkalinity testers when they first came out and now they’re quite commonplace. Add to the fact it can switch from one focus to another, I think it has a spot

[@viking_reefing]

@@ParkersReef I do run an all monitor but from my perspective these things cost almost as much as one of them from a premium brand and the parameters they test aren’t as prone to fluctuations nor as important as alk. That’s simply why I think they will struggle to funds wide appeal with that price point….and that’s coming from someone who has very little issue with spending money on the tank 😂😜

[@ParkersReef]

Hahaha I feel you! Ultimately, I have no idea if these will be popular or not. I can say I was skeptical when I heard about it, but have been won over since testing it 👌🏻

[@N.M.1887]

It looks and seems to work quite well. But the scheduling is way too restricted and the price is quite hefty. If you buy two units you could buy a Mastertronic for ~1300€ and have all parameters tested. But a comparison would be interesting I know you had one for a while. Great video keep it up thx!

[@ParkersReef]

Many thanks!

[@mohammadalameer8283]

I was literally just looking this up on ebay. Great timing! I am still waiting for the video to go live but I may as well post my question now: I am planning to buy a new tank soon and need a single stand alone tester that is not too expensive and one that could do the majority of the important tests. I am new to testing elements so this maybe too basic of a question but I saw that this tester doesn't test for alkalinity. Will that be too much of an issue that I should consider other automatic water analyzers? or is there perhaps an cheap alternative to solve this issue or perhaps a different automatic water analyzer that you guys would recommend (hopefully they could test for nitrates and phosphates too)? Also, is using a cheap pH tester enough to ensure alkalinity is at that correct levels?

[@ParkersReef]

In the world of marine, there isn’t really such thing as a “cheap” automated tester for parameters. Ph will not give you an indication of Kh either

[@Harolddespui]

Are your lps perfectly fine with 0/0.01 po4?

[@ParkersReef]

My phosphate is around 0.3ppm 😅

[@Harolddespui]

@@ParkersReef Lol, i misheard a decimal.

[@ParkersReef]

I showed the values on screen from each test kit 😅

[@vascojardim6703]

With a Euro pricing of 680 per unit they completely missed the mark I am afraid. Especially taking into account that reagent swapping is a convoluted process. For this to be competitive it should have been max 500 per unit stand alone of 350 per unit for a pack of four. Funilly enough, the only price competitive combo with these testers would be to have the Neptune Trident (assuming you already use Apex) doing Alk, Cal and Mag and than add two Smart testers to test for NO3 and PO4. This combo price would be close to a full Alkatronic+Mastertronic combo.

[@ParkersReef]

I actually am surprised it is cheaper than the alkalinity tester and it has the ability to do four different parameters! It is certainly not the device for every reefer out there, but it will suit a lot really well

[@vascojardim6703]

@@ParkersReef we’ll agree to disagree 😊. At this price point it makes no sense vs the other alternatives in the market such as the Mastertronic. It makes no sense to test just one parameter for a month and than switch to the next staying in the dark on the remaining 3 for that period of time. And having 4 units to avoid reagent swapping is not only 2x more expensive sobe than a MT it also uses 3 more power plugs, 3 more waste containers, sample lines, etc. the only use case for these would be to have two units (one testing NO3 and the other PO4) combined with a Trident. This would be similar in cost to having a Mastertronic and an Alkatronic.

[@ParkersReef]

Fair enough 👍🏻

[@IMGbaugher]

Love the size.

[@ParkersReef]

yeah it's quite a tidy little package!

[@chriswhite4831]

Any idea on expected release here? Cheers.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I think around November or even early December is the plan

[@chriswhite4831]

@ParkersReef cheers mate. Keep up the good work.

[@ParkersReef]

@chriswhite4831 appreciate it!

[@highaltitude1297]

Got mine today. 🎉

[@ParkersReef]

Woo hoo!!

[@TheHelicapt]

When will this be avail in USA ?

[@ParkersReef]

Great question, I think late this year

[@amrelsa2a89]

I hope you can do some reviews on Red Sea products, Thank you

[@ParkersReef]

Which of their products would you like to see covered? I'll do what I can!

[@amrelsa2a89]

@@ParkersReef The smart devices like: doser, reef wave, roller filter. specially they all can be controlled though one app, I would like to know what do you think about it. I love the salt and reef care products but I have no idea about their hardware stuff, thank you :)

[@jules2545]

The problem I had with an automatic tester was the long term viability of the reagents once they were opened to the air. I would notice increasing discrepencies with test results the older the reagent.

[@ParkersReef]

With this tester? It’s only been a few weeks, but I haven’t noticed that yet

[@zachary_smith1]

i asked BRS and reef. They both said reagents are good for 1 year, but guarantee accuracy for at least 6 months if used properly. which is more time than if we only tested once per day, it lasts 160 days. so its not a concern or issue. i just ordered mine for phosphate testing, tired of testing it every day or every other day. so tedious.

[@Njwobrien]

Agreed with the others, i'd only consider this if it tested the 3 main elements, one day added nitrate and phosphate.

[@ParkersReef]

Trident is the solution for you then 👍🏻

[@PunchGaming1007]

Do you still happy with it till now?

[@ParkersReef]

I've just got mine back up and running after a mistake I made which flooded it. It's a great bit of kit for phosphate measurements

[@andrewstrutt1703]

I needed to calibrate mine 5 times before it would test. Once I had a 10ml verification it started working fine 😅

[@ParkersReef]

Glad to hear it’s working well for you now :)

[@jonathanstephens7804]

big job swapping over to other tests you think? guessing i'd need 2 of these and then swap over to calcium and mag for a short period to keep them in check. shame they can't just do one more parameter then you'd only need 2 :)

[@ParkersReef]

You wouldn’t switch reagents just to test a different parameter and then switch back, you’d only switch parameters when you want to move monitoring to that parameter

[@Boowii82]

Only being one test parameter at that price point is a hard pass for me!!

[@ParkersReef]

Fair enough 👍🏻

[@JakeDogg-RIP]

Wooo only 2 more days! 😂🎉🍻👌

[@ParkersReef]

Come around before you know it!

[@JakeDogg-RIP]

@@ParkersReef almost there!! 🍻👌😉😂

[@ParkersReef]

@JakeDogg-RIP plenty to come before and after this one too ;)

[@JakeDogg-RIP]

@@ParkersReef with Juno??? 😁🥰

[@JakeDogg-RIP]

@@ParkersReef my lfs gets some stuff from her, I know for sure they get scolly frags, Im sure other stuff also 🥰

[@MrCav35]

As i run a tank no sump I wouldn't be abke to run one if I wanted to as i dont have anywhere for the bracket to go that sits in the sump

[@ParkersReef]

It could draw water from the display instead

[@MrCav35]

@@ParkersReef I don't want those horrible white brackets on view though

[@ParkersReef]

you can use whatever brackets you like really. They are just what is provided.

[@harekazehsf5455]

Is it actually possible to measure up to 150 times?

[@ParkersReef]

For phosphate, yes

[@reeferexplained8846]

Great 👍 content and review, I just got my up and running today. Am gutted that you can not schedule a day to run a set test that isn't great, reeffactory better do an update otherwise £600 for you selecting a manual test and waiting for a result isn't fair. The calibration is a nightmare to run through, and instructions aren't that good.your video did help but I had to watch a reeffactory set up video in polish,.to calibrate mine.

[@ParkersReef]

Great suggestion! I’m sure the scheduling feature will update soon :)

[@Omsk-Sea]

Спасибо за обзор, хотелось бы узнать как он в работе через несколько месяцев. Очень классный танк у Вас 👍

[@ParkersReef]

Очень признателен, я обязательно сделаю продолжение в ближайшие месяцы, чтобы сообщить о том, как он все еще работает.

[@peterbws]

be interested to hear how it compares to hanna

[@ParkersReef]

compares much more repeatably than hanna in my experience. In the video I compare it to a re-branded hanna from Martini.

[@wyattmarshall8660]

Mine arrives tomorrow

[@ParkersReef]

Exciting times! I think it’s a fantastic little unit

[@Puciferthegreat]

For me the price is a no go. I have a lot of their stuff , reef flare. dosing pumps, level keeper. kh keeper , switch etc and love them all. However needing 3-4 of these runs 2600€ ish, thats not gonna happen. Seeing the prices from competitors etc. It was my fear while waiting for it that they would price it out of contention. And my final gripe and that goes for RF and many others. The 5ghz or dual band chip costs next to nothing compared to the 2,4. The fact that this is something they still feel the need to save on is just sad.

[@ParkersReef]

Even if this costs less than the KH keeper? But I don’t disagree with you, I don’t think the intended purpose is to buy 3 or 4 of them, just the one. Otherwise things get very expensive!

[@Puciferthegreat]

@@ParkersReef the kh keeper does 2 tests . PH and kh so that’s a bonus. It was also expensive but the integration with the pumps and auto dosing to maintain constant kh works a treat , also it’s not off the price compared to the competition . I don’t see swapping around reagents , rinsing and all that every time I want to change test to be particularly practical . I buy kit to make it easier or faster for me . This is easier for one thing , if you want to check multiple it no longer is . Po4 an nitrates often go together, likewise if one wants mg and ca . I like the construction of the tester and how it works , I did get to play around with it a bit .compared to other solutions tho I feel like they price themselves out on this one unless you are really just after the one value . Guess I’ll be looking into the robo carousel thing you featured before . I waited to see the price on this one before deciding

[@Merknilash]

I have the PH Meter and it has calibration issues , but even worse, it has major issues just getting connected and setup You have to bounce between some website - like a router page for the device - and your app I had it setup successfully the first time, but now I've gone through several hours of trying to get it reconnected after reset and it won't work Total nightmare. I really can't recommend it, unfortunately, even when it looks slick.

[@ParkersReef]

I’ve had no issues setting up any of the reef factory gear, actually found the setup process super smooth. Most “smart” devices like this get caught up on band steering on your home network (which is where your router will emit a SSID with the same name for 2.4ghz and 5ghz networks and switch between the two automatically) That causes endless issues with smart home equipment. If you can separate the SSID for each band you will have a much better experience

[@Merknilash]

@@ParkersReef I didn’t have an issue with my first attempt either Unfortunately when doing a factory reset using the magnet , I haven’t been able to get it to work since then

[@ParkersReef]

@Merknilash hopefully the support team can assist

[@Merknilash]

I disabled the banding feature you mentioned and I'll see if that resolves it - not sure how I got everything set up the first time.@@ParkersReef

[@ParkersReef]

@Merknilash it can be a matter of luck if the band doesn’t steer to 5ghz when setting up. But if you force them to be separate, it’s much easier to manage

[@NRKA]

You po4 is so high 😂 but hey if it works 🎉

[@ParkersReef]

Works a treat 👌🏻

[@Taity1972]

Too costly for one test , need to be few hundred pounds /dollars cheaper . Around £400 might be worth it . At current price I rather stick with my hanna for po4 and regular icp tests . But good reef factory moving forward in the hobby .

[@ParkersReef]

Totally fair enough!

[@sunnygoold9449]

love it but their pricing is always too high I feel

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah that’s fair

[@hokemspitter]

Neptune Trident

[@ParkersReef]

What about it?

[@rafaxx1521]

2 days wtf?¿

[@ParkersReef]

Gotta schedule them early, big weekend of videos planned!!

[@Theaquaplex]

No Thanks... That ridiculous if it only does ONE test at a time...why get rid of hand-held testing if it's that complicated and takes that long to load/prime the reagents

[@ParkersReef]

Mainly because it does the test at a time when you cannot. Like at night, or when you’re at work, or on holidays. It’s not for everyone I agree, but I think there are plenty out there who will really enjoy this device

[@ryanmicallef5871]

Lol one parameter at a time - it’s a hard no from me

[@ParkersReef]

And that’s fair enough too!

[@tomg5405]

no kh so sad

[@ParkersReef]

They have a KH tester already

[@alexl.9317]

Looks like a product that might work!, but I still have that "forced schedule" feel that makes sure you keep buying reagents continuosly. But it might be fixable especially since you have to use their reagents anyway. Also, this is a paid sponsorship, it is irellevant how you got it. At least EU laws clrarly states this. Mentioning you got it for free (wchich is payed advertising), but you are objective in review makes me think you are trying to sell me this product instead of reviewing it.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I am hopeful that the schedule can be updated as that is a major drawback in my opinion. Fair enough, I was open with my review and open with how the product got to me. Not selling at all, I even gave three things I didn’t like about the device and mentioned multiple times I cannot tell if it suits you and your reef tank or not 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@My.mohammed]

There is a difference in phosphate testing with the Hanna company, which has better results (I would like to make a comparison between company tests. Hanna vs Reef factory ) no3/po4/kh/ca/mg

[@ParkersReef]

Yes, Hanna used a single reagent rather than two

[@Nick-co9pf]

Like 600 bucks for a automated tester that tests a single parameter? Thats gonna be a no from me guys. It takes me 4 minutes to run a Mg test with hanna. Even less for phosphate. This is an L

[@ParkersReef]

For sure, to each their own!