Editor's Choice - Our Favorite RUNBO Aquarium Test Kits

1. 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

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

2. Strontium Sr Profi Test Kit, 25 Tests

User Ratings: 66 7

Salifert Aqua 324 First Impressions

"Like nuclear waste water."

They quickly shipped me a new product. Also, I'd avoid Tetra's strips to be honest- the reviews speak for themselves. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. Then put the cap on the test vial and invert it several times. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. I set up a bunch of 20 gallon tanks for fry and stuff. To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco.

  • Strontium Sr Profi Test Kit, 25 Tests
  • Manufacture: Salifert
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Salifert Aqua 324
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='3.8']
  • Quality [star rating='3.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.5']

Salifert Aqua 324 Final Thoughts

"I don't know."

It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. These have worked to keep my fish safe and healthy. No one brand is going to guarantee against this. It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. You mostly find them using API also.

Overall Score
4.3

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

3. 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)

4. Jungle TK888W 5-in-1 Quick Dip Test Strips, 25-Pack

User Ratings: 78 6

Jungle TK888W First Impressions

"YES, it's accurate."

It you take it to a local fish store. But, I will continue to order Tetra's 6 in 1 until someone makes a better test strip. If you keep freshwater fish, you will need this test kit. Easy to use, a good quantity and quality for the price. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. This is essential for an accurate reading.

  • Jungle TK888W 5-in-1 Quick Dip Test Strips, 25-Pack
  • Complete All In One Test
  • One dip tests for All 5 Levels in Freshwater or Saltwater aquariums
  • PH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Hardness, and Alkalinity
  • Country of Origin: UNITED STATES
  • Manufacture: Jungle
  • Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 5.75 inches; 0.8 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Jungle TK888W
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Jungle TK888W Final Thoughts

"This is a good item."

Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious. I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. Comes with a lot of test strips, that are extremely easy to use and read. The rest of the test in the kit are much easier to use. You mostly find them using API also.

Overall Score
4.6

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

5. Salifert Nitrate Test Kit

User Ratings: 76 3

Salifert 8714079130385 First Impressions

"Worked pretty well."

You never want to wait too long and the tank crashes and has major problems. So I got these to try and I love them. Quantity of strips seems very good. I respect a company that backs their product. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. But it is accurate and convenient as is.

  • Salifert Nitrate Test Kit
  • The nitrate test kit provides fast and precise nitrate measurements
  • The nitrate test kit can perform up to 60 tests
  • The nitrate test kit comes with reagents analytic, grade glass vials, and a calorimetric comparator
  • Package Dimensions: 12.8 L x 10.6 W x 4.6 H (cm)
  • Manufacture: Deepwater Aquatics Distribution
  • Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 4 inches; 2.08 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Salifert 8714079130385
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.9']

Salifert 8714079130385 Final Thoughts

"That's all."

Quantity of strips seems very good. I have a 55 gallon tank with a few large goldfish. The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. First and second test have a little change which was expected. They quickly shipped me a new product. It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain.

Overall Score
4.6

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

6. 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)

7. Marine Phosphate Ultra Low Range Colorimeter – Checker HI774

User Ratings: 86 8

Hanna Instruments First Impressions

"No issues with it."

Not really sure if there is a way to fix that though. They test pretty accurate when run against my chemical tests. Dip it in the water horizontally and keep it horizontal and read it against bottle. Unfortunately nitrates still might be the most important test, at least for me it is. I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. While using these weirder chemicals, it worries me a little bit. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common.

  • Marine Phosphate Ultra Low Range Colorimeter – Checker HI774
  • Easier to use and more accurate than chemical test kits
  • Dedicated to a single parameter
  • Accuracy ±0.02 ppm ±5% of reading
  • Range 0.00 to 0.90 ppm
  • Includes reagent starter kit for 10 tests
  • Manufacture: Hanna
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Hanna Instruments
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.1']

Hanna Instruments Final Thoughts

"That's all."

It's quick and easy and can give you an alert if something may be going on. The test strips work as advertised. Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. I like API products and find them the most accurate.

Overall Score
4.6

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

8. Salifert Magnesium (MG) Test Kit

User Ratings: 77 3

Salifert 8714079130422 First Impressions

"Nice product."

Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious. It does take some time though to actually get it done. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. They're super easy to read and seem to be pretty accurate. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart.

  • Salifert Magnesium (MG) Test Kit
  • The magnesium test kit effectively tests and provides a balanced magnesium aquarium
  • The magnesium test kit can perform up to 50 tests
  • The test will measure accurate steps of color change in tank
  • The Package Weight Of The Product Is 0.5 Pounds
  • Manufacture: Deepwater Aquatics Distribution
  • Part Number: SI017
  • Item Weight: 3.98 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 4 inches
  • Color: Original version
  • Batteries Included?: No
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Salifert 8714079130422
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.8']

Salifert 8714079130422 Final Thoughts

"Best strips ever."

I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus. These are working very well for me. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1.

Overall Score
4.6

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

9. Brightwell Aquatics CoralAmino - Amino Acid Complex for Coral Coloration & Growth

User Ratings: 75 3

Brightwell Aquatics COA60 First Impressions

"That is time consuming."

No one brand is going to guarantee against this. These are do helpful with maintaining your tank. This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. This is no different so I wouldn't knock this product for that. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. It does take some time though to actually get it done. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit.

  • Brightwell Aquatics CoralAmino - Amino Acid Complex for Coral Coloration & Growth
  • Widely used by professional coral farmers to increase growth rate and coloration.
  • Beneficial to all corals, as well as solitary and colonial polyps.
  • Encourages formation of new tissue and repairs damaged tissue during fragmentation and propagation.
  • Encourages growth by budding and fission.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Age range description: All Life Stages
  • Manufacture: Brightwell Aquatics
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 3 inches; 4.8 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Brightwell Aquatics COA60
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='4.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.3']

Brightwell Aquatics COA60 Final Thoughts

"These are great!"

This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. The key is that you are looking for changes. No issues so far, test strips work well. Their Whisper 1-5 filter cartridges have skyrocketed in price and become a scarcity. These have worked to keep my fish safe and healthy. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. This is essential for an accurate reading.

Overall Score
4.6

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

10. API Freshwater Master Test Kit

API First Impressions

"Easy to use."

Comes with a lot of test strips, that are extremely easy to use and read. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! Not really sure if there is a way to fix that though. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. This is not the right way to use this test, as it took me awhile to realize this. If you keep freshwater fish, you will need this test kit. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess.

  • API Freshwater Master Test Kit
  • Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
  • Product Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 5 inches; 2.4 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The API
  • Test Accuracy [star rating='4.2']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.3']

API Final Thoughts

"Happy tank!"

Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. So off to buy some sponge filters I went! Then replace the caps of the bottle and test vial.

Overall Score
5.0

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

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