Reef Factory Smart Tester - Setup & Review!

The latest and greatest smart aquarium tester is here, this time from the folk at Reef Factory. I'll put it through it's paces and see how it stacks up with the competition!

The smart tester from Reef Factory can test up to 4 parameters with fantastic precision, all controlled via their fantastic software platform including smart actions.

For more information, check out their site here:

[cerb]

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 :)

[grantrogers]

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.

[andrewstrutt]

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.

[wallacepretorius]

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

[antoniofaustino]

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!

[spizzy]

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

[queencityreefs]

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

[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.

[vascojardim]

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.

[andrewstrutt]

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

[N.M.]

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!

[jules]

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.

[Njwobrien]

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

[Boowii]

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

[amrelsaa]

I hope you can do some reviews on Red Sea products, Thank you <3

[scottrousseau]

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

[Omsk-Sea]

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

[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?

[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.

[vincenthendri]

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🙏