Aquarium Monitor

1. Is It Normal for the Readings to Fluctuate After First Startup or After Placing the Probe in Water?   

Yes. Some fluctuation is normal when the probe is first powered on, first placed in water, or returned to use after storage. The pH, ORP, and temperature sensors need time to respond to the surrounding water conditions. Keep the probe upright in an area with gentle, representative circulation and avoid judging the water from a single early reading. If the values remain unstable after the environment is stable, check probe placement, recent chemical treatment, sensor cleanliness, and calibration status.

2. What Should I Do If the Probe and Display Don’t Connect or Show a Disconnected/Out-of-Range Icon?

The probe and display are factory paired and normally reconnect automatically after power-on. If they do not connect, or if a disconnected/out-of-range icon appears, confirm that both devices have stable power, move them closer together, and reduce large metal barriers or other sources of wireless interference. Restart both devices and wait for automatic reconnection. If the issue remains, follow the “Reset Wireless” procedure in the User Manual. Contact KACTOILY Support if the connection still cannot be restored.

1. Why is the historical data different from the monitor's real-time displayed values?

Please note that the historical data is not real-time data. It represents the average value within an hour.

2. How deep do I need to place the probe underwater?

During regular use, please do not submerge the upper part of the probe in water.
Although the probe is completely waterproof, submerging it too deeply may cause excessive water pressure, which can shorten the lifespan of the pH probe.

3.Why do the measurements not change after the monitor is powered on?

Before use, please change the sealed probe protective cover to the perforated cover.

4. What if the probe is broken?

With a split sensor and display design, if the probe breaks, you can replace it instead of replacing the whole monitor.

5. Why Did the Readings Change Suddenly After Chemicals Were Added?

This is often normal. Chemical treatment changes the water chemistry, and the change may be especially strong before the chemicals are fully mixed. pH and ORP can respond quickly. Allow the water to circulate sufficiently, then review the trend again. Do not make another major chemical adjustment based only on one immediate reading.

1. How should I proceed if the measurements do not change with different pH buffer solutions when calibrating?

Please click “Reset” to restore factory settings and re-calibrate.

2. What is the relationship between the two units of TDS, ppt and ppm?

TDS monitoring is commonly used for freshwater aquariums, while marine aquariums tend to have much higher TDS values. To simplify value checks, the unit switches from PPM to PPT when the TDS exceeds 1000. (1 PPT = 1000 PPM)

3. How do I understand the difference between % and ppt in marine tank units?

The international standard units for salinity are % and PPT. Kactoily uses %, which represents the weight percentage of salt in water. 
Please note that both % and PPT can be used as standards for monitoring salinity.

4. What should I do if the measurements are abnormal?

First, check the following conditions:
1. Have you removed the sealed protective cap from the probe?
2. Whether the connecting wire is tightened.
3. Restore factory settings.
4. Recalibration with calibration solutions.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if the monitor still won't normalize after excluding the above conditions: services@kactoily.com.

5. Why do salinity measurements fluctuate so much?

It is highly likely that the probe was placed in an area where water flow fluctuates significantly.
It is best to place the probe in an area where there is a relatively stable flow of water.
To verify whether the salinity instability is caused by the placement: 
Take out part of the fish tank water, and place the probe in it for two days to see if the salinity changes significantly.

6. Why is the salinity measurement of the monitor different from the value of my refractometer?

Water is dropped onto the lens during optical measurement to see the refractive index. 
At this time, the water in the lens is still, and the water temperature is close to the temperature of the lens (or air temperature). 
Most people will optically measure the local salinity at a point in time to be used as the average salinity of the aquarium, this method is called a sampling test to provide feedback on the overall salinity.
But in fact, the concentration of seawater is not ideally uniform, and the environment of organisms in seawater is also uneven. 
As long as there is water flow and temperature changes, the environment they live in is dynamic. Therefore, optical testing cannot directly feed back the average salinity of seawater, but only the local salinity at a specific moment.
The electronic measuring equipment, like our monitor, in essence, measures the strength (concentration) of conductive ions around the two electrodes and focuses on feeding back the dynamic changes in the living environment of aquatic organisms. 
The meaning and results of the measurement are naturally different.

7. Why has my ORP been fluctuating and unstable?

It's completely normal!
In daily use, REDOX requires a certain amount of oxidation time, generally takes more than a week.
The ORP of the new monitor is usually under 100 when it is first used, so the value displayed by your monitor is a normal fluctuation.
Please be patient and use it for more than one week. 

8. Why is my ORP showing negative?

3 Situations that can lead to negative ORP:

1. The cord isn't plugged in tightly.
2. Unstable power supply.
3. There's a foreign object inside the probe.

1. Why Does Calibration Fail?

First check the calibration materials and the probe. Calibration powder that has absorbed moisture or deteriorated may produce an incorrect calibration solution. Prepare a fresh solution using dry calibration powder and the specified amount of distilled or deionized water, following the User Manual. Also make sure the sensor is clean, fully wet, and undamaged. If calibration repeatedly fails with a freshly prepared solution, the probe or sensing element may be faulty. Stop repeated calibration attempts and contact KACTOILY Support.

2. What Should I Do If the Reading Is Still Abnormal After Calibration?

A successful calibration does not eliminate every possible cause of an abnormal reading. Return the probe to a calm, representative location and allow the reading to stabilize. Check for contamination, drying, recent chemical treatment, and differences in the reference method. For pH or temperature, use the adjustment function only when a small, consistent offset remains against a reliable reference. If the reading is still clearly abnormal after correct calibration and basic checks, the sensor may require further inspection or replacement; contact KACTOILY Support before continuing repeated adjustments.

3. When does the probe need to be replaced?

(1) Incorrect use, such as immersing the upper part of the probe results in inaccurate measurement.
(2) Water is too dirty, causing probe blockages and damage.
(3) Incorrect storage, let the probe be exposed to the air for a long time without water and the protection cap.
(4) The use time has reached the service life of the probe.
(5) Break violently.

4. How long will the probes last？

It depends on how you use it. It can even last for 2-3 years if you take care of it and maintain it regularly. 
If the probe is in a too-dirty environment and you don't clean it regularly, it will affect its life. 
Also please make sure that don't let the water go above the maximum water level line.

5. How should I clean and maintain the probe if it becomes ineffective or has algae and other buildup attached?

If the probe becomes less effective due to algae or other buildup, soak the probe for approximately 12 hours (overnight) in either a saturated Potassium Chloride (KCl) solution or a 1:15 diluted chlorine-based disinfectant solution.

For the disinfectant, use a chlorine-containing product with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as the main ingredient, with a concentration of approximately 6% before dilution.

Important: When soaking the probe, do not submerge the upper part of the probe. Only the appropriate sensing portion should be immersed.

6. Is White KCl Residue on the Sensor Normal During First Use?

Yes. White residue from the KCl storage solution may appear on the sensing area during first use or after storage. This is normal and does not by itself indicate damage. Disconnect power and rinse the sensing area gently with clean water before use. Do not scrape, scratch, or clean the sensors with hard brushes, sharp tools, or abrasive cleaners.

7. Why Can Contamination or Buildup on the Sensor Affect the Readings?

pH and ORP sensors must stay in direct contact with the surrounding water. Oils, scale, residue, or other buildup on the sensing surface can interfere with that contact and slow or distort the sensor response. Disconnect power and rinse the sensing area gently with clean water. Do not use cleaners, hard brushes, sharp tools, or abrasive materials. If readings remain abnormal after cleaning, check calibration and sensor condition.

1. Why Can’t the Device Connect to Wi-Fi?

The display supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Connection can fail if the selected network is 5 GHz-only, the password is incorrect, the display has lost power, or the router/network information has changed. Make sure the display is powered and the phone has the required permissions during setup, then follow the User Manual to reset Wi-Fi and reconnect to a 2.4 GHz network. If setup repeatedly fails, contact KACTOILY Support.

2. Why Is the App Offline or Not Updating While the Display Still Shows Data?

The probe-to-display connection and the display-to-App connection are two separate links. If the display still shows current pH, ORP, and temperature readings but the App is offline or not updating, the probe-to-display link is working and the issue is more likely on the display-to-network/App link. Check the display’s Wi-Fi connection, router Internet access, and whether the device shows online in the App. Refresh the App and reconnect or reset Wi-Fi if needed. Do not reset the probe unless the display itself has no probe data.

3. Why Do I Need to Reset or Reconnect Wi-Fi After Changing My Router or Wi-Fi Password?

The display stores the Wi-Fi network information used during setup. If the router, network name, or password changes, the saved information may no longer be valid, so the display cannot reconnect automatically. Reset the display Wi-Fi and add the device again using the new 2.4 GHz network information.

4. Why Am I Not Receiving Reminder Notifications?

Make sure the reminder is enabled, the device is online, and notification permission for the Kactoily App is allowed in your phone settings. If the monitored value returns to the normal range, the related notification may disappear automatically. Also note that entering the “Set Reminder” screen is treated as resetting the reminder notification state. If notifications still do not appear, verify the device connection first.

5. Why Can a Shared User View Readings but Not Change Device Settings?

This is the designed permission level for shared access. A user who receives a shared device can view the water readings, but cannot change the owner’s device settings. This prevents accidental or unauthorized changes to reminders, device configuration, and other settings. The device owner remains responsible for configuration and can remove shared access when needed.

1. How Can I Tell Whether the Connection Problem Is Between the Probe, Display, or App?

Use the display as the dividing point. If the display itself has no pH/ORP/temperature data or shows a disconnected/out-of-range probe icon, the problem is on the probe-to-display link. If the display is updating normally but the App is offline or not receiving new data, the problem is on the display-to-App/network link. A normal Wi-Fi icon does not confirm that the probe is connected. Use “Reset Wireless” for the probe-to-display link and “Reset WIFI” for the display-to-App link, following the User Manual.

2. What Should I Do If the Probe Input Voltage Status Shows Low or High?

The probe should be powered with the supplied 5 V/1 A adapter. If the display shows low or high probe input voltage, check the power adapter, cable, connector, and power outlet, and make sure the specified power supply is being used. Do not continue using a visibly damaged cable or an unsuitable power source. If the abnormal voltage status remains with the correct power supply, stop troubleshooting and contact KACTOILY Support.

1. What Should I Check First If There Are No Readings or No Connection at All?

Check the system in order:

(1) confirm stable power to both probe and display; 

(2) check whether the display shows probe signal, a disconnected icon, or any measurements; 

(3) move the probe and display closer and restart both devices; 

(4) if the display still has no probe data, follow “Reset Wireless”; 

(5) if the display works but the App does not, troubleshoot Wi-Fi instead. This sequence helps identify the failed link and prevents resetting the wrong connection.

2.What Should I Do If the Readings Remain Abnormal or Unstable?

Troubleshoot in this order: first check recent chemical treatment, probe placement, strong flow, bubbles, and major temperature changes. Then inspect the sensing area for contamination or buildup and clean it as described in the User Manual. Compare the same parameter with a reliable reference under stable conditions. If one parameter remains consistently abnormal, check or perform calibration. If the water is stable, the sensor is clean, calibration is correct, and the same parameter is still clearly abnormal or unstable, the sensing element may require further inspection. Contact KACTOILY Support for diagnosis.

1. Should I Adjust Chemicals Based on One Abnormal Reading?

No. Do not make a major chemical-treatment change based only on one abnormal reading. First consider recent dosing, water circulation, probe placement, bubbles, temperature changes, and whether the reading has stabilized. Review the trend and, when necessary, confirm the result with another reliable testing method. Large treatment changes should be based on consistent evidence rather than one momentary value.

2. When Should I Stop Troubleshooting and Contact KACTOILY Support?

Contact Support if the device cannot power on after basic power checks, the probe and display repeatedly fail to reconnect after the recommended reset, calibration repeatedly fails with fresh calibration materials, readings remain clearly abnormal after correct placement/cleaning/calibration, or there is visible damage, leakage, unusual heat, or unusual odor. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the device yourself.

3. What Information Should I Provide When Contacting KACTOILY Support?

To help Support identify the issue quickly, provide the product model, Device ID/SN if available, order number, a clear description of the problem, when it started, and the troubleshooting steps already completed. Photos, screenshots, or short videos showing the issue are especially helpful for display, connection, reading, or physical-damage problems.