Logging Parameters
A complete reference for all the ways to get water test data into ReefTanker — manual entry, ICP uploads, and Apex sync — plus how to edit and manage your readings.
New to ReefTanker? Start with the Quick Start Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough of logging your first reading.
Three Ways to Log Data
ReefTanker supports three input methods. You can use any combination — data from all sources is merged into unified charts on your Dashboard.
Manual Test Entry
Log results from your home test kits. Supports all 8 core parameters with 15+ testing method brands.
ICP Test Upload
Upload a lab PDF and AI extracts 60+ elements automatically. See the full ICP Upload guide.
Neptune Apex Sync
Pull pH, temperature, and salinity directly from your Apex controller. See the Apex Integration guide.
Manual Test Entry
The manual test form is the primary way most users log data. You access it via Quick Actions → Log Manual Test from any page.
Form fields
Test Date & Time
Defaults to now, but you can backdate to any point in the past. This is the timestamp used on charts, so set it to when you actually took the test — not when you're entering the data.
Testing Method
Select the brand/type of test you used. This is tracked per reading and shows up in chart tooltips and source filters. See the full list below.
Parameter Values
All 8 parameters are shown but none are required. Only fill in what you tested. If you only measured alkalinity today, just enter that one value — leave the rest blank.
Notes Optional
Free-text field for context. Useful for noting things like "tested after water change", "new batch of salt mix", or "reagent expired".
Tip: Forgot to log a test? You can always backdate a reading. Change the Test Date & Time field to when you actually took the test, even if that was days or weeks ago. The reading will appear at the correct position on your charts.
Editing & Deleting Readings
Made a typo or entered the wrong value? You can edit or delete any reading after it's been saved.
Editing a reading
- 1 Go to the Parameters page from the sidebar
- 2 Find the reading in the history table below the chart
- 3 Click the edit icon on the reading you want to change
- 4 Update any field — the value, date, testing method, or notes — and click Save Changes
Deleting a reading
You can delete individual readings from the same Parameters page. Click the delete icon on any reading row. A confirmation dialog ensures you don't accidentally remove data.
Note: Deleting a reading is permanent. If the reading contained the only value for a parameter, that parameter will revert to showing -- on the Dashboard until you log a new one.
Supported Testing Methods
When logging a reading, you select the testing method you used. This lets you filter and compare data from different sources on your charts. Here's the full list.
Alk / Ca / Mg / NO3 / PO4 Test Kits
Salinity Measurement
Other Sources
ICP Test and Apex sources are assigned automatically when data comes from those inputs. You don't need to select them manually.
Why track testing methods? Different test kits can give slightly different results for the same water. By tagging each reading with its source, you can use the chart source filters to compare your Hanna readings against your Salifert readings, or see how your home tests compare to ICP lab results.
How Different Sources Combine
When you have data from multiple sources, ReefTanker handles it intelligently.
Dashboard cards
Show the most recent value from any source. Manual readings take priority over ICP data. If you have no manual readings for a parameter, the latest ICP value is used as a fallback.
Charts
Merge all sources into a unified timeline by default. When multiple sources are present, filter checkboxes appear above the chart so you can toggle each source on or off independently.
Tooltips
Hovering over any data point shows the exact value, date, and the testing method used — so you always know where a reading came from.