Editor's Choice - Our Favorite API Aquarium Test Kits
1. API Aquarium Test Kit
User Ratings: 85 1
API 34 First Impressions
"Take the read."Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. No issues so far, test strips work well. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. You never want to wait too long and the tank crashes and has major problems. About my pic color difference of the water and the chart and about the bad reviews. The price is great for all these essential tests!
- API Aquarium Test Kit
- Contains one (1) API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, including 7 bottles of testing solutions, 1 color card and 4 glass tubes with cap
- Helps monitor water quality and prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish and cause fish loss
- Accurately monitors 5 most vital water parameters levels in freshwater aquariums: pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate
- Designed for use in freshwater aquariums only
- Use for weekly monitoring and when water or fish problems appear
- Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
- Product Dimensions: 9.13 x 3.5 x 4.63 inches; 1.15 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 34
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='3.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
API 34 Final Thoughts
"YES, it's accurate."I have not found that to be true for myself. Quantity of strips seems very good. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1.
Overall Score
4.8
(12611 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated API Aquarium Test Kits
2. API Test Strips, for Variety of Water Parameters, Monitor Aquarium Water Quality and Help Prevent In...
User Ratings: 74 3
API 33G First Impressions
"Maybe I have bad bottle."If you're looking for a quick-hit on a range of water quality these are the answer. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. While using these weirder chemicals, it worries me a little bit. You mostly find them using API also. To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco. But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it.
- API Test Strips, for Variety of Water Parameters, Monitor Aquarium Water Quality and Help Prevent Invisible Water Problems That can be Harmful to Fish, Use Weekly and When Problems Appear
- Contains one (1) API 5-IN-1 TEST STRIPS Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Test Strips 25-Count Box
- Monitors levels of pH, nitrite, nitrate carbonate and general water hardness in freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Dip test strips into aquarium water and check colors for fast and accurate results
- Helps prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish and cause fish loss
- Use for weekly monitoring and when water or fish problems appear
- Manufacture: Mars Fishcare Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.75 x 6.5 inches; 3.36 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 33G
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
- Quality [star rating='3.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.3']
- Affordability [star rating='3.5']
API 33G Final Thoughts
"I disagree."Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. If you want accurate pH get the API liquid test that includes pH and high pH. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. I've already lost one test tube cap, most likely due to my cats playing with them. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening.
Overall Score
4.5
(6938 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3. API TEST KIT, Different styles available, Monitors water quality and helps prevent invisible problem...
User Ratings: 77 3
API LR8600 First Impressions
"Very easy to use."Some of the readings develop better than others. These strips work very well and I have had consistent results with them. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement.
- API TEST KIT, Different styles available, Monitors water quality and helps prevent invisible problems that can be harmful to fish, Fast, easy and accurate, Use weekly and when problems appear
- Contains one (1) API AMMONIA 130-Test Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Water Test Kit, including 2 bottles of testing solution, 2 color cards and 1 glass test tube with cap
- Monitors water quality and prevents invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish
- Monitors water quality and prevents invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish
- Works instantly to make aquarium water safe for fish
- Dose several times a week when starting a new aquarium then weekly or when problem arise
- Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
- Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.63 x 5.13 inches; 4.8 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The API LR8600
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
- Affordability [star rating='4.6']
API LR8600 Final Thoughts
"I really enjoy this kit."Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. Quantity of strips seems very good. I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. So I got these to try and I love them. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. The test strips work as advertised.
Overall Score
4.6
(4238 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4. API Pondcare Master Liquid Test Kit
User Ratings: 78 2
API 164M First Impressions
"Perfect for quick checks."These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips. These are do helpful with maintaining your tank. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. Some of the readings develop better than others.
- API Pondcare Master Liquid Test Kit
- Contains one (1) API POND MASTER TEST KIT Pond Water Test Kit 500-Test, including 6 bottles of testing solution, 3 color cards and 4 glass test tubes with cap
- Helps monitor water quality and prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish
- Measures ornamental pond pH balance, Ammonia content, Nitrite levels and Phosphate content
- Contains six test bottles, instructions, glass test tubes and color charts for 500+ tests
- Use weekly for monitoring and when water or fish problems appear
- Manufacture: API
- Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.2 x 3.7 inches; 1.1 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 164M
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
- Quality [star rating='4.1']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4']
API 164M Final Thoughts
"However, it is not."Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products. All bottles clearly labeled and tell you how many drops. But it turns out that is not the case. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. I like API products and find them the most accurate. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use.
Overall Score
4.7
(1210 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling API Aquarium Test Kits
5. API NITRITE TEST KIT 180-Test Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Test Kit
User Ratings: 81 2
API 26 First Impressions
"They work for me."These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. The price is great for all these essential tests! I have not found that to be true for myself. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. The strips are able to monitor pH, nitrate, nitrite, water hardness. Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost.
- API NITRITE TEST KIT 180-Test Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Test Kit
- Contains one (1) API NITRITE TEST KIT 180-Test Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Test Kit, including 1 bottle of testing solution, 1 color card and 1 glass test tube with cap
- Helps monitor nitrite and prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish
- Accurately detects high nitrate levels from 0-5 ppm
- Prevents high levels of nitrite which inhibit fish respiration and suppress their immune systems
- Use for weekly monitoring and when water or fish problems appear
- Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 2.38 x 5.13 inches; 2.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 26
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
API 26 Final Thoughts
"Worth the money."I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. I have not had any problem whatsoever. But, I will continue to order Tetra's 6 in 1 until someone makes a better test strip. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. I have some pretty lousy water where I live. I would not use it solely for checking nitrate and nitrites. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7.
Overall Score
4.7
(605 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6. API REPLACEMENT TEST TUBES WITH CAPS For Any Aquarium Test Kit Including API Freshwater Master Test ...
User Ratings: 89 1
API 32 First Impressions
"It's that easy."Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-. My 12 yrs old son wanted a fish tank so we got him 2. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco. But it turns out that is not the case. I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank.
- API REPLACEMENT TEST TUBES WITH CAPS For Any Aquarium Test Kit Including API Freshwater Master Test Kit 24-Count Box
- Contains one (1) API REPLACEMENT TEST TUBES WITH CAPS For Any Aquarium Test Kit Including API Freshwater Master Test Kit 24-Count Box
- Compatible with any aquarium water test kits including freshwater and saltwater test kit, pH test kit, ammonia test kit, nitrate test kit, reef test kit, calcium test kit and more
- The API test tubes are perfect to replace API Freshwater Master Test Kit tubes, API Saltwater Master Test Kit tubes, API Reef Master Test Kit tubes, API Pond Master Test Kit tubes and any other API Test Kit tubes
- Snap-tight plastic caps
- Use when original tubes have been lost or damaged
- Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
- Product Dimensions: 7.13 x 1.25 x 3.5 inches; 6.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 32
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
- Quality [star rating='4.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.1']
API 32 Final Thoughts
"5 out of 5 stars."I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. Quantity of strips seems very good. So I got these to try and I love them. It you take it to a local fish store. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok.
Overall Score
4.8
(554 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7. API Replacement Test Tubes for Aquarium Test Kits 6 Pack Bundle
User Ratings: 87 3
API 5346906760 First Impressions
"So read the instructions."This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. If your lighting isn't right the colors will be very off. The strips are able to monitor pH, nitrate, nitrite, water hardness. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus.
- API Replacement Test Tubes for Aquarium Test Kits 6 Pack Bundle
- Replacement Test Tubes compatible with the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (API) Test Kits
- Includes caps
- 6 Pack
- Manufacture: API
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 5346906760
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
API 5346906760 Final Thoughts
"They work for me."This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. The price is great for all these essential tests! This is essential for an accurate reading. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. First and second test have a little change which was expected. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. All bottles clearly labeled and tell you how many drops.
Overall Score
4.7
(279 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8. API Replacement Test Tubes for Aquarium Test Kits 3 Pack Bundle
User Ratings: 89 1
API ZY-ghm-202009015-29 First Impressions
"Thank you."These strips work very well and I have had consistent results with them. This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. I would not use it solely for checking nitrate and nitrites. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes.
- API Replacement Test Tubes for Aquarium Test Kits 3 Pack Bundle
- Replacement Test Tubes compatible with the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (API) Test Kits
- Includes caps
- 3 Pack
- Manufacture: API
- Editor's Impressions Of The API ZY-ghm-202009015-29
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
- Affordability [star rating='4.5']
API ZY-ghm-202009015-29 Final Thoughts
"It's very easy to do."Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. Always nice to get something extra! I mean some people would never do a water test at all. It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. As you can see in comparison the only difference was the Nitrate.
Overall Score
4.8
(129 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9. API Marine Bundle Pack: One (1) API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT, one (1) API MARINE FLAKES Fish Food
User Ratings: 74 6
API 603C First Impressions
"Arrived with no damage."But after last night these are a must have for me. It helps get you in the ballpark with your water perimeters. The rest of the test in the kit are much easier to use. A plus is that they don't bleed colors while testing. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank.
- API Marine Bundle Pack: One (1) API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT, one (1) API MARINE FLAKES Fish Food
- Contains one (1) API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT 550-test, one (1) API MARINE FLAKES 1.1-ounce Fish Food
- API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT helps monitor essential water parameters such as high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, all of which are essential for your fish to thrive, yet may vary over time and are invisible to the eye
- API MARINE FLAKES Fish Food includes key nutrients and optimal protein sources for vibrant fish and a healthy aquatic environment
- Nutritious formula contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids in addition to spirulina algae
- Keep your Clownfish, Wrasses, Damsels, Tangs and other saltwater fish happy by feeding 2x daily and maintain a healthy aquatic environment by testing water weekly
- Manufacture: Mars Fishcare
- Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.5 x 6.5 inches; 1.2 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 603C
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.5']
- Quality [star rating='4.9']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
API 603C Final Thoughts
"Let me explain."I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. All bottles clearly labeled and tell you how many drops. This is a kit to test for my aquarium water quality. They test pretty accurate when run against my chemical tests. But, I will continue to order Tetra's 6 in 1 until someone makes a better test strip. Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-.
Overall Score
4.5
(59 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10. Fresh/Salt Carbonate Test Kit
User Ratings: 77 5
API 0317163010594 First Impressions
"Good value."Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products. They're super easy to read and seem to be pretty accurate. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. Every test I do takes just a few drops. They test pretty accurate when run against my chemical tests. Comes with a lot of test strips, that are extremely easy to use and read. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7.
- Fresh/Salt Carbonate Test Kit
- Liquid test for fresh and saltwater
- Helps detect stress on fish caused by rapid pH shifts, the result of low KH levels
- Contains color chart, clear instructions and glass tube(s)
- Package Quantity 1
- Manufacture: Mars
- Editor's Impressions Of The API 0317163010594
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.6']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
API 0317163010594 Final Thoughts
"Like nuclear waste water."No issues so far, test strips work well. It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. Also, I'd avoid Tetra's strips to be honest- the reviews speak for themselves. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still.
Overall Score
4.5
(31 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON