ReefScribe support

ReefScribe is free to download. Your first 3 successfully saved new tests are free, shared by voice and manual entry. One saved test can contain one reading or several.

Only saving a new test successfully uses a free test. This includes a saved draft. Canceled recordings, failed saves and edits to existing records do not use the allowance.

A one-time in-app purchase unlocks unlimited new tests. There is no subscription. Apple shows the purchase price in your local currency before you confirm.

Whether you purchase or not, your existing records remain available to read and edit. CSV exports, local backups and restoring existing data remain available too. The unlock applies to adding new tests.

Use Restore Purchases in ReefScribe with the same App Store account that bought the unlimited-tests unlock. Apple checks the purchase; a connection or Apple sign-in may be needed.

Restoring a purchase restores the unlimited-logging unlock. It does not restore your tank log. Use Restore local backup for a ReefScribe JSON backup, or your system device backup for previously backed-up app data.

ReefScribe requires an iPhone running iOS 26 or later. Voice entry is in English and uses Apple’s on-device speech transcription or on-device dictation, depending on your iPhone’s support and available English resources.

Allow microphone access when asked. The first preparation may need an internet connection to download Apple speech resources. If voice cannot start, enter readings manually without microphone permission. Voice and manual entry use the same free-test allowance or unlimited-logging unlock.

1. Select the tank you are testing.
2. Tap Log by voice and say one reading or several, including their units.
3. Tap Finish recording to see the numbers and units.
4. Tap Save test. Edit a reading only if you need to.

You can log alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, pH, temperature and salinity. One valid reading is enough; you do not need a complete set of parameters. Unmentioned parameters are not filled with zero.

When you omit a unit, your tank’s default unit may supply it. The reading shows that source, and you can change it. Configure defaults in Settings → Tank name & default units.

Yes. Use manual entry from your tank’s home screen, or tap a reading to edit its number and unit before saving. Editing is optional; you can save the prepared readings directly.

Open a saved test from History to edit its readings, tank, time, notes or water-change marker, then tap Save changes.

Unresolved readings stay with the test and are excluded from numeric charts. If a test has only unresolved readings, you can save it as a draft.

Canceling, an audio interruption or putting the app in the background stops recording without adding a test to your history. Recording does not restart automatically. A prepared test is saved only when you tap its Save button.

ReefScribe records results from your own test kits and instruments. It does not measure water, diagnose tank health or recommend dosing. Use your test equipment’s instructions and units.

Your tank logs are stored locally on this iPhone. ReefScribe has no account or live cloud sync. Device or iCloud backups managed by iOS may include your app data, depending on your settings.

For a copy you manage yourself, use Settings → Export local backup. See the privacy policy for exports and system backups.

In Settings, choose Export CSV to share a file containing your tests and tank details. CSV import accepts ReefScribe’s own CSV format; it does not import arbitrary files from other aquarium apps.

Exports include the final transcripts and notes saved with your tests. Inspect a file before sharing it if it contains information you want to keep private.

Yes. A local JSON backup includes tanks, tests, default-unit templates and reminders. Restore local backup asks you to confirm before replacing the current local log with the selected backup.

Export your current backup first if you want to keep it. CSV import adds data instead of replacing the whole log.

Use Delete App for ReefScribe in iPhone Settings to remove the app and its local data. Offloading an app keeps its documents and data.

Deleting the app does not delete exported files, copies you shared or existing device backups. Manage those copies in Files, your backup settings or the service where you stored them.

In ReefScribe Settings, turn on Living water background. Motion remains paused if Reduce Motion is enabled in iPhone Settings → Accessibility → Motion.

Water light moves while ReefScribe is active and pauses in the background. Low Power Mode reduces the animation frequency. The text and controls stay steady.

Select your tank, then open Settings → Reminders to set water-test or water-change reminders. Notifications are local to this iPhone and need notification permission.

Open ReefScribe from time to time to keep later reminders scheduled. If notifications are off, your reminder settings and test records remain saved, and logging still works.