Editor's Choice - Our Favorite SJ WAVE Aquarium Test Kits
1. 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
(314 Points)

Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Test Kits
2. Osumex Bacteria Test kit for Water
Osumex First Impressions
"9m, which is frustrating."This kit is extremely accurate and very well designed for convenient use and storage. I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. The nitrate test is a little finicky as most users will agree. It does take some time though to actually get it done. I respect a company that backs their product. Just dip the strip in the tank water for two seconds, then read right away. So off to buy some sponge filters I went!
- Osumex Bacteria Test kit for Water
- Test water for the presence of coliform bacteria
- Easy to use with results in 48 hours after start of test
- Purple indicates a negative result while yellow indicates a positive result
- If test is positive, water is not safe to consume and may have to be treated prior
- This test is a screening test only and cannot be used as a definitive result for the safety of the water for consumption
- Manufacture: Osumex
- Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 0.98 x 6.3 inches; 0.53 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Osumex
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
- Quality [star rating='4.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.6']
Osumex Final Thoughts
"Easy to use."About my pic color difference of the water and the chart and about the bad reviews. Despite what it says on the chart, oxygen at 6mg will cause fish to start gulping. If you're out for speed, but with less accuracy get the dip tests. A brand new aquarium will experience what is called a cycle. Despite what it says on the chart, oxygen at 6mg will cause fish to start gulping. Well I found out why they were gulping so bad. 32 seconds and I have a reading and I'm on my way with no mess.
Overall Score
5.0
(1 Points)

3. Industrial Test Systems eXact iDip Photometer 486107-AQ-K 570 Aquarium Starter Kit
User Ratings: 38 42
Exact 486107-AQ-K First Impressions
"After 2 weeks of 0-."Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement. If your lighting isn't right the colors will be very off. It's really accurate and makes me feel like I'm a scientist while doing it. They quickly shipped me a new product. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. I have not had any problem whatsoever. I have some pretty lousy water where I live.
- Industrial Test Systems eXact iDip Photometer 486107-AQ-K 570 Aquarium Starter Kit
- Standard navy blue plastic carrying case w/ Foam including 1 Bottle 25 of each: pH II, Nitrate, Total Alkalinity, Ammonia, Total Hardness HR, & Phosphate (METER INCLUDED)
- Built for water quality testing aquariums, ponds, andwater features
- 2-way wireless communication with an iPhone, iPad
- Manufacture: Industrial Test Systems, Inc.
- Part Number: 486107-AQ-K
- Item Weight: 1.95 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 10 inches
- Batteries: 4 AAA batteries required.
- Batteries Included?: No
- Batteries Required?: Yes
- Editor's Impressions Of The Exact 486107-AQ-K
- Test Accuracy [star rating='2.6']
- Quality [star rating='3.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='2.6']
- Affordability [star rating='2.6']
Exact 486107-AQ-K Final Thoughts
"Maybe I have bad bottle."I have some pretty lousy water where I live. It looks to have the slightest green tinge but is not as green as the 0. So off to buy some sponge filters I went! To test it, I bought a 5 pack of 5 site test strips from Petco. I was having trouble keeping my fish tank water looking good. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank. Very good instructions and a comparison color chart.
Overall Score
3.1
(6 Points)

4. AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Test Strips, 50 Count
User Ratings: 83 2
Zoetis 14535 First Impressions
"That is time consuming."The caps do leak a tiny bit on the tubes. This is a good kit so much more accurate and easy to figure out how to use it. They showed the same results as these for the sites they had in common. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. I would not use it solely for checking nitrate and nitrites. They test pretty accurate when run against my chemical tests. First and second test have a little change which was expected.
- AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Test Strips, 50 Count
- No Fabric
- Made in USA
- Fifty (50) test strips in one box
- Use with device to monitor your pet's blood glucose
- Easy to use
- Manufacture: Abbott Laboratories
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 2.85 x 1.5 inches; 0.8 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Zoetis 14535
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
- Affordability [star rating='4.7']
Zoetis 14535 Final Thoughts
"I really enjoy this kit."This spreads out the 6 month expiration date after opening. They show results, what is safe& not safe and what to do if not safe. I find that the accuracy is wrong in the sense it's better than it reads. I'm the test strip came in handy it saved all of my fish. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. Very helpful for checking the water in our tank.
Overall Score
4.7
(2489 Points)

5. NICREW Hanging Kit for HyperReef Aquarium Reef Light
NICREW First Impressions
"9m, which is frustrating."Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. The stripa are easy to use, clear instructions and I gor results in seconds. So did another water change today and now I have happy fish. I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. Very easy to use and very easy to read test strips. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. Wasn't labeled that way in the descriptor.
- NICREW Hanging Kit for HyperReef Aquarium Reef Light
- Hanging kit for HyperReef series lights
- Manufacture: NICREW
- Editor's Impressions Of The NICREW
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.5']
NICREW Final Thoughts
"Was good for 3 years."6 and run a high pH you will see it could actually be 7. I take every precaution about the chlorine, and trust the strips for everything else. Overall good value for a small hobbyist aquarium owner. As you can see in comparison the only difference was the Nitrate. While using these weirder chemicals, it worries me a little bit. Besides these few flaws I have to say it's a great starter kit. But after last night these are a must have for me.
Overall Score
5.0
(3 Points)

6. 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)

7. API TEST KIT, Different styles available, Monitors water quality and helps prevent invisible problem...
User Ratings: 77 3
API LR8600 First Impressions
"Very easy to use."Some of the readings develop better than others. These strips work very well and I have had consistent results with them. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. My tap water actually was really green and was a very close match to the 1. Best price, best quality, fair accuracy and better than most brands, etc. It is one small part of the overall aquarium ownership experience. Before, I brought water into a pet store, but kept seeing no signs of improvement.
- API TEST KIT, Different styles available, Monitors water quality and helps prevent invisible problems that can be harmful to fish, Fast, easy and accurate, Use weekly and when problems appear
- Contains one (1) API AMMONIA 130-Test Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Water Test Kit, including 2 bottles of testing solution, 2 color cards and 1 glass test tube with cap
- Monitors water quality and prevents invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish
- Monitors water quality and prevents invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish
- Works instantly to make aquarium water safe for fish
- Dose several times a week when starting a new aquarium then weekly or when problem arise
- Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
- Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.63 x 5.13 inches; 4.8 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The API LR8600
- Test Accuracy [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.6']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
- Affordability [star rating='4.6']
API LR8600 Final Thoughts
"I really enjoy this kit."Price is good for the quantity and functionality of the tester strips. Quantity of strips seems very good. I wouldn't call this a master kit but a great start. So I got these to try and I love them. 6 showing the test strip as an accurate reading. I get a consistent reading every time, retests included. The test strips work as advertised.
Overall Score
4.6
(4238 Points)

8. Sera Phosphate-Test (PO4) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
User Ratings: 72 4
Sera 4930 First Impressions
"Great strips."But it turns out that is not the case. Strips are accurate as far as I can tell. I have not had any problem whatsoever. The API Test Strips are a good water monitoring system for small tanks. These have worked to keep my fish safe and healthy. The price is great for all these essential tests! And if it was, please click on the helpful button below.
- Sera Phosphate-Test (PO4) 15 ml, 0.5 fl.oz. Aquarium Test Kits
- For freshwater and marine aquariums as well as ponds
- Very accurate
- Easy to read
- Manufacture: Sera North America, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.54 x 5.51 inches; 2.89 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Sera 4930
- Test Accuracy [star rating='3.7']
- Quality [star rating='4.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
- Affordability [star rating='3.9']
Sera 4930 Final Thoughts
"Easy to use."These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. They quickly shipped me a new product. I have not found that to be true for myself. These helped me check the levels and they were easy to use. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. These strips are not to be trusted as a primary testing method for aquariums. Tetra has always done that and I will continue to use their products.
Overall Score
4.4
(133 Points)

9. Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21426 Reagent Phosphate Pro Refill Kit for Aquarium, 100 Tests
User Ratings: 44 9
Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. 306018 First Impressions
"Bought the 100 Count."I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. It does'not' have the same accuracy but it’s very close. I have a freshwater tank that includes some delicate invertebrates. Tank lids, water additives and more have seen the same effect. And if it was, please click on the helpful button below. I will now test my water periodically to make sure everything is ok. First few strips I used gave an accurate ready.
- Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21426 Reagent Phosphate Pro Refill Kit for Aquarium, 100 Tests
- Phosphate Pro refill kit is an advanced colorimetric test with comparator
- Measuring the level of phosphate in reef aquarium to an exceptionally high accuracy of 0. 02ppm PO4
- This test kit, when used in conjunction with the nitrate Pro test kit, enables accurate dosing of NO3: po4-x (biological nitrate and Phosphate reducer)
- This kit includes a durable, chemical resistant plastic case, analytical grade glass vials
- Includes material for up to 100 tests
- Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 2.5 inches; 4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. 306018
- Test Accuracy [star rating='4.2']
- Quality [star rating='3.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.4']
Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd. 306018 Final Thoughts
"Good value."I cut each strip down the middle so that I have even more tests. I'm still not sure about the chlorine site. This test kit is easy to use and the results are easy to read. Some of the readings develop better than others. The stripa are easy to use, clear instructions and I gor results in seconds. It's difficult to tell if all the test sites on the strip are accurate. I have some pretty lousy water where I live.
Overall Score
3.9
(11 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)
