Comparison

ReefNote vs Tankstead

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

Head to head
About

ReefNote

Features
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ReefNote keeps your aquarium on track: log every water parameter, flag anything out of range, and keep dosing and maintenance on schedule. Testing is fast. Pick a parameter, tap the value on a big pad with the right unit (dKH, ppm, SG), and save. Each parameter remembers its last value, so a routine round of tests takes seconds. WHAT YOU GET - Parameter log with target ranges: reef and freshwater presets you can edit per tank, with out-of-range flags the moment you save - Trend charts: every parameter over 30 days, 90 days, or a year, with your target band drawn behind the line and each point coloured by its flag - Dosing and water changes: repeat schedules with clear overdue and due-today states, one tap to mark done - Livestock registry: fish, coral, and inverts with photos, added dates, and notes - Maintenance reminders: a per-task reminder so nothing slips - Tank journal: one timeline that mixes your tests, doses, and events - Tank report: a shareable PDF of parameters versus targets, livestock, and schedule, plus a CSV of every reading (Pro) REEF OR FRESHWATER Set the tank type and ReefNote starts with common target bands for each parameter, then lets you tune every band to the numbers you keep. FREE AND PRO Free includes one tank and 30 tests, with target ranges, trends, the schedule, and the livestock registry. Pro unlocks unlimited tanks, unlimited test history, and the PDF and CSV exports. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Everything stays on your iPhone. No account, no cloud, no tracking. SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS ReefNote Pro is available as a monthly or yearly subscription, or as a one time lifetime purchase. The current price is shown in the app and on this page before you buy. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically until cancelled. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings > Apple Account > Subscriptions; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current period. Terms of Use (Apple Standard EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Tankstead

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Keep every aquarium’s routine, readings, and history organized in one place. Tankstead is an aquarium maintenance tracker designed to make consistent care easier. Record water parameters, schedule recurring tasks, manage stock and equipment, and build a useful history for each tank. WATER TESTING • Record temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, KH, TDS, and CO₂ • Enter exact, estimated, or ranged results • Set custom target ranges and choose which parameters you track • Review recent readings and changes over time • Estimate CO₂ from pH and KH when appropriate MAINTENANCE • Create one-time or recurring maintenance schedules • Log water changes with percentage, volume, notes, and photos • Receive optional reminders for upcoming tasks • Complete, snooze, edit, pause, or delete schedules • See upcoming and completed care on your calendar STOCK AND EQUIPMENT • Track fish, invertebrates, plants, and aquarium equipment • Record additions, removals, losses, and transfers • Store quantities, photos, and notes • Maintain a separate inventory for each aquarium BUILT FOR MULTIPLE TANKS • Keep separate settings, schedules, stock, and history for every tank • Copy water-parameter settings and maintenance schedules between aquariums • Choose US customary or metric units • Use light, dark, or system appearance YOUR AQUARIUM HISTORY • Browse water tests and maintenance records in the logbook • Continue recording information offline and sync when connected • Export your records as CSV or JSON • Sign in securely with Apple Tankstead helps you remember what happened, understand what is due, and keep a consistent record as each aquarium changes over time. Tankstead does not diagnose livestock health or provide veterinary treatment recommendations. Target ranges are provided for organization and should be configured for your aquarium’s inhabitants.

Screenshots

ReefNote4 screens
Tankstead4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Tankstead at none against ReefNote's 3. Tankstead also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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. ReefNote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Tankstead asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ReefNote ships an update every 3 weeks, Tankstead every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
ReefNote versus Tankstead: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReefNoteTankstead
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperInnovaLabWorksCarter Liu

In-app purchases

3 purchases

ReefNote

Subscriptions2
  • ReefNote Pro$5.991 Month
  • ReefNote Pro$34.991 Year
One-time1
  • ReefNote Lifetime$2.99
None

Tankstead

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ReefNote free?
ReefNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tankstead free?
Tankstead is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ReefNote or Tankstead have ads?
Neither ReefNote nor Tankstead shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ReefNote or Tankstead?
ReefNote ships an update every 3 weeks, and Tankstead every 6 weeks. Most recently, ReefNote was updated on October 28, 2026 and Tankstead on October 29, 2026.

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