Reef Tek M.A.K (Microbial Analysis Kit)

What the Test Is

The Reef Tek M.A.K (Microbial Analysis Kit) is a microscopy-based diagnostic service that examines your aquarium sample to identify the biological cause of an issue and explain what is present at a microbial level. It provides a confirmed microscopic diagnosis based on what is actually observed in the sample, so you can understand what type of organism or microbial group is involved and respond appropriately.

Stop Treating the Wrong Problem

Most reef tank issues don’t persist because they’re difficult to fix.

They persist because they’re misidentified from the start.

To the naked eye, many outbreaks look identical:

• brown dusting on sand or glass
• red slime on rockwork
• green film or hair growth
• cloudy or hazy water
• stringy or mucus-like coatings
• recurring “mystery” blooms

Because these symptoms look similar, they often get treated the same way, which is where reef tanks get stuck.

For example; Dinoflagellate treatment success depends on correctly identifying the specific type present, as benthic, surface-forming, and free-swimming bloom forms can respond very differently to the same intervention. The only reliable way to distinguish between these types is through microscopic examination.

The Real Issue Isn’t Effort — It’s Direction

Most reef keepers don’t fail because they don’t try.

They fail because they treat the wrong cause.

This leads to:

• treatments that don’t resolve the issue
• temporary improvement followed by relapse
• repeated outbreaks under different conditions
• unnecessary chemical or system interventions
• long-term instability

In many cases, the “same problem coming back” is not actually the same problem, it is different organisms being treated the same way.

What the M.A.K Actually Does

It identifies what is physically present in your sample and provides interpretation of what that means for your reef system.

What You Receive

1. Microscopy Analysis

Your sample undergoes microscopic examination to identify and characterise the biological material/organisms present, with visual evidence included where applicable.

2. Microbial Diagnosis

A clear identification of the primary biological group(s) involved in the issue (e.g. cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, diatoms, algae, bacterial biofilms).

3. Treatment Direction

Simple, practical guidance on what type of response is appropriate based on what is observed.

Why This Matters

Correct treatment in reef systems depends on identifying the right biological cause first. Without that, even well-executed interventions often fail or only provide temporary relief.

The M.A.K removes that uncertainty by confirming what is actually present at a microscopic level, so your response is targeted and appropriate.

Evidence-Based Diagnosis. Not Trial-and-Error Treatment.

Stop guessing what it is.
Stop repeating treatments that don’t work.
Start with a correct diagnosis and treat the right problem from the start.

Shipping & What's Included

Your M.A.K (Microbial Analysis Kit) will be shipped directly to your nominated address and arrives ready to use. Each kit contains everything required to collect your sample correctly and return it for laboratory analysis.

Inside the kit you will receive:

• 2 × sterile 15ml sample collection tubes with blue screw caps
• 1 × disposable sample tweezers
• 1 x sterile pipette
• Step-by-step sampling instructions
• Return shipping information, including the address for sending your sample back for testing

Once your sample has been collected, simply follow the included instructions, package the sample securely, and return it to the provided testing address. Clear collection guidelines are included to help ensure the best possible sample quality and accurate analysis results.