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

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

2. Salifert Alkalinity Calcium Magnesium Combo Test Kit

User Ratings: 79 2

Salifert SALCORE First Impressions

"Easy to read."

I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready. Every test I do takes just a few drops. First and second test have a little change which was expected. Then put the cap on the test vial and invert it several times. Some of the readings develop better than others. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening.

  • Salifert Alkalinity Calcium Magnesium Combo Test Kit
  • Manufacture: Salifert
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.1 x 4.2 inches; 15.2 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Salifert SALCORE
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='3.9']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

Salifert SALCORE Final Thoughts

"With this is alot easier."

It's quick and easy and can give you an alert if something may be going on. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. But, I will continue to order Tetra's 6 in 1 until someone makes a better test strip.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(219 Points)

3. Qguai 9 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips, Water Test Strips for Saltwater Freshwater Pond Pool Spa, Test pH...

User Ratings: 50 16

Qguai First Impressions

"These are great!"

It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. If you keep freshwater fish, you will need this test kit. But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. But it turns out that is not the case.

  • Qguai 9 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips, Water Test Strips for Saltwater Freshwater Pond Pool Spa, Test pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Carbonate, Chlorine, Alkalinity, Hardness, Fast and Accurate,50-Strips
  • 9 in 1 Aquarium Test strips -pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Carbonate, Chlorine, Alkalinity, Iron, Copper,Hardness in salt water fresh water pond reef aquarium, 50 count in 1 bottle.
  • Extremely easy to use test strips - Simply dip this freshwater saltwater test strips into water and compare it to the chart on bottle.convenient and get results in seconds.
  • Wide application -it can be used to test the levels of all sorts of products such as pond pool saltwater freshwater aquarium.
  • Validity period: Placed it dry at 2 C ~ 30 C to protect from light, and the validity period is 24 months. Pls notice the date on the bottle and the label is the production date, Lot: 2019082006 means it is produced on 08/20/2019, batch 6, so the expiratios date is 2 years after this day.
  • Any problem, just contact us and we will do our best to help.
  • Manufacture: Qguai
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Qguai
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='3.3']
  • Quality [star rating='2.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.8']

Qguai Final Thoughts

"Love the convenience."

Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus. It helps get you in the ballpark with your water perimeters. I mean some people would never do a water test at all. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect.

Overall Score
3.8

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

4. 6 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips with Thermometer | Fast & Accurate Water Quality Testing Kit for Aquariu...

User Ratings: 74 3

SJ WAVE First Impressions

"Will purchase again!"

It is easy to use and accurate enough. It helps get you in the ballpark with your water perimeters. To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco. Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. I have not had any problem whatsoever. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus.

  • 6 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips with Thermometer | Fast & Accurate Water Quality Testing Kit for Aquariums & Ponds | Monitors pH, Hardness, Nitrate, Temperature and More (100 Tests)
  • HOME TESTING KIT - Ready to use, for your convenience; tests for 7 most critical parameters in fish tanks, pH, Chlorine, General Hardness, Carbonate Hardness, Nitrate, Nitrite and Temperature
  • ACURATE AND FAST RESULTS - Strips come with a detailed color chart, detect low levels of impurities and foreign substances, help prevent any invisible water problems and keep your fish safe
  • EASY TO Use: Simply dip the strip in water and compare with color chart for instant and reliable results. No more going to the pet stores because tests can be done at home in just one minute
  • SHELF LIFE – 100 testing strips packed in separate packages; strips in an open package need to be used within 3 months, so you can test your aquarium water quality at regular intervals and don't have to rush using all 100 strips
  • MULTIPLE USES – Can be used to test betta fish tanks, cold water or tropical fish tanks, shrimp tanks, plant aquariums, fish ponds and any other freshwater aquariums
  • Manufacture: SJ WAVE
  • Editor's Impressions Of The SJ WAVE
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='3.8']
  • Quality [star rating='4.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

SJ WAVE Final Thoughts

"It's worth it."

The strips are packaged well so they stay fresh and ready to use. Always nice to get something extra! Overall, I am very happy with this kit. Despite what it says on the chart, oxygen at 6mg will cause fish to start gulping. About my pic color difference of the water and the chart and about the bad reviews. It is easy to use and accurate enough. I found running all the tests took me around 10 minutes.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(314 Points)

5. Nutrafin Ammonia 0.0 to 6.1 Mg/L for Fresh and Saltwater, 50-Tests

User Ratings: 62 10

Nutrafin A7855 First Impressions

"Very easy to use."

6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. As you can see in comparison the only difference was the Nitrate. Just be careful, after all these are chemicals. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. These are working very well for me.

  • Nutrafin Ammonia 0.0 to 6.1 Mg/L for Fresh and Saltwater, 50-Tests
  • Used to measure ammonia levels in your fresh or saltwater aquarium (0.0-6.1 Mg/L)
  • Allows you to easily test ammonia levels
  • Helps provide a healthy living environment for your fish
  • Allows you to easily test ammonia levels
  • Easy to follow directions; 50 tests
  • Manufacture: Nutrafin
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 5.5 x 4.7 inches; 4 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Nutrafin A7855
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.7']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.1']

Nutrafin A7855 Final Thoughts

"I disagree."

Despite what it says on the chart, oxygen at 6mg will cause fish to start gulping. You mostly find them using API also. I set up a bunch of 20 gallon tanks for fry and stuff. You mostly find them using API also. A plus is that they don't bleed colors while testing. No one brand is going to guarantee against this. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read.

Overall Score
4.2

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

6. NYOS Carbonate Hardness (KH/ALK) Reefer Aquarium Test Kit

User Ratings: 57 27

NYOS First Impressions

"Arrived with no damage."

I was having trouble keeping my fish tank water looking good. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place. I have some pretty lousy water where I live. If I had a complaint, I wish the color legend was printed on the bottle. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! First and second test have a little change which was expected. My 12 yrs old son wanted a fish tank so we got him 2.

  • NYOS Carbonate Hardness (KH/ALK) Reefer Aquarium Test Kit
  • 50 Tests - NYOS REEFER test kits allows you to achieve precise and most importantly reproducible (i.e. in repeat measurements identical) measuring results.
  • Reagents are made in Germany in accordance with EN ISO 9001, AAS and NIST standards.
  • Made in Germany
  • Manufacture: NYOS
  • Product Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 2 inches; 1.6 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The NYOS
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
  • Quality [star rating='2.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.8']

NYOS Final Thoughts

"My favorite brand!"

If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. So off to buy some sponge filters I went! They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common.

Overall Score
3.6

[star rating="3.6"]
(7 Points)

7. Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21420 Saltwater Nitrate Pro Test Kit for Aquarium, 100 Tests

User Ratings: 73 5

Red Sea 306015 First Impressions

"They work for me."

The strips are able to monitor pH, nitrate, nitrite, water hardness. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. Some of the readings develop better than others. But just for a quick check, its hard to beat these test strips. Definitely recommend this test strip for anyone who has a Betta fish as a pet. Quantity of strips seems very good.

  • Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21420 Saltwater Nitrate Pro Test Kit for Aquarium, 100 Tests
  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • The Package Length Of The Product Is 3.11023622047244 Inches
  • The Package Width Of The Product Is 5 Inches
  • The Package Height Of The Product Is 5.70866141732284 Inches
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Product Dimensions: 5.12 x 5.91 x 3.15 inches; 8 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea 306015
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.2']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Red Sea 306015 Final Thoughts

"However, it is not."

This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. I respect a company that backs their product. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. Not really sure if there is a way to fix that though.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(39 Points)

8. Red Sea Marine Care Program Ammonia Test Kit

User Ratings: 81

Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. First Impressions

"Thanks Red Sea."

Very good instructions and a comparison color chart. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. If you're looking for a quick-hit on a range of water quality these are the answer. If you want accurate pH get the API liquid test that includes pH and high pH. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. I would not use it solely for checking nitrate and nitrites. My water was good to go and soon after I for fish that are doing well!

  • Red Sea Marine Care Program Ammonia Test Kit
  • Manufacture: Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd.
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.7']
  • Quality [star rating='4.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.6']

Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. Final Thoughts

"Pond water testing."

This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. I have not had any problem whatsoever. Easy to use, a good quantity and quality for the price. The kH pad sometimes has the same problem as well. About my pic color difference of the water and the chart and about the bad reviews. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(5 Points)

9. HI772-26 HI755-26 Alkalinity Checker Reagent (25 Tests) - Hanna Instruments

User Ratings: 84 1

Hanna Instruments First Impressions

"Thank you."

These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. So I got these to try and I love them. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. Just be careful, after all these are chemicals. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading.

  • HI772-26 HI755-26 Alkalinity Checker Reagent (25 Tests) - Hanna Instruments
  • 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 and big convenience.
  • Manufacture: Hanna Instruments
  • Part Number: HI 772-26
  • Material: Plastic
  • Item Weight: 2.39 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches
  • Batteries Included?: No
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Hanna Instruments
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.7']

Hanna Instruments Final Thoughts

"Perfect for quick checks."

This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. If you want accurate pH get the API liquid test that includes pH and high pH. The key is that you are looking for changes.

Overall Score
4.7

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

10. Digital Salinity Tester for Salt Water - Waterproof IP67 Salinity Meter with ATC Large Range 0-200pp...

User Ratings: 52 8

ORAPXI First Impressions

"These are great!"

Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium. The strips are packaged well so they stay fresh and ready to use. So I got these to try and I love them. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site.

  • Digital Salinity Tester for Salt Water - Waterproof IP67 Salinity Meter with ATC Large Range 0-200ppt Saltwater Tester for Seawater, Aquariums, Marine Monitoring, and Koi Fish Pond by ORAPXI
  • Salinity Range: 0~9999ppm/10~200ppt or 0.0-25%, ORAPXI salinity tester has an automatic temperature compensation function(32°F~140°F), which can decrease the error caused by the change of liquid temperature.
  • Wide applications: There are various purposes for the salinity tester. This instrument can not only detect the salt content of edible salt, salt water pool and koi fish pond, but also the salinity of seawater, marine, salt water fish tank salt level testing.
  • Backlit design: There is no need to worry about seeing the displayed value if the light is insufficient. ORAPXI salinity meter features a green backlit LCD to help you see the measurement results clearly in any situation.
  • 4-in-1 salinity tester: The ORAPXI multi-parameter Tester can test Salinity, TDS, EC and Temperature in an accurate, quick and reliable manner for most regular water solutions' testing. Support One-tap switch from salinity to TDS/EC.
  • After-sales: 30-day free return/replacement and we promise respond your any questions about the product within 12 hours.
  • Manufacture: ORAPXI International
  • Batteries: 3 LR44 batteries required. (included)
  • Editor's Impressions Of The ORAPXI
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='3.7']
  • Quality [star rating='3.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.7']

ORAPXI Final Thoughts

"I used API prior to this."

Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. Easy to use, a good quantity and quality for the price. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! I've already lost one test tube cap, most likely due to my cats playing with them. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below.

Overall Score
4.0

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

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