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

[star rating="3.8"]
(613 Points)

2. Sera Iron-Test (Fe) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits

User Ratings: 66 8

Sera 4610 First Impressions

"Thanks Red Sea."

It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. I like API products and find them the most accurate. 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. My 12 yrs old son wanted a fish tank so we got him 2.

  • Sera Iron-Test (Fe) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
  • Easy to read
  • Very accurate
  • For freshwater and marine aquariums as well as ponds
  • Package Dimensions: 12.8 L x 4.2H x9.4W(centimeters)
  • Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
  • Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.54 x 5.51 inches; 2.75 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4610
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.9']
  • Quality [star rating='3.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

Sera 4610 Final Thoughts

"Gives me peace of mind."

This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. The test strips work as advertised. They quickly shipped me a new product. Then put the cap on the test vial and invert it several times. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. I was having trouble keeping my fish tank water looking good. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(57 Points)

3. Sera Aqua-Test Box Marin (+ Ca) Aquarium Test Kits

User Ratings: 50 8

Sera 4004 First Impressions

"00 becomes 40."

I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. I have not had any problem whatsoever. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks.

  • Sera Aqua-Test Box Marin (+ Ca) Aquarium Test Kits
  • Master test kit
  • Includes all the important test kits
  • Very accurate
  • Tests easy to read
  • Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
  • Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 13.58 x 12.6 inches; 3.84 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4004
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.7']

Sera 4004 Final Thoughts

"I really enjoy this kit."

The price is great for all these essential tests! This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. I've already lost one test tube cap, most likely due to my cats playing with them.

Overall Score
4.0

[star rating="4"]
(19 Points)

4. Hanna Instruments Two Pack HI772-26 (HI755-26) Alkalinity Checker Reagent for 50 tests

User Ratings: 89 1

Hanna Instruments First Impressions

"So read the instructions."

I have some pretty lousy water where I live. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. They test pretty accurate when run against my chemical tests. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. These are do helpful with maintaining your tank. This is a kit to test for my aquarium water quality. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit.

  • Hanna Instruments Two Pack HI772-26 (HI755-26) Alkalinity Checker Reagent for 50 tests
  • 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, big convenience.
  • Manufacture: Hanna Instruments
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Hanna Instruments
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Hanna Instruments Final Thoughts

"I kid you not."

But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips. So did another water change today and now I have happy fish. First and second test have a little change which was expected. It was also kinda hard to get exactly 5ml Into the tubes. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. Easy to use, a good quantity and quality for the price. But after last night these are a must have for me.

Overall Score
4.8

[star rating="4.8"]
(200 Points)

5. Sera Chlorine-Test (Cl) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits

User Ratings: 66 12

Sera 4810 First Impressions

"Thank you."

If you want accurate pH get the API liquid test that includes pH and high pH. So I got these to try and I love them. Dip it in the water horizontally and keep it horizontal and read it against bottle. Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products. It is easy to use and accurate enough. The rest of the test in the kit are much easier to use. Always nice to get something extra!

  • Sera Chlorine-Test (Cl) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
  • For freshwater and marine aquariums as well as ponds
  • Very accurate
  • Easy to read
  • Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
  • Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.54 x 5.51 inches; 1.76 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4810
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='3.6']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

Sera 4810 Final Thoughts

"Thanks Red Sea."

In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. I found running all the tests took me around 10 minutes. I respect a company that backs their product. I don't know so much about how precise these are. This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. If you're looking for a quick-hit on a range of water quality these are the answer. Also, I'd avoid Tetra's strips to be honest- the reviews speak for themselves.

Overall Score
4.1

[star rating="4.1"]
(38 Points)

6. Deepwater Aquatics AF01910 Test

User Ratings: 69

Deepwater Aquatics AF01910 First Impressions

"Two packages were inside."

I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. I mean some people would never do a water test at all. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. These have worked to keep my fish safe and healthy. Quantity of strips seems very good.

  • Deepwater Aquatics AF01910 Test
  • Quickly measure the conentraion of Calcium in marine water
  • Recommended Calcium level should be maintained in the range between 400-450 mg/l (ppm)
  • Test Kit contains sufficient reagents to perform approx. 55-60 separate tests within that range.
  • Manufacture: Deepwater Aquatics
  • Product Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.12 x 1.97 inches; 6.4 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Deepwater Aquatics AF01910
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.9']

Deepwater Aquatics AF01910 Final Thoughts

"And I will."

Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious. It was also kinda hard to get exactly 5ml Into the tubes. Their Whisper 1-5 filter cartridges have skyrocketed in price and become a scarcity. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. I like API products and find them the most accurate. I have not had any problem whatsoever.

Overall Score
4.7

[star rating="4.7"]
(12 Points)

7. ULTIMATE 14-in-1 Aquarium Test Kit with Trace Heavy Metals | 50 Water Testing Strips for Fresh-Water...

User Ratings: 55 14

life2O 1530100012 First Impressions

"Two packages were inside."

Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-. I was having trouble keeping my fish tank water looking good. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. But, I will continue to order Tetra's 6 in 1 until someone makes a better test strip. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience.

  • ULTIMATE 14-in-1 Aquarium Test Kit with Trace Heavy Metals | 50 Water Testing Strips for Fresh-Water or Salt-Water Aquarium, Fish-Tank, Reef & Pond | Alkalinity, pH, Nitrate, Carbonate Hardness & More
  • [PROFESSIONAL GRADE] Our Aquarium Dip-Stick Test Strips, with 99% High Accuracy Color Pads, Are a Rapid, Reliable & Cost Effective way to Perform Aquarium Maintenance | FREE e-Book Emailed with Your Purchase.
  • [TRACE HEAVY METALS] The Best Aquatic Life Water Tester PERIOD. The Only One That Measures Trace Heavy Metals & Low Range Fluoride Levels Which Are Hidden Parameters That Adversely Affect Marine, Coral & Plant Health.
  • [14 PARAMETERS] The Most Complete Aquarium Test Kit Available: Total Alkalinity, pH, General Total Hardness (GH), Carbonate Hardness (KH), Free Chlorine, Nitrate, Nitrite, Mercury, Lead, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc & Fluoride
  • [ARE YOUR FISH SAFE?] Bad Water Quality Causes Fish Stress Which Leads to Death. Monitor Your Aquarium Now!
  • [EASY TO USE] Simple Instructions with Dip & Read Visual Results in 60 Seconds & Straightforward Color Chart.
  • Manufacture: life2O
  • Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 5.5 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The life2O 1530100012
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='3.4']
  • Quality [star rating='3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.9']

life2O 1530100012 Final Thoughts

"After 2 weeks of 0-."

Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. A plus is that they don't bleed colors while testing. I like API products and find them the most accurate. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. I have not found that to be true for myself. Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious.

Overall Score
3.9

[star rating="3.9"]
(237 Points)

8. 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

[star rating="3"]
(3 Points)

9. Sera Copper-Test (Cu) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits

User Ratings: 60 7

Sera 4710 First Impressions

"Hope this was useful."

If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! I mean some people would never do a water test at all. You never want to wait too long and the tank crashes and has major problems. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. Their Whisper 1-5 filter cartridges have skyrocketed in price and become a scarcity. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips.

  • Sera Copper-Test (Cu) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
  • Country Of Origin : Germany
  • The Package Height Of The Product Is 5.51 Inches
  • The Package Length Of The Product Is 1.57 Inches
  • The Package Width Of The Product Is 3.54 Inches
  • Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
  • Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.54 x 5.51 inches; 2.08 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4710
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Sera 4710 Final Thoughts

"Maybe I have bad bottle."

But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips. Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-. The stripa are easy to use, clear instructions and I gor results in seconds. As you can see in comparison the only difference was the Nitrate. The test strips work as advertised. Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips.

Overall Score
4.2

[star rating="4.2"]
(36 Points)

10. Culligan TK Lead water test kit, Clear

User Ratings: 27 31

Culligan TK-LEAD First Impressions

"Worked pretty well."

So I got these to try and I love them. They test pretty accurate when run against my chemical tests. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. Definitely recommend this test strip for anyone who has a Betta fish as a pet. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. It you take it to a local fish store. The kH pad sometimes has the same problem as well.

  • Culligan TK Lead water test kit, Clear
  • The test kit is specifically for Lead in drinking water
  • Works on Well or City Water.
  • Includes Culligan 1-800 Customer # for inquiries.
  • Detects lead in drinking water
  • Manufacture: Culligan
  • Part Number: TK-LEAD
  • Item Weight: 0.16 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Color: Clear
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Culligan TK-LEAD
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.3']
  • Quality [star rating='2.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.3']

Culligan TK-LEAD Final Thoughts

"FIVE STARS for sure!"

But it turns out that is not the case. Every test I do takes just a few drops. I was having trouble keeping my fish tank water looking good. In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost.

Overall Score
3.3

[star rating="3.3"]
(4 Points)

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