Editor's Choice - Our Favorite life2O Aquarium Test Kits
1. 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
(237 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. Tetra EasyStrips 6-in-1 Aquarium Test Strips for Fresh/Salt Water
User Ratings: 78 2
Tetra 19543 First Impressions
"00 becomes 40."Every test I do takes just a few drops. Overall, I am very happy with this kit. This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. First and second test have a little change which was expected. Their Whisper 1-5 filter cartridges have skyrocketed in price and become a scarcity. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart.
- Tetra EasyStrips 6-in-1 Aquarium Test Strips for Fresh/Salt Water
- COMPLETE TESTING Regularly testing your water levels is critical to the success of your aquarium
- 6 DIFFERENT TESTS WITH 1 STRIP Just one test monitors nitrates nitrites water hardness chlorine alkalinity and pH levels
- VERSATILE Can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- CONVENIENT Just dip into water wait 60 seconds and read results
- USAGE Use weekly to monitor aquarium water after water changes or when adding new fish
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Manufacture: Tetra
- Product Dimensions: 1.81 x 1.81 x 3.75 inches; 1.6 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Tetra 19543
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Tetra 19543 Final Thoughts
"So read the instructions."If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. If you keep freshwater fish, you will need this test kit. Just be careful, after all these are chemicals. Every test I do takes just a few drops. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus.
Overall Score
4.6
(3788 Points)

4. Salifert pH Test Kit
User Ratings: 84 4
Salifert 8714079130491 First Impressions
"I kid you not."No one brand is going to guarantee against this. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus. The rest of the test in the kit are much easier to use. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. But after last night these are a must have for me. It you take it to a local fish store. Easy to use, a good quantity and quality for the price.
- Salifert pH Test Kit
- The pH test kit provides accurate pH fluctuations
- The pH test kit can perform up to 50 tests
- The pH test monitors the pH and provides an effective alkalinity
- Manufacture: Deepwater Aquatics Distribution
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 4 inches; 1.59 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Salifert 8714079130491
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Salifert 8714079130491 Final Thoughts
"75, for example."They're super easy to read and seem to be pretty accurate. It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues.
Overall Score
4.7
(108 Points)

5. Seachem 28658 Alert Combo Pack
User Ratings: 63 10
Seachem First Impressions
"It's very easy to do."But it turns out that is not the case. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. They're super easy to read and seem to be pretty accurate. It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it.
- Seachem 28658 Alert Combo Pack
- A year of continuous monitoring
- No Strips, no tests, just constant readings
- Monitors pH and ammonia
- Manufacture: Seachem
- Editor's Impressions Of The Seachem
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.7']
- Quality [star rating='3.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='4']
- Affordability [star rating='4.1']
Seachem Final Thoughts
"Best strips ever."They're super easy to read and seem to be pretty accurate. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it. I used to always take a water sample to the pet store and they would teat it. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. I have not had any problem whatsoever. If I had a complaint, I wish the color legend was printed on the bottle.
Overall Score
4.1
(577 Points)

6. 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)

7. NilocG Aquatics Glass Co2 Drop Checker with 4dkh/PH Solution | Quickest, Most Accurate & Easiest to ...
User Ratings: 81 3
NilocG Aquatics First Impressions
"Thanks Seachem."The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. No issues so far, test strips work well. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. These are working very well for me. This is essential for an accurate reading. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok.
- NilocG Aquatics Glass Co2 Drop Checker with 4dkh/PH Solution | Quickest, Most Accurate & Easiest to Use Glass Co2 Drop Checker with 4dKH/Ph Reagent Most Accurate Monitoring of Your Co2 Levels
- WHY SHOULD YOU PURCHASE THIS DROP CHECKER AND INDICATOR SOLUTION: The biggest reason is that it comes with 4dKH fluid and ph reagent PRE-MIXED. If you aren’t using 4dkh fluid your reading is very unlikely to be accurate. Second this drop checker is very easy to use and fill. No need for syringes and other items, the indicator solution comes with a flip top bottle for extremely easy use.
- IMPORTANT- MUST READ- It is very important to use 4dkh fluid and ph reagent in your Co2 drop checker. If your drop checker directs you to use tank water then it will not be accurate and you will not have a good idea of what the actual co2 levels are. If your co2 drop checker doesnt list 4dkh fluid then assume you dont have it. Its a must have for optimum accuracy!!!!!!!
- Highest Quality Co2 Drop Checker With 4dKH/PH solution. Monitoring co2 levels in your planted aquarium is very important for the health of your plants and fish. This kit is complete with everything that you will need. It includes: High quality drop checker, suction cup, 60ml bottle of 4dkh/ph reagent solution.
- EXTREMELY EASY TO USE CO2 DROP CHECKER- To use simply fill the drop checker half way with the Co2 Indicator Solution. Place suction cup on the drop checker and place in your planted tank. Wait 2 hours to read Co2 levels.
- HOW TO READ CO2 DROP CHECKER- When your co2 is off the drop checker solution will be a deep blue color. After co2 has been on for around 2 hours you should notice the color change. Optimal co2 concentration will be at 30ppm which will be a green-light green color. If it remains blue your co2 is too low. If the color turns yellow then your levels are too high and may harm your fish. USE THE COLOR CHART ON THE SIDE OF THE CO2 INDICATOR SOLUTION or ON THE PRODUCT INSERT-
- Manufacture: NilocG Aquatics
- Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.4 x 3.3 inches; 3.99 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The NilocG Aquatics
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.1']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.9']
NilocG Aquatics Final Thoughts
"However, it is not."I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. Dip it in the water horizontally and keep it horizontal and read it against bottle. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues.
Overall Score
4.7
(729 Points)

8. Red Sea Calcium/Ca Pro Test Kit - 75 tests
User Ratings: 92
Red Sea First Impressions
"Thanks Red Sea."This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. They quickly shipped me a new product. But it is accurate and convenient as is. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. So I got these to try and I love them. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else.
- Red Sea Calcium/Ca Pro Test Kit - 75 tests
- Accuracy: 5ppm
- Package size/volume: 75 tests
- Titrator included inside – easy to use, single hand and high precision titrator.
- Kit includes durable, chemical resistant plastic case & analytical grade glass vials.
- Manufacture: Red Sea
- Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.4']
Red Sea Final Thoughts
"Perfect for quick checks."Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. It was also kinda hard to get exactly 5ml Into the tubes. The strips are packaged well so they stay fresh and ready to use. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it. Their Whisper 1-5 filter cartridges have skyrocketed in price and become a scarcity. This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish.
Overall Score
4.9
(8 Points)

9. Sera Magnesium-Test (Mg) 15 Ml, 0.5 fl.oz Aquarium Test Kits
User Ratings: 19 25
Sera 4714 First Impressions
"FIVE STARS for sure!"It helps get you in the ballpark with your water perimeters. 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. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. If you want accurate pH get the API liquid test that includes pH and high pH.
- Sera Magnesium-Test (Mg) 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; 3.68 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4714
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.5']
- Quality [star rating='3.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.2']
- Affordability [star rating='2.1']
Sera 4714 Final Thoughts
"I love this test kit."I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. These are working very well for me. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium. Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. While using these weirder chemicals, it worries me a little bit. I've already lost one test tube cap, most likely due to my cats playing with them.
Overall Score
3.0
(9 Points)

10. RUNBO 6-in-1 Aquarium Test Strips - NO STOCK
User Ratings: 71 4
RUNBO First Impressions
"Fast result."These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. But it is accurate and convenient as is. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready.
- RUNBO 6-in-1 Aquarium Test Strips - NO STOCK
- PLEASE NOTICE: All RUNBO test strips from Morusstudio(It used to be called SHOPBESTCOLLETION) is fake
- The real look of RUNBO test strips, please see as picture.
- The Standard Specification of RUNBO test strips is 50 in the bottle, 50 in a refill bag
- Manufacture: RUNBO
- Product Dimensions: 4.72 x 2.17 x 2.17 inches; 2.08 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The RUNBO
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.6']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4']
RUNBO Final Thoughts
"This part is very easy."It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus. But it is accurate and convenient as is. I have some pretty lousy water where I live. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers.
Overall Score
4.5
(913 Points)
