Editor's Choice - Our Favorite capetsma Aquarium Test Kits
1. 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)

Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Test Kits
2. Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21410 Saltwater KH/Alkalinity Pro Test Kit for Aquarium, 75 Tests
User Ratings: 66 8
Red Sea 306011 First Impressions
"5 out of 5 stars."Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. So did another water change today and now I have happy fish. Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. But after last night these are a must have for me. It you take it to a local fish store. Comes with a lot of test strips, that are extremely easy to use and read. You never want to wait too long and the tank crashes and has major problems.
- Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21410 Saltwater KH/Alkalinity Pro Test Kit for Aquarium, 75 Tests
- Country Of Origin: United States
- The Package Length Of The Product Is 5.7007874015748 Inches
- The Package Width Of The Product Is 5.09842519685039 Inches
- The Package Height Of The Product Is 3.2007874015748 Inches
- Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
- Product Dimensions: 5.12 x 5.51 x 3.15 inches; 1 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea 306011
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.7']
- Quality [star rating='3.7']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.3']
Red Sea 306011 Final Thoughts
"So they're measuring!"You never want to wait too long and the tank crashes and has major problems. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. I found running all the tests took me around 10 minutes. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish. So did another water change today and now I have happy fish.
Overall Score
4.3
(19 Points)

3. Elos Aqua Test Kit - Carbonate Hardness
User Ratings: 25 24
Elos USA First Impressions
"1 dKh difference."But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it. All bottles clearly labeled and tell you how many drops. I have not had any problem whatsoever. Overall, I am very happy with this kit. These are working very well for me. Overall, I am very happy with this kit. Some of the readings develop better than others.
- Elos Aqua Test Kit - Carbonate Hardness
- High precision: thanks to the use of calibrated droppers L
- NIST validation: each batch is validated using NIST (National Institute of Standard and Technology)
- High number of test per kit: up to 60 test (with a standard level of 10 dKH) L
- "Safe reagents": reagents and testing procedures are based on Low Risk Reagents. None of our test ki
- Manufacture: Elos USA
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 2.3 x 3.3 inches; 1.12 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Elos USA
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.2']
- Quality [star rating='3.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='2.6']
- Affordability [star rating='2']
Elos USA Final Thoughts
"That is time consuming."Their Whisper 1-5 filter cartridges have skyrocketed in price and become a scarcity. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. You mostly find them using API also.
Overall Score
3.0
(3 Points)

4. 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)

5. Freshwater Aquarium Test Strips 5 in 1 - Pond or Fish Tank Test Kit for Testing pH Nitrite Nitrate G...
User Ratings: 73 12
AQUA CARE PRO First Impressions
"00 becomes 40."Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! This is a kit to test for my aquarium water quality. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. It does take some time though to actually get it done. Dip it in the water horizontally and keep it horizontal and read it against bottle. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. I set up a bunch of 20 gallon tanks for fry and stuff.
- Freshwater Aquarium Test Strips 5 in 1 - Pond or Fish Tank Test Kit for Testing pH Nitrite Nitrate General & Carbonate Hardness (GH & KH) - Easy to Read Wide Strips & Full Water Testing Guide, 116 Ct
- KEEP YOUR AQUARIUM OR POND HEALTHY - Monitoring your aquarium’s water quality is the most important thing for keeping tropical fish healthy and vibrant, and your tank looking beautiful.
- QUICK & EASY TO USE - Designed by experts, this 5 in 1 freshwater aquarium test kit is fast and easier to use than liquid test kits. Aqua Care Pro strips are wider and have non-bleeding colors, making them easier to hold, dip, and read.
- DESIGNED FOR AQUARIUMS AND PONDS - Aqua Care Pro strips test for General Hardness (GH), Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, and Carbonate Hardness (KH). The test results are in the proper range for aquarium and pond keeping.
- ECONOMICAL PACKAGING - Why buy more strips than you need? This kit includes 104 + 12 strips for testing twice a week (one year’s supply + 12 extra strips). Half of the strips are packaged separately to maintain freshness.
- 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT - The test kit includes detailed instructions for testing, understanding your results, and an e-book with helpful tips written by 30+ year industry experts. You’ll also have 24/7 access to our expert US-based aquatic biologists.
- Manufacture: Health Metric
- Editor's Impressions Of The AQUA CARE PRO
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='3.7']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.9']
AQUA CARE PRO Final Thoughts
"Thank you."No one brand is going to guarantee against this. In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. It helps get you in the ballpark with your water perimeters. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers. As you can see in comparison the only difference was the Nitrate. I get a consistent reading every time, retests included.
Overall Score
4.3
(29 Points)

6. Red Sea MCP Phosphate (PO4) Test Kit - Saltwater Aquariums, Packing may vary
User Ratings: 63
MCP 21480 First Impressions
"Simple and easy to use."Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready. Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. My water was good to go and soon after I for fish that are doing well! I was having trouble keeping my fish tank water looking good. It you take it to a local fish store. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect.
- Red Sea MCP Phosphate (PO4) Test Kit - Saltwater Aquariums, Packing may vary
- Red Sea Phosphate Test Kit Includes 100 tests.
- Measurement of Phosphate in your aquarium to an accuracy of 0. 1ppm PO4.
- For Saltwater/Reef/Marine Aquariums Only.
- Country of Origin: CHINA
- Age Range Description: All Stages
- Manufacture: Red Sea
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 2.5 inches; 3.99 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The MCP 21480
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.9']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
MCP 21480 Final Thoughts
"Great strips."I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. Easy to use, a good quantity and quality for the price. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc.
Overall Score
4.2
(10 Points)

7. Deepwater Aquatics AF01930 Test
User Ratings: 80 5
Deepwater Aquatics AF01930 First Impressions
"FIVE STARS for sure!"They're super easy to read and seem to be pretty accurate. I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. It does take some time though to actually get it done. While using these weirder chemicals, it worries me a little bit. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle.
- Deepwater Aquatics AF01930 Test
- Quickly measure the conentraion of Magnesium in marine water
- Mg levels should be analyzed regularly
- Test Kit contains sufficient reagents to perform approx. 55-60 separate tests within that range.
- Manufacture: Deepwater Aquatics
- Product Dimensions: 5.12 x 2.36 x 5.91 inches; 6.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Deepwater Aquatics AF01930
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.9']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
- Affordability [star rating='4.6']
Deepwater Aquatics AF01930 Final Thoughts
"My favorite brand!"Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. This is essential for an accurate reading. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. Definitely recommend this test strip for anyone who has a Betta fish as a pet. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums.
Overall Score
4.6
(28 Points)

8. Salifert Iodine Test Kit - 40 Tests
User Ratings: 65 12
Salifert First Impressions
"00 becomes 40."My results are never all over the place like other reviewers. Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. It helps get you in the ballpark with your water perimeters. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. But it is accurate and convenient as is. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away.
- Salifert Iodine Test Kit - 40 Tests
- Iodine is present in natural sea water in a very low concentration (0.6 mg/L or 0.06 PPM) and this i
- There is a misconception among many hobbyists that iodide predominates in natural sea water but in f
- Test kits which are not capable of detecting iodate are not suitable for aquarium use, since in a pr
- Iodine test kits should be capable of measuring all forms of naturally occurring iodine. The Salifer
- Unlike many other test kits, the Salifert Iodine Profi-Test is free from interference from other ele
- Manufacture: SALIFERT
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 4.3 x 2 inches; 0.02 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Salifert
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.7']
- Quality [star rating='4.7']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
- Affordability [star rating='4.2']
Salifert Final Thoughts
"+1-800-526-0650."I set up a bunch of 20 gallon tanks for fry and stuff. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. The test strips work as advertised. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate.
Overall Score
4.1
(42 Points)

9. Salifert Nitrate (No3) Test Kit
User Ratings: 77 4
All Seas Marine SI021 First Impressions
"25 from 0."The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. It is easy to use and accurate enough. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. So I got these to try and I love them. This is essential for an accurate reading. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still.
- Salifert Nitrate (No3) Test Kit
- Premium liquid test kit for precise nitrate measurement in aquariums
- Accurately detects Aquarium nitrate levels as low as 0.2 ppm
- Dual range nitrate test kit for reef aquariums and fish-only aquariums
- Precision nitrate test kit ideal for sensitive reef aquariums. Age range description: Adult
- Manufacture: All Seas Marine Inc
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 4 inches; 2.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The All Seas Marine SI021
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.4']
- Quality [star rating='4.7']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.9']
All Seas Marine SI021 Final Thoughts
"Great value, Speedy ship!"The key is that you are looking for changes. Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products. I found running all the tests took me around 10 minutes. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready. The stripa are easy to use, clear instructions and I gor results in seconds. Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-. In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either.
Overall Score
4.6
(286 Points)

10. AquaticHI Aquarium Refractometer for Saltwater/Brackish/Marine/Reef Tank Testing, Automatic Temperat...
User Ratings: 74 4
AquaticHI First Impressions
"This is my water."I respect a company that backs their product. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. The kH pad sometimes has the same problem as well. The key is that you are looking for changes. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. I have not found that to be true for myself.
- AquaticHI Aquarium Refractometer for Saltwater/Brackish/Marine/Reef Tank Testing, Automatic Temperature Control, Salinity (0-100ppt) and Specific Gravity (1.000-1.070)
- ⭐️ DUAL SCALE REFRACTOMETER: Measures in Salinity 0 - 100ppt and Specific Gravity 1.000 - 1.070
- ⭐️ IDEAL APPLICATIONS: Aquariums, Marine Monitoring, Agricultural, Gardening & Educational Purposes (Biology Projects)
- ⭐️ AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION (ATC): Automated to provide accurate measurements even with temperature fluctuations
- ⭐️ AFFORDABLE high quality while providing ⭐️ PROFESSIONAL testing equipment standards, accurate even at low salt levels
- ⭐️ STANDARD PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1 Refractometer, 1 Hard Carrying Case, 1 Calibrating Screw Driver, 1 Pippet, 1 Cleaning Clothe, 1 Instruction Manual
- Manufacture: Center Optoelectronics Technology Company Limited
- Editor's Impressions Of The AquaticHI
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
AquaticHI Final Thoughts
"Strips work great!"Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. If your lighting isn't right the colors will be very off. If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle. I have some pretty lousy water where I live. It is easy to use and accurate enough. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe.
Overall Score
4.5
(101 Points)
