Last week we wrote about how users can ensure the stability of the ReefBot’s calibration. In this week’s article, we talk about another common issue our support teams come across, and that is tests returning colors that could not be interpreted. When the tests return colors that could not be interpreted, it’s usually due to one of these reasons:

1) No water sample inside the chamber. Usually this is because the sample tube isn’t connected to the aquarium at all, or the tip of the tube is too close to the surface or the bottom of the aquarium. For optimal results, make sure the tip of the sample tube is placed in the middle of the aquarium.

2) Parameter level is not within the kit’s reading range. Every test kit has a certain parameter range it can read. When the parameter level in the tank is at extreme levels and outside this range, the ReefBot cannot interpret the results.

3) Sample Volume not sufficient. This is closely related to point #1 we mentioned above. Make sure the sample tube is placed properly in the aquarium.

4) Stirrer missing from the test chamber. Make sure you have placed the white stirrer inside the test chamber.

5) Chemicals missing or are not assigned in their correct position. The user might have forgotten to place the chemicals back during the reagent refilling process, or the user might have assigned the chemicals on the app in a different manner than the way the chemicals were positioned manually in the ReefBot.

6) Test kit is old or contaminated. Always check the kits’ expiry date. Also, make sure the kits aren’t exposed to sunlight or excessive heat. Finally, keep in mind that the test kit might become contaminated due to improper rinsing of the syringe.

7) Syringe is clogged or is leaking. Make sure the syringe is working properly, and that it isn’t clogged or punctured. If something is wrong with the syringe, then make sure to change it. Best practice also dictates that you change the syringe every 60 tests.

8) Reagent level in the vial is not enough. Chemical reagents need to be filled to the top as indicated (20ml). If the reagent level is in the vial is below %55, the syringe might not draw enough chemicals.

9) RO water in the RO chamber is insufficient or not 0TDS. The RO water is used to rinse the syringe, and so if there isn’t enough of it or if it is not 0TDS (pure and uncontaminated), the test results will be affected.

10) None of the above. If you have checked your ReefBot for all the possible causes listed above, and found them all to be in order, but the tests are still returning colors that could not be interpreted, then please contact support so we can have a look ourselves.

As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

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