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. E-SHA Esha Quick Test Aquarium Water 5 in 1 Test Strips X 50
User Ratings: 69 3
E-SHA First Impressions
"9m, which is frustrating."No issues so far, test strips work well. If you're looking for a quick-hit on a range of water quality these are the answer. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish.
- E-SHA Esha Quick Test Aquarium Water 5 in 1 Test Strips X 50
- Saves time.
- Easy to use.
- Accuracy
- 300 tests
- Don't be tempted to skip testing, just let the strips take the strain instead!
- Manufacture: eSHa
- Editor's Impressions Of The E-SHA
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='3.5']
E-SHA Final Thoughts
"Worked pretty well."Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! Just be careful, after all these are chemicals. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips.
Overall Score
4.5
(69 Points)

3. 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)

4. Sera 3 Piece Vials Supplementary Pack Aquarium Test Kits
User Ratings: 75
Sera 4945 First Impressions
"3 and not 0."Unfortunately nitrates still might be the most important test, at least for me it is. Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it. Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place.
- Sera 3 Piece Vials Supplementary Pack 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; 0.32 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4945
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Sera 4945 Final Thoughts
"Fast result."Dip it in the water horizontally and keep it horizontal and read it against bottle. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. Despite what it says on the chart, oxygen at 6mg will cause fish to start gulping. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. Not sure if the reading is 0 or more likely something between 0-. But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess.
Overall Score
4.8
(10 Points)

5. Freshwater Aquarium Test Strips 6 in 1 - Fish Tank Test Kit for Testing pH Nitrite Nitrate Chlorine ...
User Ratings: 78 3
AQUA CARE PRO First Impressions
"Was good for 3 years."But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips. The strips are able to monitor pH, nitrate, nitrite, water hardness. My 12 yrs old son wanted a fish tank so we got him 2. But after last night these are a must have for me. Some of the readings develop better than others. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart. They quickly shipped me a new product.
- Freshwater Aquarium Test Strips 6 in 1 - Fish Tank Test Kit for Testing pH Nitrite Nitrate Chlorine General & Carbonate Hardness (GH & KH) - Easy to Read Wide Strips & Full Water Testing Guide
- ✅ 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 6 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, Carbonate Hardness (KH), and Chlorine. 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='4.4']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.4']
AQUA CARE PRO Final Thoughts
"Perfect for quick checks."I mean some people would never do a water test at all. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button!
Overall Score
4.6
(91 Points)

6. Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21411 Reagent KH/Alkalinity Pro Kit Refill for Aquarium, 75 Tests
User Ratings: 68 5
Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. 306012 First Impressions
"It is very easy to use."So off to buy some sponge filters I went! Quantity of strips seems very good. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. No issues so far, test strips work well. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers.
- Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21411 Reagent KH/Alkalinity Pro Kit Refill for Aquarium, 75 Tests
- Reagent alkalinity pro refill test kit is an advanced titration test
- Measuring the level of buffers in reef aquarium to an exceptionally high accuracy of 0. 05 meq/l (0. 14 dkh)
- This test refill replenishes KH/alkalinity pro test kit with sufficient reagent to conduct another 75 tests
- Alkalinity pro refill test kit boasts a new level of convenience for reef aquarium hobbyists
- Routine and precise measurement of aquarium alkalinity (buffer) levels is essential for successful coral reef aquariums
- Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
- Product Dimensions: 4.72 x 1.97 x 3.15 inches; 1 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. 306012
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.7']
Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. 306012 Final Thoughts
"Great value, Speedy ship!"But it turns out that is not the case. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. It does take some time though to actually get it done.
Overall Score
4.4
(36 Points)

7. Reef Care Magnesium Pro High Accuracy Test Kit - 100 Tests [Misc.]
User Ratings: 77 4
Red Sea 306013 First Impressions
"Also they leak."These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. I was having trouble keeping my fish tank water looking good. The test strips work as advertised. It does take some time though to actually get it done. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. The stripa are easy to use, clear instructions and I gor results in seconds. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it.
- Reef Care Magnesium Pro High Accuracy Test Kit - 100 Tests [Misc.]
- Magnesium pro test kit is an advanced titration test
- Measuring the level of magnesium in your reef aquarium to an exceptionally high accuracy of 20 ppm
- This test kit enables accurate dosing of reef foundation C supplement (magnesium) which is part of the complete reef care program
- Includes a durable, chemical resistant plastic case, analytical grade glass vials
- A high precision titrate with materials for up to 100 tests
- Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
- Product Dimensions: 5.12 x 5.12 x 3.15 inches; 14.39 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea 306013
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
- Quality [star rating='4.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Red Sea 306013 Final Thoughts
"They work for me."They're super easy to read and seem to be pretty accurate. I wish there were a simpler accurate test for it. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water. Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. As you can see in comparison the only difference was the Nitrate. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. Unfortunately nitrates still might be the most important test, at least for me it is.
Overall Score
4.6
(91 Points)

8. JNW Direct Pond Test Strips 7 in 1 - Test pH, Chlorine, Nitrate, Nitrite, Hardness and More, Accurat...
User Ratings: 63
JNW Direct First Impressions
"It's very easy to do."It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate. Every test I do takes just a few drops. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate. I used to always take a water sample to the pet store and they would teat it. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues.
- JNW Direct Pond Test Strips 7 in 1 - Test pH, Chlorine, Nitrate, Nitrite, Hardness and More, Accurate Fish Pond Water Testing, Free App & Ebook Included, 50 Count
- THE ULTIMATE AT HOME TESTING KIT for your pond. Tests for 7 parameters: Total Hardness, Free Chlorine, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, Total Alkalinity & KH / Carbonate
- EXTREMELY EASY TO USE pond water test strips, Instant reliable results with simple and clear instructions. Simply dip and compare with large color chart on bottle. Ideal range marked on bottle
- BONUS FREE MOBILE APP INCLUDED - Record, track and monitor your pond test strip results with ultimate accuracy. Available for IOS and Android
- ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR FISH ARE HEALTHY, our fish test strips come with a great e-book explaining what your results mean and how you can keep your water in the perfect condition
- 50 STRIPS MEANS 50 TESTS - Each testing strip provides accurate and fast results, making the process of checking your pond water chemistry so simple, quick and easy. Clean water = happy fish
- Manufacture: JNW Direct
- Editor's Impressions Of The JNW Direct
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.7']
- Quality [star rating='4.9']
- Value For Money [star rating='4']
- Affordability [star rating='4.3']
JNW Direct Final Thoughts
"Like nuclear waste water."The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. The strips are able to monitor pH, nitrate, nitrite, water hardness. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. If I had a complaint, I wish the color legend was printed on the bottle. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart. Nice that so many things are tested with one dip in the water.
Overall Score
4.5
(16 Points)

9. Azoo Nitrogen Dioxide (No2) Test Kit
Azoo AZ24010 First Impressions
"Best strips ever."Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. Always nice to get something extra! To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. But it is accurate and convenient as is. I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree.
- Azoo Nitrogen Dioxide (No2) Test Kit
- For freshwater and saltwater aquarium
- Range : 0.1 ~ 5.0 mg/L
- Water change is required when No2 is detected in aquarium
- Manufacture: Sevenports, Inc
- Product Dimensions: 5.63 x 3.75 x 1.5 inches; 2.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Azoo AZ24010
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4']
- Quality [star rating='4.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='4']
- Affordability [star rating='3.4']
Azoo AZ24010 Final Thoughts
"No issues with it."This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. All bottles clearly labeled and tell you how many drops. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready. I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. Not really sure if there is a way to fix that though.
Overall Score
4.0
(1 Points)

10. Hanna Instruments HI758 Marine Calcium Checker Test Kit - Saltwater Aquariums
User Ratings: 76 5
Hanna Instruments HI 758 First Impressions
"Thank you."This is essential for an accurate reading. Some of the readings develop better than others. In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. A plus is that they don't bleed colors while testing. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. It was also kinda hard to get exactly 5ml Into the tubes.
- Hanna Instruments HI758 Marine Calcium Checker Test Kit - Saltwater Aquariums
- Easier to use and more accurate than chemical test kits, less expensive than professional testing
- Accuracy +/-6 % of reading at 25 degree C / 77 degree F
- Large LCD screen for readability
- Auto shut-off to extend battery life
- Operated by a single AAA battery
- Manufacture: Hanna Instruments
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 2 inches; 1 Pounds
- Batteries: 1 AAA batteries required.
- Editor's Impressions Of The Hanna Instruments HI 758
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
- Affordability [star rating='4']
Hanna Instruments HI 758 Final Thoughts
"Using this meter is easy."So did another water change today and now I have happy fish. The test strips work as advertised. I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. You mostly find them using API also. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. I like API products and find them the most accurate.
Overall Score
4.5
(261 Points)
