How Reef Trak grew

Reef Trak began in July 2024 as a project on Joe’s Mac. At the time, Joe had not discovered GitHub yet, so the first versions were saved locally and backed up with Time Machine while the idea took shape.

The project moved onto GitHub on December 15, 2024. From there, commits, changelogs, and app releases make it possible to look back at how Reef Trak grew, one useful idea at a time.

Explore the Reef Trak story

Start with the local project in July 2024, scroll toward today, search for a favorite feature, or filter by platform. Select a glowing point or card to see what changed.

Showing all 55 milestones.

  1. Development Reef Trak begins as a local project iOS

    The first version of Reef Trak started taking shape on Joe’s Mac as a personal project for making reef care easier to organize.

    What changed

    • The original Reef Trak idea and early app planning
    • First local experiments with tank records and reef care workflows
    • A product built around the real needs of everyday reef keeping

    A little more history

    • Reef Trak origin

      Joe Marino began developing Reef Trak locally in July 2024.

  2. Development Local builds and Time Machine backups iOS

    Before Joe discovered GitHub, Reef Trak lived entirely on his development Mac and its early versions were protected with Time Machine backups.

    What changed

    • Local app development during Reef Trak’s first chapter
    • Early Reef Trak screens and workflows refined over several months
    • Time Machine backups used to preserve the growing project

    A little more history

    • Early Reef Trak story

      Early Reef Trak versions were saved locally and backed up with Time Machine before the project moved to GitHub.

  3. · 9:57 AM ET Development Reef Trak moves onto GitHub iOS

    After several months of local development, Reef Trak reached GitHub and began the detailed project history that continues today.

    What changed

    • Tank profiles and the first reef management foundation
    • Water parameter logging and status tracking
    • Maintenance and activity history foundations

    A little more history

  4. · 12:08 PM to 2:31 PM ET Development Maintenance status and alert controls iOS

    Reef Trak added visual task status and configurable alert levels four days after the first commit.

    What changed

    • Maintenance task status visualization
    • Alert level controls for reef care tasks
    • Activity log presentation improvements

    A little more history

    • d09c68f22, enhanced task status visualization

    • 38b494394, alert level controls

  5. · 12:07 PM to 9:08 PM ET Development Searchable fish catalog and image system iOS

    The first large livestock catalog arrived with standardized images, protected template records, sorting, and a pre-populated database.

    What changed

    • Searchable fish species catalog
    • Standardized fish image handling
    • Protected template fish records
    • Alphabetical and difficulty sorting
    • Pre-populated fish database

    A little more history

    • f4b61aa88, FishImageView and standardized image handling

    • ebeef7288, pre-populated fish database

  6. · 10:32 AM to 11:40 AM ET Development Face ID and full CloudKit sync iOS

    Biometric access and full Apple cloud synchronization were committed as first-class product capabilities.

    What changed

    • Face ID authentication
    • CloudKit subscription setup
    • Cross-device data synchronization foundation
    • Cloud sync diagnostics and error handling

    A little more history

    • 4874f10f5, Face ID authentication

    • 9059ac1d1, complete CloudKit sync implementation

  7. Development Maintenance calendar, achievements, and PDF reports iOS

    A three-day build sequence connected scheduled care, progress recognition, and shareable tank reporting.

    What changed

    • Today, Schedule, and Calendar maintenance views
    • Recurring task scheduling
    • Achievement tracking and global achievement progress
    • PDF tank reports with gauges and trend charts
    • Print support for reports

    A little more history

    • d2c65366b, maintenance Today, Schedule, and Calendar tabs

    • b28bc93d2, achievements module

    • 016dc7fa0, report trend charts with axes and labels

  8. Development Compatibility, custom care, and accessibility iOS

    Reef Trak expanded from cataloging livestock to helping reef keepers evaluate compatibility and build their own care schedules.

    What changed

    • Comprehensive fish compatibility matrix
    • Inline compatibility explanations and thumbnails
    • Custom maintenance tasks and frequency selection
    • VoiceOver support across core modules
    • Dynamic Type support across core modules

    A little more history

    • 4733d4b69, comprehensive fish compatibility matrix

    • 588097e9d, custom maintenance view

    • a20170836, VoiceOver support begins across core views

  9. Development First App Store version record iOS 1.0 recordiOS

    Reef Trak’s App Store journey took its first official step with the version 1.0 listing and submission setup.

    What changed

    • Initial App Store product record
    • Version 1.0 submission history begins

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.0 record created January 28, 2025

  10. Development ICP processing and coral catalog foundations iOS

    Reef Trak began turning lab reports into structured tank history while also building the coral catalog.

    What changed

    • Automated ICP result processing
    • ATI report OCR and structured import
    • Triton and Reef Moonshiners processing flows
    • ICP-OES and ICP-MS test types
    • Pollutant and trace-element parameter categories
    • Coral catalog navigation and category filters

    A little more history

    • aedcebe31, automated ICP test result processing

    • 2277c578f, ATI ICP report parsing

    • 54468886d, coral catalog and categorization

  11. Development Reef chemistry calculators expand iOS

    Product-aware calcium and magnesium tools joined ammonia and phosphate dosing calculators before the public iOS launch.

    What changed

    • Calcium supplement calculator with product choices
    • Magnesium supplement calculator
    • Ammonia dosing calculator
    • Phosphate dosing calculator

    A little more history

  12. Released Reef Trak launches publicly on iOS iOS 1.0.3iOS

    Reef Trak made its App Store debut, bringing the original tank management experience to iPhone and iPad.

    What changed

    • Tank and parameter tracking
    • Maintenance scheduling and history
    • Fish and coral records
    • Reports, calculators, achievements, and early ICP workflows
    • Cloud synchronization and Face ID support

    A little more history

  13. Released Maintenance workflow and manual cloud sync iOS 1.2iOS

    Version 1.2 made recurring care easier to see and gave users direct control over synchronization.

    What changed

    • Maintenance calendar with checkmarks and progress
    • Custom maintenance tasks
    • Manual cloud sync control and sync progress
    • In-app feedback flow
    • Cloud sync stability improvements

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.2 record dated April 16, 2025

  14. Released Cloud sync becomes available to every user iOS 1.2.2iOS

    Tank, parameter, coral, and fish synchronization moved into the free product experience.

    What changed

    • Free iCloud sync for tanks
    • Free iCloud sync for parameters
    • Free iCloud sync for fish and coral records
    • Improved sync progress and stability

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.2.2 record dated April 30, 2025

  15. Released Dosing management arrives iOS 1.2.3 to 1.2.5iOS

    A two-release rollout connected dosing products, schedules, reminders, maintenance, and PDF reporting.

    What changed

    • Dosing module and product setup
    • Automated dosing reminders
    • Guided product selection
    • Dosing history in reports
    • PDF report expansion
    • Maintenance tracking refinements

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.2.3 record dated May 20, 2025

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.2.5 record dated May 22, 2025

  16. Released Feeding, notes, activity, and unified care iOS 1.3iOS

    Version 1.3 broadened Reef Trak from tracking tests into a more complete daily reef care record.

    What changed

    • Feeding module and scheduled feeding tasks
    • Unified maintenance experience
    • Expanded livestock management
    • Notes and Activity Log
    • Reports and calculators expansion
    • Achievements and lifetime Premium option

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.3 record dated July 17, 2025

    • aa744cecc, feeding entities added July 16

    • 0f52d56ff, scheduled feeding task creation

  17. Released Parameter guidance and Quick Maintenance iOS 1.3.2iOS

    Reef Trak started pairing measurements with clearer next steps and faster care logging.

    What changed

    • Parameter solution guidance
    • Quick Maintenance workflow
    • Dashboard alerts
    • Activity Log improvements
    • Trend and notification improvements

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.3.2 record dated August 4, 2025

    • ccafcbfb7, Quick Maintenance added August 5

  18. Released BlenAI is integrated into Reef Trak iOS 1.4iOS

    The first in-app AI experience connected reef records with contextual guidance alongside faster maintenance and alert tools.

    What changed

    • BlenAI assistant integration
    • Premium tier
    • Quick Maintenance refinements
    • Dashboard alerts and notifications

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.4 record dated August 7, 2025

  19. Released AI gains full tank context iOS 1.4.1iOS

    BlenAI began using structured context from the user’s tank record while keeping its analysis on device.

    What changed

    • On-device AI processing
    • Parameter and dosing context
    • Livestock and ICP context
    • Maintenance history context

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.4.1 record dated September 12, 2025

  20. · 11:39 AM ET Development Native Android implementation takes shape Android

    The Android history moved into a full native implementation with real tank storage, image handling, and an iOS-parity module structure.

    What changed

    • Native Android tank selection backed by a database
    • Android image storage system
    • Manufacturer and date pickers
    • Eight-module application structure
    • iOS-parity tank dashboard foundation

    A little more history

    • 3cc885245, native Android tank selection with real database

    • 7dc9cae99, complete Android application structure

  21. Test build Android alpha adds cloud sync and photo storage Android alpha builds 13 and 14Android

    The Android alpha added secure Google sign-in, cloud synchronization, reliable photo storage, and Quick Maintenance for early testers.

    What changed

    • Google sign-in and user-scoped Firestore data
    • Fresh-install cloud download and conflict handling
    • Firebase Storage photo backup and compression
    • Background image uploads with retry support
    • Quick Maintenance and 30-plus maintenance tasks
    • Full-screen photo viewer and database-backed notes

    A little more history

    • Build 13 changelog

      Alpha release record dated October 23, 2025

    • Build 14 changelog

      Alpha release record dated October 24, 2025

  22. Released Reef Trak becomes publicly available on Android Android

    Reef Trak reached Android reef keepers in late October, bringing its tank tracking and care experience to a second mobile platform.

    What changed

    • Tank and parameter tracking on Android
    • Maintenance and activity records
    • Cloud account and synchronization foundation
    • Native Android reef management experience

    A little more history

  23. Test build Android livestock catalog and compatibility Android alpha build 15Android

    The Android livestock build brought a large searchable fish catalog, user photos, and compatibility checking to testers.

    What changed

    • 990 fish species and 938 catalog images
    • Fish care detail screens
    • User livestock photo capture
    • Visual compatibility checker
    • Common-name search and multi-fish add flow

    A little more history

    • Google Play test release notes

      Build 15 feature record

    • 83703a5d0, Android compatibility workflow

  24. Test build Android ICP, coral, and invert modules Android test build 18Android

    Android testers received OCR-based lab imports and full coral and invert record flows.

    What changed

    • ICP lab report PDF parsing with OCR
    • Enhanced Reef Moonshiners keyword matching
    • Three-level coral catalog navigation
    • Invert module with image support
    • Livestock price, location, notes, and photos

    A little more history

    • Android prelaunch checklist

      Build 18 record dated November 21, 2025

  25. Released TrakAI export and unified species catalog iOS 1.5iOS

    Reef Trak replaced its closed in-app chatbot with a portable AI export and greatly expanded its built-in livestock knowledge.

    What changed

    • AI Insight Export, later named TrakAI
    • Bring-your-own-AI workflow for structured tank history
    • Unified catalog with 1,026 fish, 271 coral, and 81 inverts
    • 334 new catalog images
    • Catalog seeding and reliability improvements

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.5 record dated December 5, 2025

  26. Released Dosing safety, deletion recovery, and automatic sync iOS 1.5.1 to 1.5.3iOS

    Three year-end releases hardened dosing schedules, deletion behavior, cross-device sync, and Premium restoration.

    What changed

    • Safer dosing calculations and corrected schedules
    • Maintenance task deletion
    • Deletion crash protection
    • Automatic cross-device synchronization
    • Premium purchase restoration

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect records

      Versions 1.5.1, 1.5.2, and 1.5.3 dated December 23, 29, and 31

  27. Released Tank-wide search and Aquaforest ICP import iOS 1.5.4iOS

    Search, charts, parameter provenance, and another ICP vendor arrived together.

    What changed

    • Comprehensive tank search
    • Additional parameter chart types
    • Aquaforest ICP import
    • Parameter source tracking

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.5.4 record dated January 8, 2026

  28. Released Cross-platform account and cloud access iOS 1.5.5iOSWeb

    Cloud records expanded beyond Apple-only sync so the same tank history could support web and other devices.

    What changed

    • Firestore synchronization for web and other devices
    • Account and Cloud Access screen
    • Multiple sign-in methods
    • Email-based account access

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.5.5 record dated January 9, 2026

  29. Released Navigation and historical care logging iOS 1.5.6iOS

    Reef Trak made long-term records easier to browse and allowed completed care to be entered for the correct past date.

    What changed

    • Navigation drawer
    • Activity Log calendar
    • Maintenance calendar refinements
    • Backdated Quick Maintenance entries
    • Expanded About information

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.5.6 record dated January 12, 2026

  30. Released SEEDBASE catalog sync and editable history iOS 1.5.9iOS

    The first SEEDBASE catalog sync unified species data while users gained more control over historical records.

    What changed

    • SEEDBASE v1 unified catalog synchronization
    • Critical feedback flags
    • Activity Log deletion
    • More precise timestamps
    • Expanded livestock nutrition data

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 1.5.9 record dated January 22, 2026

  31. Released Reef Trak 2.0 rebuild 2.0.0iOSAndroidWeb

    Version 2.0 rebuilt the core experience and introduced community-level reef data alongside expanded cross-platform features.

    What changed

    • Redesigned iOS interface and Version 2 navigation
    • Rebuilt parameters, ICP, maintenance, notes, calculators, and dashboard
    • Expanded cross-platform cloud sync
    • Global Reef Index
    • TrakTide social foundation

    A little more history

    • App Store Connect record

      Version 2.0.0 record dated February 5, 2026

  32. · 21:26 UTC Released Fifteen languages and flexible scheduling 2.0.1iOSAndroid

    Reef Trak expanded its language reach and added a true every-two-weeks care schedule.

    What changed

    • Fifteen supported languages
    • Seven-day Premium trial
    • Every-two-weeks maintenance scheduling

    A little more history

  33. · 01:37 UTC Released Neptune Apex and Trident imports 2.0.2iOSAndroid

    Controller measurements could be brought into the same parameter history as manual tests, with their source kept visible.

    What changed

    • Local Neptune Apex and Trident import
    • Parameter source labels
    • Refactored parameter architecture
    • Backup and restore tools
    • Global Reef Index improvements

    A little more history

  34. · 19:28 UTC Released Automatic controller polling and Reef Zlements ICP 2.0.3iOSAndroid

    Apex data moved from one-time import to automatic updates, and Reef Zlements lab results gained a direct import path.

    What changed

    • Automatic Neptune Apex and Trident import
    • Reef Zlements ICP URL import
    • Reef Zlements barcode import

    A little more history

  35. · 00:13 UTC Released Expanded fish catalog and launch-time Apex import 2.0.4iOSAndroid

    The livestock catalog grew while controller synchronization became more automatic.

    What changed

    • 287 additional fish species
    • Apex automatic import when the app opens
    • Catalog and controller reliability improvements

    A little more history

  36. · 18:29 UTC Released Guided first-tank onboarding and livestock milestones 2.0.5iOSAndroid

    New reef keepers received a guided path into the app while livestock records gained a visual history.

    What changed

    • Guided first-tank onboarding
    • Livestock photo galleries
    • Livestock milestone history
    • Global Reef Index achievement aggregation

    A little more history

  37. · 21:09 UTC Released Photo, reporting, and ICP vendor refinements 2.0.6iOSAndroid

    The new onboarding and livestock systems were extended with more reliable photos, reports, and lab handling.

    What changed

    • Livestock and photo upgrades
    • First-tank onboarding refinements
    • Report improvements
    • Improved ICP vendor handling

    A little more history

  38. Released Three rapid reliability releases 2.0.7 to 2.0.9iOSAndroid

    Three public releases focused on stability across Neptune imports, parameter ranges, dosing, persistence, and general reliability.

    What changed

    • Neptune import hardening
    • Parameter range corrections
    • Dosing reliability fixes
    • Cross-platform stability improvements

    A little more history

    • Versions 2.0.7, 2.0.8, and 2.0.9 published March 13, 17, and 19

    • Dated changelog commits

      339fe2dc2, 82e29465d, and b6734eb74 preserve the three release summaries

  39. · 22:45 UTC Released One-year release adds ICP comparison 2.1.0iOSAndroid

    On Reef Trak’s first iOS anniversary, both mobile apps gained ICP comparison workflows and major chart and catalog improvements.

    What changed

    • ICP comparison on iOS and Android
    • Parameter chart overhaul
    • Improved fish search and species matching
    • Fish catalog maintenance tools
    • Fauna Marin Coral Dust and Hanna calcium and magnesium sources

    A little more history

  40. · 02:13 UTC Released Equipment tracking and community reviews 2.1.1iOSAndroid

    Equipment became a structured part of the tank record, with catalog-backed details and community feedback.

    What changed

    • Equipment tracking
    • Equipment catalog
    • Equipment ratings and reviews
    • Triton web import
    • Tropic Marin ICP import

    A little more history

  41. · 23:22 UTC Released Feeding schedules and equipment photos 2.1.2iOSAndroid

    Daily care and equipment history gained more visual and scheduled detail.

    What changed

    • Equipment photo cropping
    • Feeding schedules
    • Apex and Neptune import refinements
    • Cross-platform equipment improvements

    A little more history

  42. · 18:24 UTC Released Custom livestock and photo history 2.1.3iOSAndroid

    Custom livestock entries and their photo history became more reliable across devices.

    What changed

    • Custom livestock records
    • Livestock photo history improvements
    • Cross-platform reliability and edge-to-edge interface fixes
    • Google Play in-app review flow

    A little more history

  43. · 16:58 UTC Released TrakSitter and Vacation Mode 2.1.4iOSAndroid

    Reef keepers could prepare a structured care session for someone watching the tank while they were away.

    What changed

    • TrakSitter care sessions
    • Vacation Mode
    • Sitter task lists and notes
    • Owner review view
    • Global Reef Index community displays
    • Shopping and catalog groundwork

    A little more history

  44. · 14:48 UTC Released Feature Directory, Stability Trak, and AI photo export 2.1.5iOSAndroidWeb

    Users gained a searchable map of Reef Trak’s growing feature set plus new stability and export tools.

    What changed

    • Feature Directory covering roughly 50 capabilities
    • Stability Trak
    • TrakAI Photo Export
    • Shop Search

    A little more history

  45. · 15:41 UTC Released Custom dosing products and Fauna Marin ICP 2.1.6iOSAndroidWeb

    Dosing setup became more flexible while measurement preferences stayed consistent across devices.

    What changed

    • Measurement and unit synchronization
    • Custom dosing products
    • Fauna Marin ICP import
    • Cross-platform dosing parity improvements

    A little more history

  46. · 20:38 UTC Released Apex Fusion and HYDROS cloud imports 2.1.7iOSAndroid

    Controller integrations expanded from local data to cloud account imports with automatic polling and probe mapping.

    What changed

    • Neptune Apex Fusion cloud import
    • HYDROS cloud import
    • Automatic controller polling
    • Probe-to-parameter mapping
    • Cleaner import history and source handling

    A little more history

  47. · 20:40 UTC Released PAR Map and light planning 2.1.8iOSAndroid

    Reef Trak added a visual light-measurement record tied to the user’s actual tank photo and dimensions.

    What changed

    • PAR Map on a tank photo
    • Tank model and dimension records
    • Light planning with 195 fixtures
    • Early Siri and Google Assistant parameter history access
    • Improved search
    • Parameter source visibility controls

    A little more history

  48. · 5:16 PM ET Development Home screen widgets are built on both platforms iOSAndroid

    Four days before the 2.2.0 store release, Reef Trak committed configurable home screen views for parameters, maintenance, and stability.

    What changed

    • Parameter widgets with recent trend context
    • Maintenance due-today widget
    • Stability overview widget
    • Tank picker on iOS and Android
    • Four Android widget variants with tap cycling

    A little more history

    • 6f2d553a9, first Reef Trak home screen widgets

    • a06e627f2, Android widget parity

    • d31e7e79c, tank picker on iOS and Android

  49. · 02:13 UTC Released Widgets, expenses, receipts, and ReefDock 2.2.0iOSAndroidWeb

    One of Reef Trak’s largest releases connected at-a-glance widgets, purchasing records, shopping, PAR, and annual care.

    What changed

    • Home screen widgets on iOS and Android
    • Expense tracking across reef purchase categories
    • Receipt Scan Assist with editable detected line items
    • ReefDock inside Reef Trak
    • PAR Map improvements
    • Expanded reef light catalog
    • Yearly maintenance tasks
    • Hanna HI755 and Red Sea calculator support
    • First Web Portal blog and feature articles

    A little more history

  50. · 02:51 UTC Released Guided Dosing, TrakTone, and Email Updates 2.2.1iOSAndroidWeb

    Reef Trak connected guided product setup and bottle tracking with a new reef-lighting photo and video correction tool.

    What changed

    • Rebuilt manual and Guided Dosing flows
    • Bottle inventory, schedules, reminders, and dose logging
    • TrakTone photo and video correction
    • Before and after media comparison
    • Email Updates with reef tank summaries
    • Modern Reef dosing products and ICP URL import

    A little more history

  51. · 20:50 UTC Released Guided setup, testing, cycling, and adaptive dosing 2.2.2iOSAndroid

    Version 2.2.2 added connected beginner and advanced workflows from first tank setup through testing and dosing.

    What changed

    • Guided Onboarding and Setup
    • Beginner Cycle Assistant
    • Color Match Testing
    • Guided Testing and Test Assist
    • Dosing System Setup
    • Guided Dosing Adaptive Engine foundation
    • Verified Two-Part Planner
    • Expanded Siri parameter queries
    • Maintenance Snooze and Skip Once
    • HYDROS per-parameter exclusions
    • Email Updates send-time picker

    A little more history

  52. · 15:14 UTC Released Freshwater and planted tank support 2.3.0iOSAndroidWeb

    The same connected tracking system expanded beyond reef aquariums into freshwater and planted tanks.

    What changed

    • Freshwater and planted tank modes
    • 1,342 freshwater fish
    • 129 aquatic plants and 48 freshwater invertebrates
    • Freshwater dosing, feeding, maintenance, and testing
    • Twenty-seven supported languages
    • Web Portal ICP report import
    • Faster and more reliable ICP processing

    A little more history

  53. · 21:26 UTC Released Safer Guided Dosing and Reef Labs ICP 2.3.1iOSAndroidWeb

    Dosing recommendations became clearer and more conservative while Reef Labs joined the ICP import system.

    What changed

    • Clearer Guided Dosing steps and safety explanations
    • Reef Labs ICP import
    • Cross-platform dosing and import fixes

    A little more history

  54. · 23:56 UTC Released Editable note time and faster photo sync 2.3.2iOSAndroidWeb

    Historical notes became more precise while media storage and international dosing product coverage expanded.

    What changed

    • Editable note dates and times
    • Photo compression for faster uploads and lower storage use
    • Photo synchronization and cleanup improvements
    • Sixty-eight additional UK, EU, and German dosing products

    A little more history

  55. · 20:17 UTC Released Verified-product dosing safeguards 2.3.3iOSAndroidWeb

    The current release tightened dosing calculations and limited guided recommendations to supported, verified products.

    What changed

    • Improved calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium calculations
    • Guided Dosing only for supported verified products
    • Better reef and freshwater separation in Web Portal product browsing
    • New Triton Method, refugium, and water-change guides
    • Additional parameter-save and stability protection

    A little more history

No timeline entries match that search and filter.

A quick note about the dates

Some dates show when a feature was being built, while others mark a test build or app release. The simple Development, Test build, and Released labels make that easy to spot without interrupting the story.

Older dates come from the best available mix of project history, changelogs, and store records. When an exact day was not available, the timeline uses a clear month or date range instead.

A story that keeps growing

This timeline is a living scrapbook of the Reef Trak product. It celebrates the small improvements, big releases, experiments, and ideas that turned an early local project into the app reef keepers use today.

New milestones will keep joining the path as Reef Trak continues to grow.