Editor's Choice - Our Favorite boxtech Aquarium Test Kits
1. Boxtech Aquarium Marine Test Sea Saltwater Hydrometer Reef - Ocean Hydrometer Salinity Meter - for F...
User Ratings: 62 7
boxtech First Impressions
"00 becomes 40."The rest of the test in the kit are much easier to use. Overall, I am very happy with this kit. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. Easy to use, a good quantity and quality for the price. Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-.
- Boxtech Aquarium Marine Test Sea Saltwater Hydrometer Reef - Ocean Hydrometer Salinity Meter - for Fish Tank Water Salinity Specific Gravity Test
- Safe Material:Made of plastic,aquarium clear Automatic Accurate Readable SaltWater Hydrometer.
- Durable Clear Acrylic:Accurate, durable, and easy to read your marine aquarium's salt level and specific gravity,Small and waterproof.if the specific gravity between 1.000 - 1.019,show that the specific gravity is small;if the specific gravity between 1.020 - 1.023,show that the specific gravity is nomal;if the specific gravity between 1.024 - 1.030,show that the specific gravity is big;
- Clearly Safe Zone Indicated:Includes solinity and specific grovity scales.The outside rang of scale indicates salinity(PPT).The inside range of scale indicates gravity.And with safe zone clearly indicated.Range of use: 0-40 degrees (1.000-1.030).If the salinity ppt between 32 - 40,show that the salinity hydrometer is high;If the salinity ppt between 27 - 31,show that the salinity hydrometer is normal; If the salinity ppt between 0 - 26,show that the salinity hydrometer is light.
- Wide Usage:Fit for brackish and marine aquariums.Perfect for testing both salinity and specific gravity of your brackish and marine tank.Includes solinity and specific grovity scales.Suitable for fresh water and sea water.
- Easy to Read and Use:The easy-to-read swing-arm pointer and extra wide stable base provide an accurate test result.
- Manufacture: Boxtech
- Product Dimensions: 5.12 x 9.06 x 0.98 inches; 3.6 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The boxtech
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.3']
- Quality [star rating='3.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
- Affordability [star rating='4.8']
boxtech Final Thoughts
"Pond water testing."About my pic color difference of the water and the chart and about the bad reviews. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. A plus is that they don't bleed colors while testing. It you take it to a local fish store. Comes with a lot of test strips, that are extremely easy to use and read. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish.
Overall Score
4.2
(123 Points)

Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Test Kits
2. Milliard Aquarium Test Strips / 7 in 1/100 Count/for Fresh Water and Salt Water Tanks
User Ratings: 71
Milliard MIL-AQM-A First Impressions
"A great kit!"I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. It is easy to use and accurate enough. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. Then replace the caps of the bottle and test vial. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. No issues so far, test strips work well.
- Milliard Aquarium Test Strips / 7 in 1/100 Count/for Fresh Water and Salt Water Tanks
- HEALTHY WATERS – keep your fish healthy and safe with Milliard’s test strips. With the distinct, no bleed color pads, our test strips will tell you all you need to know about the chemicals in your freshwater or saltwater fish tank.
- 7 WAY TESTING – each strip accurately tests for PH, Nitrite, Total Alkalinity, Hardness, Carbonate, Free Chlorine & Nitrate. Plus, every bottle comes with a comprehension card to help you understand your testing results.
- QUICK AND EASY – with 3 easy steps, clear instructions, and results within 60 seconds, Milliard’s test strips are the easiest way to help you maintain a healthy tank.
- GREAT VALUE – each bottle comes with 100 test strips – that’s about enough to test your waters twice a week for a full year!
- REAL SERVICE - when you purchase Milliard, you can relax knowing you have a dedicated team of real people ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
- Manufacture: Milliard
- Editor's Impressions Of The Milliard MIL-AQM-A
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.6']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.6']
- Affordability [star rating='4.2']
Milliard MIL-AQM-A Final Thoughts
", is that a 6, 6."Unfortunately nitrates still might be the most important test, at least for me it is. About my pic color difference of the water and the chart and about the bad reviews. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. The strips are packaged well so they stay fresh and ready to use. But after last night these are a must have for me. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening.
Overall Score
4.6
(144 Points)

3. Salifert Silicate Test Kit
User Ratings: 50 3
Salifert First Impressions
"Two packages were inside."It is easy to use and accurate enough. A brand new aquarium will experience what is called a cycle. Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. It does take some time though to actually get it done. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site.
- Salifert Silicate Test Kit
- Silicate occurs in tap water or purified water when the reverse osmosis or de ionizing unit is not f
- Silicate can result in diatom bloom and can block some essential trace elements such as vanadium and
- The Salifert Test kit for silicate is a very fast, sensitive and accurate test, with two scales: an
- Sufficient for 60 tests.
- Can be used for marine, fresh and garden pond waterUL>Erroneous results might be obtained when the c
- Manufacture: Salifert
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 4.3 x 2 inches; 0.32 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Salifert
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.9']
- Quality [star rating='4.7']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
- Affordability [star rating='3.3']
Salifert Final Thoughts
"Great value, Speedy ship!"Some of the readings develop better than others. This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it. The strips are packaged well so they stay fresh and ready to use.
Overall Score
4.2
(24 Points)

4. Red Sea 23167 Nitrate Pro 100 Tests Refill
User Ratings: 71
Red Sea 23167 First Impressions
"These strips are great."But it turns out that is not the case. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. The stripa are easy to use, clear instructions and I gor results in seconds. Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. If you keep freshwater fish, you will need this test kit. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else.
- Red Sea 23167 Nitrate Pro 100 Tests Refill
- This Product Is Easy To Use
- This Product Adds A Great Value
- The Package Weight Of The Product Is 0.3 Pounds
- Package Dimensions: 4.7007874015748" L X 3.09842519685039" W X 2" H
- Manufacture: Prime Pet Deals - Code 2
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches; 1.6 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea 23167
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.6']
- Quality [star rating='4.1']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
- Affordability [star rating='3.6']
Red Sea 23167 Final Thoughts
"YES, it's accurate."Every test I do takes just a few drops. I respect a company that backs their product. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks.
Overall Score
4.6
(18 Points)

5. NYOS Phosphate (PO4) Reefer Aquarium Test Kit
User Ratings: 55
NYOS First Impressions
"FIVE STARS for sure!"It you take it to a local fish store. Every test I do takes just a few drops. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. Definitely recommend this test strip for anyone who has a Betta fish as a pet.
- NYOS Phosphate (PO4) Reefer Aquarium Test Kit
- 50 Tests - NYOS REEFER test kits allows you to achieve precise and most importantly reproducible (i.e. in repeat measurements identical) measuring results.
- Measurement Range: 0.025–1.0 mg/l PO4
- Reagents are made in Germany in accordance with EN ISO 9001, AAS and NIST standards.
- Made in Germany
- Manufacture: NYOS
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 2 inches; 5.6 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The NYOS
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.8']
- Affordability [star rating='4.2']
NYOS Final Thoughts
"Love the convenience."Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. Not really sure if there is a way to fix that though. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. Then put the cap on the test vial and invert it several times. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it.
Overall Score
4.3
(21 Points)

6. Nutrafin Nitrate 0.0 to 110.0 Mg/L for Fresh and Saltwater, 80-Tests
User Ratings: 72 7
Nutrafin A7845 First Impressions
"A great kit!"If you keep freshwater fish, you will need this test kit. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. It was also kinda hard to get exactly 5ml Into the tubes. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still. Not really sure if there is a way to fix that though. This is essential for an accurate reading.
- Nutrafin Nitrate 0.0 to 110.0 Mg/L for Fresh and Saltwater, 80-Tests
- Suitable for freshwater or marine aquariums to determine nitrate level (0.0-110.0 Mg/L)
- Determines level of pollution in aquarium
- Essential in monitoring your tanks water quality
- Nitrate levels should be tested weekly
- Easy to follow directions; Contains 80 tests
- Manufacture: Nutrafin
- Product Dimensions: 2 x 5.5 x 5 inches; 3.2 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Nutrafin A7845
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.4']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Nutrafin A7845 Final Thoughts
"5 out of 5 stars."I would not use it solely for checking nitrate and nitrites. The key is that you are looking for changes. All bottles clearly labeled and tell you how many drops. It does take some time though to actually get it done. I used to always take a water sample to the pet store and they would teat it. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else.
Overall Score
4.4
(38 Points)

7. capetsma 9 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips, Best Kit for Water Quality Testing for Freshwater Saltwater Po...
User Ratings: 50 16
capetsma First Impressions
"Just sayin'."These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. Despite what it says on the chart, oxygen at 6mg will cause fish to start gulping. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. You never want to wait too long and the tank crashes and has major problems.
- capetsma 9 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips, Best Kit for Water Quality Testing for Freshwater Saltwater Pool and Pond - Test pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Carbonate, Hardness, Chlorine, Alkalinity, Iron, Copper
- 9 TESTS IN 1 COMPLETE KIT - Contains 1 capetsma 9-IN-1 TEST STRIPS Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Test Strips 50-Count in sealed Box. Monitors levels of pH ✓ Nitrate ✓ Nitrite✓ Carbonate ✓ General Hardness ( TDS ) ✓ Free Chlorine ✓ Total Alkalinity ✓ Iron ✓ Copper.
- EASY & FAST RESULTS - Simply dip a strip into liquid and compare it to chart. Quickly get test results in seconds, No private laboratory testing or mail-in analysis required.
- HELP MAINTAIN HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IN YOUR TANK - prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish and aquarium plants, Weekly test the water if water or fish problems appear, monitor your fish tank(aquarium), ensure your fishes to grow happier and healthier. Also it can help test the levels of all sorts of products such as drinking water, pools, spas, laundry, dishwasher, urine and more.
- EXPIRATION DATE: 2C ~ 30C dry place and keep away from light, valid for 24 months. Pls notice the production date is on the label, below the color chart, LOT: 2019061401 means it is the first batch on 06/14/2019.
- Use for weekly monitoring and when water or fish problems appear
- Manufacture: Capetsma
- Product Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.09 x 4.72 inches; 2.26 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The capetsma
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.6']
- Quality [star rating='3.5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
- Affordability [star rating='3.4']
capetsma Final Thoughts
"Simple and easy to use."I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. If you keep freshwater fish, you will need this test kit. Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus.
Overall Score
3.8
(613 Points)

8. Aquaforest Nitrate NO3 Test Kit
Aquaforest 55~65 Testes First Impressions
", is that a 6, 6."The test strips work as advertised. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. Overall, I am very happy with this kit. It was also kinda hard to get exactly 5ml Into the tubes. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. The kH pad sometimes has the same problem as well.
- Aquaforest Nitrate NO3 Test Kit
- Manufacture: Aquaforest
- Product Dimensions: 5.12 x 1.97 x 5.91 inches; 6.74 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Aquaforest 55~65 Testes
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.4']
- Quality [star rating='4.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Aquaforest 55~65 Testes Final Thoughts
"25 from 0."Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate. Their Whisper 1-5 filter cartridges have skyrocketed in price and become a scarcity. Also, I'd avoid Tetra's strips to be honest- the reviews speak for themselves. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. The test strips work as advertised.
Overall Score
5.0
(2 Points)

9. Nutrafin pH Wide Range 4.5 to 9.0 for Fresh and Saltwater, 100-Tests
User Ratings: 51 20
Nutrafin A7815 First Impressions
"I really enjoy this kit."So off to buy some sponge filters I went! I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. They quickly shipped me a new product. But it is accurate and convenient as is. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect.
- Nutrafin pH Wide Range 4.5 to 9.0 for Fresh and Saltwater, 100-Tests
- Suitable for freshwater or marine aquariums to establish the right pH range for your fish (4.5-9.0
- Determines general range of pH in your aquarium
- Helps you determine proper environment type for your fish
- Works to provide a healthy and clean living environment for your fish
- Easy to follow directions; Contains 100 Tests
- Manufacture: Nutrafin
- Product Dimensions: 2 x 5.5 x 5 inches; 3.2 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Nutrafin A7815
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.1']
- Quality [star rating='4.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.4']
- Affordability [star rating='3.3']
Nutrafin A7815 Final Thoughts
"Used the same kit before."I found running all the tests took me around 10 minutes. These have worked to keep my fish safe and healthy. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it.
Overall Score
3.9
(28 Points)

10. HI772-26 HI755-26 Alkalinity Checker Reagent (25 Tests) - Hanna Instruments
User Ratings: 84 1
Hanna Instruments First Impressions
"Thank you."These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. So I got these to try and I love them. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. Just be careful, after all these are chemicals. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading.
- HI772-26 HI755-26 Alkalinity Checker Reagent (25 Tests) - Hanna Instruments
- This reagent works with both the 755 & 772 Hanna checker. It may come with the tag 755-26 or 772-26, both reagents work with both checkers.
- Pre-made reagents for ease of use. Prepared with high purity chemicals.
- Marked with expiration date and lot number for traceability.
- Small size and big convenience.
- Manufacture: Hanna Instruments
- Part Number: HI 772-26
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 2.39 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches
- Batteries Included?: No
- Batteries Required?: No
- Editor's Impressions Of The Hanna Instruments
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.7']
Hanna Instruments Final Thoughts
"Perfect for quick checks."This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. 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. The key is that you are looking for changes.
Overall Score
4.7
(107 Points)
