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
(913 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Test Kits
2. API 5 in 1 Test Strips Water Conditioner for Aquariums, 4 Count by API
User Ratings: 34
API First Impressions
"Fast result."The test strips work as advertised. This is essential for an accurate reading. If your lighting isn't right the colors will be very off. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. I've already lost one test tube cap, most likely due to my cats playing with them.
- API 5 in 1 Test Strips Water Conditioner for Aquariums, 4 Count by API
- Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
- Editor's Impressions Of The API
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.5']
- Quality [star rating='4.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.4']
- Affordability [star rating='4.7']
API Final Thoughts
"Great test kit!"In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium. This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. It shows it could be between 1-20 but the liquid shows 0. Dip it in the water horizontally and keep it horizontal and read it against bottle.
Overall Score
4.0
(3 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3. PondCare Nitrite Test Kit (180 Tests)
Pondcare First Impressions
"Easy to read."It you take it to a local fish store. Unfortunately nitrates still might be the most important test, at least for me it is. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus. I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. These strips work very well and I have had consistent results with them. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. The key is that you are looking for changes.
- PondCare Nitrite Test Kit (180 Tests)
- Manufacture: Pondcare, MARS Pondcare
- Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches; 0.8 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Pondcare
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.7']
- Quality [star rating='4']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.5']
Pondcare Final Thoughts
"Very easy to use."I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. Here's Tetra's strips if you're curious. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready.
Overall Score
5.0
(2 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4. Aquascape 96019 Water Test Kit KH Alkalinity for Pond and Garden Features, 60 Tests
User Ratings: 80
Aquascape 96019 First Impressions
"FIVE STARS for sure!"This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. Then put the cap on the test vial and invert it several times. Just be careful, after all these are chemicals. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium. Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. Some of the readings develop better than others. I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still.
- Aquascape 96019 Water Test Kit KH Alkalinity for Pond and Garden Features, 60 Tests
- Measures KH and Alkalinity concentrations in ponds and aquariums
- Accurate, laboratory-quality testing that is simple to complete
- Ideal for optimizing the benefits provided by the Aquascape IonGen System (# 95027)
- 60 tests per kit
- Manufacture: Aquascape Designs, Inc
- Item Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 3 x 3 inches
- Editor's Impressions Of The Aquascape 96019
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Aquascape 96019 Final Thoughts
"Using this meter is easy."Always nice to get something extra! It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate. Also, I'd avoid Tetra's strips to be honest- the reviews speak for themselves. Will definitely buy again, if we ever run out! I tested the water and the nitrates and the ph were pretty high still. I used to always take a water sample to the pet store and they would teat it. So off to buy some sponge filters I went!
Overall Score
4.6
(3 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5. 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
(10 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6. Hanna Instruments Saltwater Nitrate Low Range Checker HC - HI781
User Ratings: 53 18
Hanna Instruments First Impressions
"I love this test kit."I started wearing gloves when I use the kit. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor. If this review was helpful, please click the helpful button! Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. 6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. If you're looking for a quick-hit on a range of water quality these are the answer. I've already lost one test tube cap, most likely due to my cats playing with them.
- Hanna Instruments Saltwater Nitrate Low Range Checker HC - HI781
- More accurate than chemical test kits.
- Built-in timer so you don't miss a step.
- No errors with a digital readout
- Ideal for aquariums and marine biology applications
- For samples containing 5-50 ppm nitrate, follow the dilution procedure
- Manufacture: Hanna Instruments
- Batteries: 1 AAA batteries required. (included)
- Editor's Impressions Of The Hanna Instruments
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.2']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
- Affordability [star rating='3.7']
Hanna Instruments Final Thoughts
"Nice product."Then replace the caps of the bottle and test vial. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place. All bottles clearly labeled and tell you how many drops. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. It you take it to a local fish store. If your lighting isn't right the colors will be very off.
Overall Score
3.7
(17 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7. Sera Aqua-Test Box Marin (+ Ca) Aquarium Test Kits
User Ratings: 50 8
Sera 4004 First Impressions
"00 becomes 40."I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. I have not had any problem whatsoever. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks.
- Sera Aqua-Test Box Marin (+ Ca) Aquarium Test Kits
- Master test kit
- Includes all the important test kits
- Very accurate
- Tests easy to read
- Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 13.58 x 12.6 inches; 3.84 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4004
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
- Affordability [star rating='3.7']
Sera 4004 Final Thoughts
"I really enjoy this kit."The price is great for all these essential tests! This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. Takes about 5 minutes to check everything. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. So this thing worked very well and gave a reading that made perfect sense. I've already lost one test tube cap, most likely due to my cats playing with them.
Overall Score
4.0
(19 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8. Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21430 Saltwater Iodine Pro Test Kit for Aquarium, 50 Tests
User Ratings: 75 12
Red Sea 306019 First Impressions
"Thanks Seachem."Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. The strips are able to monitor pH, nitrate, nitrite, water hardness. So off to buy some sponge filters I went! I have some pretty lousy water where I live. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. Accurate results and much much cheaper than buying from a pet chain. It does take some time though to actually get it done.
- Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21430 Saltwater Iodine Pro Test Kit for Aquarium, 50 Tests
- Iodine pro test kit is a unique test, measuring the level of total iodine in reef aquarium to a high resolution of 0.01 ppm
- This test kit enables the accurate dosing of reef colors A supplement (iodine and other halogens)
- The kit includes a durable, chemical resistant plastic case and analytical grade glass vials
- It uses a colorimetric test system
- Also includes high precision materials for up to 50 tests
- Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
- Product Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.12 x 3.15 inches; 8 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea 306019
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.4']
- Quality [star rating='3.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
- Affordability [star rating='3.4']
Red Sea 306019 Final Thoughts
"Exactly what I needed."But if it's wrong at least I was proactive about it. I have not found that to be true for myself. In my opinion they arent quite as accurate as master test kits either. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. The key is that you are looking for changes. I have not found that to be true for myself. Strips were always stored in a sealed dry place.
Overall Score
4.2
(11 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9. Seachem MultiTest Marine Basic Test Kit
User Ratings: 53 15
Seachem 116099004 First Impressions
"I used API prior to this."Having the key on the bottle is very helpful, it won't get lost. Every test I do takes just a few drops. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco. Overall, I am very happy with this kit. I mean some people would never do a water test at all. It does not test ammonia but that's clear in the description and bottle.
- Seachem MultiTest Marine Basic Test Kit
- 75 test
- For saltwater use only
- Unique indicator
- Four tests in one
- 75 test
- Unique indicator
- Four tests in one
- Manufacture: Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.8 x 2.5 inches; 6.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Seachem 116099004
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.4']
- Quality [star rating='4']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
- Affordability [star rating='3.3']
Seachem 116099004 Final Thoughts
"So they're measuring!"You mostly find them using API also. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. If you're looking for a quick-hit on a range of water quality these are the answer. Nice to have in hand when you own an aquarium.
Overall Score
3.8
(19 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10. Seachem MultiTest Copper Test Kit
User Ratings: 63 7
Seachem 116096607 First Impressions
"It's that easy."The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. I even got an extra 32 test strips as an added bonus. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. The key is that you are looking for changes. Then put the cap on the test vial and invert it several times. The strips are able to monitor pH, nitrate, nitrite, water hardness.
- Seachem MultiTest Copper Test Kit
- Performance driven at affordable prices
- Made in the USA with quality materials
- Field tested to ensure nothing but the best for your pet
- Manufacture: Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches; 0.81 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Seachem 116096607
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
- Quality [star rating='4.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
- Affordability [star rating='3.4']
Seachem 116096607 Final Thoughts
"To support my claim."This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess. My results are never all over the place like other reviewers. Probably won't buy again because of the bleeding issues. I don't know so much about how precise these are. I would not use it solely for checking nitrate and nitrites.
Overall Score
4.2
(221 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON