Tank Record Keeping

[Beverly]

I keep records of alk, Ca, Mg and pH tests and how much of whatever I dose. All are handwritten in either a binder or coil-bound notebook. Can't be bothered wasting my time to transpose the written records onto my computer.

No need to keep track of maintenance because we basically do the same maintenance weekly.

As for new fish or corals, I only keep records of fish disease treatment, though I can't remember the last time I treated a sick fish.

I often make a video of new a fish, with the date of the video in the file name.

All light bulbs (or lightbulbs, if you prefer ) are changed every 9 months, and we mark that on the calendar in advance so we know when to change them next. Same with various RO/DI cartridge changes.

[Tom R]

I keep records of water testing results, water changes, additive dosing and anything else I deem worth while. I use a large calendar with each day having a 1 - 2" square to record my info.(test results, quantity of dosage etc).

I also use post-it notes applied to RO chambers, Kalk reactor and Calcium reactor showing the date last change.

For my light bulbs I record the date I put it into service with a permanent marker right on the bulb.

I have not found a decent and inexpensive software program that is also convenient to use for this info. If anyone out there has any suggestions of good software to look at I would be interested.

Tom R

[mark]

Use http://www.craigcentral.com/tankdata.asp

It's simple but works. I setup with a tab for notes (purchases, events, etc) and a second for chemistry.

[Denis]

I use ReefCon.
http://www.infinitysoft.net

[Chrismo]

I use Aquanotes, which records and graphs all the data from my aquacontrollerII. It's kinda neat to see the trends, how PH rises and falls day& night along with ORP and temp.

Occasionally I log something like a fish having eggs or something. but rarely. I used to keep track of it all by hand when I first started. But that lost it;s luster.

I really should keep track of when I bought bulbs, but I never have.., Has it been a year yet? Hmmm

[Dad]

I use ReefCon Pro (http://www.infinitysoft.net/) It keeps track of everything.

[saltaddict]

what a concept. I am gonna start keeping track of my tank more closely. ....Something beneficial to my tank ..... and free OMG!

[JHG]

I record a number of things, mostly when the tank is new and just becoming established.

[Phaythe]

I don't keep tabs, but after speaking with a whole bunch of experts, I may just start!

[danny zubot]

I used to keep a hand written book for my water perameters and visual changes in lifestock, for reference from water change to water change. I don't anymore because the tank has matured now and I know more what to expect based on the symptoms I see.