TankLab - Support
Getting Started
TankLab is your all-in-one aquarium management app. Set up your first tank by tapping Add Tank on the dashboard, then enter your tank's name, type (freshwater, saltwater, brackish, or planted), and volume. From there you can track water parameters, manage livestock, schedule maintenance, and get AI-powered advice.
Features Overview
- Water Parameters — Log pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, KH, temperature, and more. View trends over time with interactive charts.
- Test Strip Scanner — Take a photo of your test strip next to the color chart and TankLab's AI will read the values for you. Review and adjust before saving.
- AI Assistant — Ask questions about water chemistry, fish compatibility, disease diagnosis, feeding schedules, and more. The AI knows your tank's current setup and parameters.
- Maintenance Tracking — Set up recurring tasks for water changes, filter cleaning, feeding, and more. Get notifications when tasks are due.
- Livestock Manager — Track your fish, invertebrates, and plants with species info and compatibility checks.
- Tank Gallery — Document your tank's journey with photos over time.
- Journal — Keep notes about observations, changes, and milestones.
- Expense Tracker — Track spending on equipment, livestock, and supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scan a test strip?
Go to Parameters > Quick Log and tap Scan Test Strip. Follow the on-screen tips: place your used test strip right next to the color chart that came with your kit, make sure lighting is good and even, then take a photo. The AI will read the colors and fill in the values. You can review and adjust any values before saving.
How accurate is the test strip scanner?
The scanner works best with good lighting and when the strip is placed directly next to the reference color chart. Results are estimates based on color matching — always review the pre-filled values and adjust if they don't look right. For critical readings, consider using liquid test kits.
What is TankLab+?
TankLab+ is an optional subscription that unlocks unlimited AI questions, the test strip scanner, iCloud sync, and additional tanks and livestock slots. Free users get 1 tank, 5 AI questions per month, and basic features.
How does the AI assistant work?
The AI assistant uses your tank's current data (parameters, livestock, maintenance history) to provide personalized advice. You can ask it anything about fishkeeping. Attach a photo to get visual analysis of your tank, fish health, or equipment.
Can I sync across devices?
Yes. Enable iCloud Sync in Settings to keep your tank data in sync across all your Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account.
How do maintenance reminders work?
Add maintenance tasks from the Maintenance tab. Set a recurrence (daily, weekly, custom) and TankLab will send you local notifications when tasks are due. You can check off tasks and track your maintenance streak.
What units does TankLab use for GH and KH?
TankLab stores GH and KH in degrees (dGH and dKH). The Quick Log form includes both ppm and degree fields — enter in whichever unit your test kit uses and the other field will auto-convert. Most test strips show ppm; liquid kits often show degrees.
I'm having trouble with a feature. What should I do?
Try closing and reopening the app. Make sure you're running the latest version from the App Store. If the issue persists, contact us with a description of the problem and we'll help.
Contact Support
If you need help or want to report a bug, please contact us at hello@squatchcraft.com. We typically respond within 24 hours.