Quick Start Guide
Get up and running with ReefTanker in under 5 minutes. Create your account, set up your first tank, and log your first water test results.
Create Your Account
Head to app.reeftanker.com and sign up for a free account. You can register with your email address or sign in with Google for one-click access.
Create Your First Tank
After signing in, you'll land on the Dashboard. Your first step is to create a tank profile so ReefTanker knows what you're tracking.
How to create a tank
- a Navigate to Tank Management from the sidebar (or tap the tank icon on mobile)
- b Click the + Create Tank button
- c Enter a name for your tank (e.g., "Display Tank", "Frag Tank")
- d Optionally enter the volume in gallons — this is used by the salt calculator later
- e Click Save — your tank is ready to go
Tip: You can manage multiple tanks from the same account. The tank switcher in the sidebar lets you quickly jump between them, and all data stays separated per tank.
Log Your First Parameters
Now for the good part — recording your water test results. ReefTanker tracks 8 essential parameters that are critical for reef health.
How to log a manual test
- a From the Dashboard, click the Quick Actions button
- b Select Log Manual Test
- c Enter the values you tested — you don't need to fill in every field, just log what you measured
- d Choose your testing method (e.g., Hanna, Salifert, Red Sea) and optionally add notes
- e Click Save — your reading appears immediately on the Dashboard and in your parameter charts
Parameters you can track
View Your Dashboard
Once you've logged your first reading, head back to the Dashboard. You'll see your parameters displayed with color-coded status indicators that tell you at a glance whether each value is in range, trending high, or trending low.
What you'll see
- Parameter cards showing your latest readings with status colors (green = in range, yellow = warning, red = critical)
- Trend charts that build over time as you add more readings
- Quick Actions button for fast access to logging tests, dosing, and water changes
Customize Your Targets
Every reef is different. ReefTanker comes with sensible defaults, but you can adjust the target ranges for each parameter to match your tank's needs.
How to set custom targets
- a Go to Tank Management
- b Click the edit icon on your tank
- c Scroll to the Custom Targets section and adjust the min/max ranges for any parameter
- d Save — the Dashboard will immediately reflect your new target ranges
Tip: Running an SPS-dominant tank? Consider setting alkalinity targets to 7.5–8.5 dKH. Mixed reef? The default 7–11 dKH range works well. Tailor targets to your livestock and methodology.
What's Next?
Upload an ICP Test
Upload your lab PDF and ReefTanker will automatically extract 60+ elements.
Connect Neptune Apex
Pull pH and temperature data directly from your Apex controller.
Salt Calculator
Calculate exactly how much salt mix you need for water changes.
Log Dosing & Maintenance
Track water changes, dosing, and maintenance alongside your parameters.
Ready to Start Tracking?
Create your free account and log your first parameters today.
Launch ReefTanker