Comparison

TankLab vs ReefKeeper

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TankLab

Manage all aspects of your aquarium, from water parameters and livestock to maintenance schedules and expenses. Utilize AI for test strip analysis and personalized advice to keep your aquatic life thriving.

Highlights
  • AI test strip scanner
  • AI aquarium advisor
  • Water parameter tracking
  • Maintenance scheduler
  • Livestock manager
  • Expense tracker
Features
Read full description

TankLab is the all-in-one aquarium management app for freshwater, saltwater, brackish, and planted tanks. Whether you're cycling your first tank or maintaining a mature reef, TankLab keeps everything organized and your fish healthy. AI TEST STRIP SCANNER Snap a photo of your test strip next to the color chart and let AI read the values instantly. Results pre-fill your parameter log, just review and save. Supports API 5-in-1, Tetra 6-in-1, and similar multi-parameter strips. AI AQUARIUM ADVISOR Ask TankLab's AI anything about fishkeeping. It knows your tank's current setup, water parameters, livestock, and maintenance history, so every answer is tailored to your situation. Get help with water chemistry, fish compatibility, disease diagnosis, feeding schedules, plant care, and more. WATER PARAMETER TRACKING Log pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, KH, temperature, salinity, phosphate, calcium, and more. Enter in ppm or degrees, the app auto-converts. View trends over time with interactive charts and get insights when values are out of range. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULER Set up recurring tasks for water changes, filter cleaning, feeding, dosing, and equipment checks. Get notifications when tasks are due. Check them off and build a maintenance streak. LIVESTOCK MANAGER Track every fish, invertebrate, coral, and plant in your tank. Browse species info, check compatibility, and keep a complete record of your aquarium inhabitants. TANK GALLERY & JOURNAL Document your tank's evolution with photos and journal entries. Look back at how far your aquarium has come. EXPENSE TRACKER Keep track of what you spend on equipment, livestock, food, and supplies. Know exactly where your aquarium budget goes. TANKLAB+ SUBSCRIPTION Free users get 1 tank, 5 AI questions per month, and all core tracking features. Upgrade to TankLab+ for unlimited AI questions, test strip scanning, iCloud sync across devices, and expanded tank and livestock limits. Download TankLab and give your aquarium the care it deserves. By using this app, you agree to Apple’s Standard End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

ReefKeeper

Features
Read full description

ReefKeeper helps aquarium hobbyists and maintenance professionals keep tanks healthy through fast water parameter tracking, maintenance reminders, and visual trend analysis. Whether you manage a freshwater aquarium, reef tank, or saltwater system, ReefKeeper keeps your data organized and accessible. First‑Week Livestock Watch gives every new livestock introduction its own seven-day record. Log daily observations and equipment checks, follow guided core water checks, and keep results in your normal aquarium history. If something looks concerning, ReefKeeper provides measured next steps, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. FEATURES • Track water parameters • Log pH, salinity, nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, temperature, and more • View historical trends with interactive charts • Create recurring maintenance schedules • Track water changes and equipment maintenance • Manage multiple aquariums • Offline-first architecture • Export aquarium data PRO FEATURES • Unlimited aquariums • Advanced graphing • Custom safe ranges • Dosing calculators • Data export • Professional maintenance tools Designed by aquarium enthusiasts who wanted a faster and cleaner alternative to paper notebooks and complicated enterprise software. Privacy Policy: https://beartrailworks.com/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TankLab4 screens
ReefKeeper4 screens

Verdict

The call

TankLab and ReefKeeper are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. TankLab sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and ReefKeeper sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
TankLab versus ReefKeeper: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTankLabReefKeeper
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequency—Weekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSquatchCraft LLCJose Salcido

In-app purchases

2 purchases

TankLab

Subscriptions2
  • TankLab+$4.991 Month
  • Annual subscription$34.991 Year
3 purchases

ReefKeeper

Subscriptions2
  • Reef Keeper Pro Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Reef Keeper Pro Yearly$44.991 Year
One-time1
  • Reef Keeper Pro: Lifetime$99.99

Questions

Is TankLab free?
TankLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ReefKeeper free?
ReefKeeper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TankLab or ReefKeeper have ads?
Neither TankLab nor ReefKeeper shows ads.

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