Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Fluval Aquarium Test Kits
1. Fluval CO2 Indicator Kit
User Ratings: 61 7
Fluval A7551 First Impressions
"Bought the 100 Count."And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it. I don't know so much about how precise these are. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button!
- Fluval CO2 Indicator Kit
- Monitors levels of CO2 in aquariums
- Provides accurate dosing of CO2
- Ensures fish and plants live in a healthy environment
- Manufacture: Fluval
- Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 4 x 5.5 inches; 1.6 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Fluval A7551
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
- Affordability [star rating='3.9']
Fluval A7551 Final Thoughts
"Maybe I have bad bottle."The kH pad sometimes has the same problem as well. 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. This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. 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. Also, I'd avoid Tetra's strips to be honest- the reviews speak for themselves.
Overall Score
4.2
(175 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Test Kits
2. Sera Nitrate-Test (No3) 15 Ml, 0.5 fl.oz Aquarium Test Kits
User Ratings: 71 8
Sera 4510 First Impressions
"Helps keep my fish happy."They quickly shipped me a new product. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. Definitely recommend this test strip for anyone who has a Betta fish as a pet. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products. Also, I'd avoid Tetra's strips to be honest- the reviews speak for themselves.
- Sera Nitrate-Test (No3) 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: 13.6 L x 4.2H x9W(centimeters)
- Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.54 x 5.51 inches; 4.16 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4510
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.5']
- Quality [star rating='4.1']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
- Affordability [star rating='3.5']
Sera 4510 Final Thoughts
"Thank you!"This is essential for an accurate reading. This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. Definitely recommend this test strip for anyone who has a Betta fish as a pet. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. The test strips work as advertised. The price is great for all these essential tests! My water was good to go and soon after I for fish that are doing well!
Overall Score
4.4
(267 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3. Sera 50 Piece Quick Test
User Ratings: 70 1
Sera 4960 First Impressions
"Best strips ever."Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. It does take some time though to actually get it done. So I got these to try and I love them. Unfortunately nitrates still might be the most important test, at least for me it is. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. This is essential for an accurate reading.
- Sera 50 Piece Quick Test
- Quick water testing
- Check 5 water parameters within 1 minute
- PH, kH, gH, NO3, NO2
- Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 1.18 x 1.18 x 4.33 inches; 1.12 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4960
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.4']
- Quality [star rating='3.7']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
- Affordability [star rating='4.7']
Sera 4960 Final Thoughts
"However, it is not."Then put the cap on the test vial and invert it several times. The kH pad sometimes has the same problem as well. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. I have some pretty lousy water where I live. This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage.
Overall Score
4.5
(385 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4. PETLOFT 6-in-1 Aquarium Water Test Strips, 100 Count 6 Way Freshwater and Saltwater Test Strips Easy...
User Ratings: 39 16
PETLOFT First Impressions
"Maybe I have bad bottle."No issues so far, test strips work well. If your lighting isn't right the colors will be very off. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. Despite what it says on the chart, oxygen at 6mg will cause fish to start gulping. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. It's quick and easy and can give you an alert if something may be going on.
- PETLOFT 6-in-1 Aquarium Water Test Strips, 100 Count 6 Way Freshwater and Saltwater Test Strips Easy Test PH Total Hardness Chlorine Alkalinity Cyanuric Acid for Fish Tank Pool Pond SPA
- 6-in-1 Test Strips: Easily and accurately test for PH, total hardness (general hardness), total chlorine, free chlorine/bromine, total alkalinity, and cyanuric acid to help keep your water properly balanced
- Fast and Easy to Test: Remove a test strip without touching the test fields with your fingers; Dip the test trip into the water for 1-2 seconds; Hold horizontally for 60 seconds (longer or shorter may affect the result); Compare the test strip colors with the chart included; Before testing, please keep water as clear as possible for best result
- Storage and Expiration: Contains 100 strips; Valid for 24 months if store in a dry and dark place at 2℃ to 30℃; Please keep bottle cap closed between uses
- Widely Used: Safe for both freshwater and saltwater environments; Widely used for fish tank, pool, aquarium, pond, and so on
- Manufacture: J&D Tech
- Editor's Impressions Of The PETLOFT
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.2']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.1']
- Affordability [star rating='3.2']
PETLOFT Final Thoughts
"Super easy to use."I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. But after last night these are a must have for me. No one brand is going to guarantee against this. If you're looking for a quick-hit on a range of water quality these are the answer. A brand new aquarium will experience what is called a cycle. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate.
Overall Score
3.5
(26 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5. Sera pH-Test 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
User Ratings: 72 3
Sera 4310 First Impressions
"I love this test kit."Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium. So did another water change today and now I have happy fish.
- Sera pH-Test 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
- Easy to read
- Very accurate
- Makes it easy to monitor the pH value in fresh and marine water and ponds
- Package Dimensions: 13.8 L x 4.2H x9.2W(centimeters)
- Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.54 x 5.51 inches; 2.24 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4310
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.1']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
- Affordability [star rating='3.8']
Sera 4310 Final Thoughts
"These are just easier."If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. I have not had any problem whatsoever. This is essential for an accurate reading. I mean some people would never do a water test at all. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. So I got these to try and I love them.
Overall Score
4.5
(321 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6. Zoetis 14535 Alphatrak II Test Strips 50's
User Ratings: 79 1
Zoetis 14535 First Impressions
"Thanks Seachem."It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. Unfortunately nitrates still might be the most important test, at least for me it is. The rest of the test in the kit are much easier to use. If your lighting isn't right the colors will be very off. 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.
- Zoetis 14535 Alphatrak II Test Strips 50's
- Monitors your pet's blood glucose
- Use the same accurate device that your veterinarian uses
- Easy to use
- Manufacture: Lambert Vet Supply
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 2.85 x 1.5 inches; 0.81 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Zoetis 14535
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.3']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Zoetis 14535 Final Thoughts
"Simple and easy to use."My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. My 12 yrs old son wanted a fish tank so we got him 2. The strips are packaged well so they stay fresh and ready to use. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place. It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it.
Overall Score
4.7
(484 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7. Sera Phosphate-Test (PO4) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
User Ratings: 72 4
Sera 4930 First Impressions
"Great strips."But it turns out that is not the case. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. I have not had any problem whatsoever. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. These have worked to keep my fish safe and healthy. The price is great for all these essential tests! And if it was, please click on the helpful button below.
- Sera Phosphate-Test (PO4) 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; 2.89 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4930
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.7']
- Quality [star rating='4.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
- Affordability [star rating='3.9']
Sera 4930 Final Thoughts
"Easy to use."These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. They quickly shipped me a new product. I have not found that to be true for myself. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products.
Overall Score
4.4
(133 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8. Seachem Reef Status Calcium Test Kit
User Ratings: 32 13
Seachem 116092005 First Impressions
"Arrived with no damage."A plus is that they don't bleed colors while testing. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. If you want accurate pH get the API liquid test that includes pH and high pH. Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious. I respect a company that backs their product. 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.
- Seachem Reef Status Calcium Test Kit
- 150 test
- For saltwater use only
- Unique indicator
- Manufacture: Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 5.8 x 3.6 inches; 1.05 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Seachem 116092005
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.2']
- Quality [star rating='4.5']
- Value For Money [star rating='2.8']
- Affordability [star rating='3.5']
Seachem 116092005 Final Thoughts
"Easy to read."I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. Not really sure if there is a way to fix that though. They quickly shipped me a new product. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. I found running all the tests took me around 10 minutes. I set up a bunch of 20 gallon tanks for fry and stuff. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it.
Overall Score
3.5
(10 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9. Nutrafin Phosphate 0.0 to 5.0 Mg/L for Fresh and Saltwater, 75 -Tests
User Ratings: 71 5
Nutrafin A7840 First Impressions
"Using this meter is easy."They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. You mostly find them using API also. I have some pretty lousy water where I live. I used to always take a water sample to the pet store and they would teat it. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner.
- Nutrafin Phosphate 0.0 to 5.0 Mg/L for Fresh and Saltwater, 75 -Tests
- Suitable for fresh and saltwater aquariums to measure phosphate levels (0.0-5.0 Mg/L)
- Phosphate levels should generally never exceed 1 Mg/L
- Allows you to easily test phosphate levels
- Helps in the prevention of algae growth
- Easy to follow directions; Contains 75 tests
- Manufacture: Nutrafin
- Product Dimensions: 2 x 5.5 x 4.7 inches; 2.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Nutrafin A7840
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.8']
- Quality [star rating='3.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
- Affordability [star rating='3.9']
Nutrafin A7840 Final Thoughts
"Like nuclear waste water."It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. I have not had any problem whatsoever. The test strips work as advertised. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still. This is essential for an accurate reading.
Overall Score
4.4
(35 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10. API Freshwater Master Test Kit by API
User Ratings: 87
API First Impressions
"My favorite brand!"I have some pretty lousy water where I live. These are do helpful with maintaining your tank. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. They test pretty accurate when run against my chemical tests. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common.
- API Freshwater Master Test Kit by API
- API Freshwater Master Test Kit
- 20z
- Manufacture: API
- Editor's Impressions Of The API
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.8']
API Final Thoughts
"Gives me peace of mind."Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. It was also kinda hard to get exactly 5ml Into the tubes. So off to buy some sponge filters I went! So off to buy some sponge filters I went! Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading.
Overall Score
4.9
(13 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON