A Detailed Review Of The Best Aquarium Test Water Kits

API Freshwater Master Test Kit

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To keep track of your freshwater aquarium’s health, always remember that most potential problems are usually invisible.  Introducing the API Freshwater Master Test Kit- the freshwater test kit from API features every critical material you need to test the elements of your freshwater aquarium, including the PH, nitrate, ammonia, high range PH, and nitrite.

These essential factors immensely affect your freshwater fish’s life. The complete kit comes with an instructional booklet, four test tubess, holding tray, a test tube rack, and computer-analyzed color cards that you can use to compare accuracy.

API Freshwater Master Test Kit is a good value kit that lets you perform over 800 complete test and can last for a longer time.

The accuracy of the kit is commendable enough, and we love how it can determines even from the most-basic to the general aspect of your aquarium health.

It informs you of the present components that requires adjustments in the freshwater. The Test Kit is enough to maintain and monitor a simple tank.

Pros

• Comes with everything you need to do a successful test
• Simple to use
• Delivers accurate results

Cons

• Doesn’t come with test tube holders

API Individual Aquarium Water Test Kit

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Another test kit from API- this incredible test kits packs everything you need for your next water test.

From copper and ammonia to PH, nitrate, GH and KH, and phosphate, this best test kit for aquarium tests tons of water parameters.

Although all in one kit can be highly beneficial, a kit that tests one parameter at a time offers more convenience. For instance, let’s say you do normal testing using an all-in-one kit and you notice that its PH is off; using API Individual Aquarium Water Test Kit enables you to recheck the PH only every day and with correct reading.

The kit features a glass tube with lid, two bottles of testing solution, and color cards for an accurate prediction of both saltwater and freshwater tanks. I love its ease of use and faster result.

The phosphate kit exceptionally helps planted tanks and if you have problem with copper or find it hard to maintain the PH, this Aquarium Water Test Kit is excellently accurate and let you concentrate on one parameter at once.

Pros

• Easy to use and accurate
• Can test one parameter at a time for convenience

Cons

• May lack specific add-on and may need to be purchased separately

Seachem Purigen Organic Filtration Resin

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Seachem Purigen is also another brand designed for both freshwater and saltwater aquarium. Manufacturer labelled it as a test kit to test for Ammonia, nitrates, and nitrates. We tested the special microporous synthetic polymer and happy at the fast rate at which it removes the impurity from our aquarium water. I learnt that its capacity is far above other water test kits by up to 500%.

When i opened the product, I saw several numbers of particles enclosed in a bag with small mesh. I checked the volume of the bag, and it came out at 100mg.

We loaded it somewhere within our filter, and it got rid of nitrogenous organic waste that usually releases dangerous compounds.

I noticed how it was able to control the Ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites of the aquarium, which are the primary compounds in fish excretions. The test comes with a special synthetic polymer which the manufacturer claimed is preferable. However, testing in cloudy water may reduce the bag’s usage time.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Accurate result
• Renewable

Cons

• Cloudy water may affect the bag’s usage time.

Tetra EasyStrips 6-in-1 Aquarium Test Strips

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Are you looking for a multi-test kit? You may want to have a look at this aquarium water test kit from Tetra. I was able to use it to test for different components like PH, nitrite, chlorine, nitrate, hardness, and alkalinity.

The kits encompass 100 test strips which will last for long, even if you frequently do water testing. However, the 25-strip kit option is available if you find the 100 strips too much for you.

To use the aquarium water test strip from Tetra, dip each test strip in your aquarium water and hold on for up to 60 seconds. You’ll get the result to analyse.

When you get the result, compare it with the chart so you can know what is perfect and what needed adjustment.

I love the clear results and the bright colour, which I can easily see and determine each parameter in the result. It’s pretty straightforward. However, you can find the charts under the label. I usually pull it back, then away from the bottle whenever I want to read the results. That’s very easy to do.

 Pros

• Multi-test kits let you test different parameters
• Easy to use
• Straightforward instructions

Cons

• Process of reading results seems a bit complicated.

Tetra EasyStrips Ammonia Aquarium Test Strips

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Do you want to test the Ammonia level of your aquarium? You may want to have a look at this test kit from Tetra.

The kit encompasses 25 test strips which also last for a considerable number of days.  However, the 100-strip kit is available if you find the 25 strips too little for you.

To use this aquarium water test strip from Tetra, dip each test strip in your aquarium water and hold on for up to 60 seconds. You’ll get the result, which you can analyse.

When you get the ammonia level result, compare it with the chart so you can know if it is perfect or needed adjustment.

Just like its tetra counterparts, I love the clear results and the bright color, which I can easily see and determine where each parameter falls in the result. It’s pretty straightforward.

However, you can find the charts under the label. Like the Tetra 6-1 model, I only pull it back, then away from the bottle whenever I want to read the results. That’s very easy to do.

 Pros

• Best aquarium test kit for ammonia level
• Easy to use
• Accurate result

Cons

• May only spend limited number of days

AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose TEST STRIPS

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If you want to test the blood glucose level of your aquarium fish, I’ll recommend going for the AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose TEST STRIPS.

The complete kit features a total of 50 strips and can last for many days (since you’re only testing for blood glucose).

To use this aquarium blood glucose test strip, get enough level of the blood sample and wait for up to 60 seconds. The test typically starts once there is enough blood.

The AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose test strip comes at an affordable price. When you get the blood glucose level result, compare it with the chart so you can know if everything is perfect or needed adjustment.

I love how it displaces a bright color with clear results. In other words, the result is pretty straightforward.

 Pros

• Best aquarium test kit to test blood glucose level
• Simple to use
• Affordable

Cons

• Limited to blood glucose only

JNW Direct 7 in 1 Test Strips

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Are you looking for a test kit for your saltwater, freshwater, or fish pond? Check out the JNW Direct 7 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips.

The test kit from JNW features all necessary materials which you need to test 7 different components of your aquarium water, including Nitrite, free chlorine, total hardness, nitrate, pH, total alkalinity & KH / carbonate. These factors significantly affect your freshwater fish’s life. The complete kit comes with 150 strips which mean you can test your aquarium water in 150 times, making it last for long.

The accuracy of the kit is commendable enough, and I love how it can determine from even the most basic to the general aspect of your aquarium health.

It allows you to know the present components which shouldn’t be in the freshwater. JNW Direct 7 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips is enough to maintain and monitor a simple tank.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Can test up to 7 different components of your aquarium water
• Also great for fish pond

Cons

• The color chat may not be clear enough

Red Sea Reef Foundation Test Kit

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Whenever I have a conversation with anyone who is just starting with owing a saltwater aquarium, I usually recommend the Red Sea Reef Foundation Test Kit.

This test kit test for three components which are calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity.

The generous test kit allows you to do a 100 ammonia test and a 100 nitrate test. One thing I love about this test is its superiority over what local stores will use.

The Red Sea Reef Foundation Test Kit comes with a different test for high and low. Another reason why I usually recommend this test kit for beginners is that they won’t have to deal with working with low-level nitrates. I also love how it includes the alkalinity test.

However, the Red Sea Reef Foundation Test Kit is a bit pricey compared to its saltwater aquarium kits counterparts, but the investment is well worth the price.

Pros

• Features alkalinity test
• Easy to use for a beginner
• An excellent ammonia test kit

Cons

• A bit pricey

Nyos Nitrate Test Kit

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Nyos Nitrate Test Kit is the ideal option for the hobbyist looking for an excellent nitrate test kit. The test kit is accurate, simple to read, easy to know, and covers many levels.

It comes at an affordable price for everyone to use. After use, compare the result with your color chart and you’re good to go.

You can perform up to 40 tests with this aquarium test kit for the saltwater reef. The results are very accurate and exact.

However, the aquarium test kit is not the best option for ultra-low nutrient tanks.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Affordable
• Clear results

Cons

• Not the best option for low nutrient tanks

Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21525 Marine Care Test Kit

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Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21525 Marine Care Test Kit features everything you need to run a freshwater aquarium test, allowing you to keep track of the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, and PH levels.

I found the tests easy to use- thanks to the comprehensive instructions and color charts that let you keep track of the important parameter of your aquarium.

Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21525 Marine Care Test Kit features 100 Ammonia test, 100 and 60 nitrate test, 100PH tests, and 55 alkalinity tests.

To keep track of your freshwater aquarium’s health, always remember that most potential problems are usually invisible.  Always use the test kits once every week or when a problem comes.

Pros

• Comes with everything you need to do a successful test
• Easy to use

Cons

Doesn’t include test tube holders

How To Choose The Right Water Aquarium Test Kit

In this section, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about buying an aquarium test water kits. Let’s get started.

It’s essential to choose the best water aquarium test kits when it comes to testing the overall health of your water tank. That way, you can get an accurate result, and you’ll be able to know the overall health of your fish, coral, and plants. Below are essential factors to consider before you buy an aquarium test kit

Ease of Use

These days, businesses and companies are introducing a different type of test kit combinations based on users needs. While some of these manufacturers aim at meeting users demand, they are only making the use of test kits complicated. Using the water test kits relates to performing a scientific experiment at home.

Not everyone has the passion or knack to perform scientific experiments, so manufacturers must make the process as easy as possible. Make sure you go for a test kit that is simple to use.

An example is the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. The freshwater test kit from API features every vital material you need to test the elements of your freshwater aquarium, including the PH, nitrate, ammonia, high range PH, and nitrite.

The complete kit comes with an instructional booklet, four test times, holding tray, a test tube rack, and compute analyzed color cards that you can use to compare accuracy easily.

Longevity

After buying the fishes, aquarium, and other accessories like filters, spending money on a test kit will be an additional expense. A beginner hobbyist may find it annoying when choosing an aquarium kit for the first time.

Purchasing a test kit every time does take not only a lot of money but also takes time. Before you choose one, make sure you go for a water test kit with enough material to last you for long. All of our best aquarium water test kits pack several features which means you can use them for long. For example JNW Direct 7 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips comes with 150 strips which means you can test your aquarium water in 150 times, making it last for long.

Accuracy

Fish can get sick for many reasons. To know the real reason behind the sickness, you’ll need to get an accurate result of the health of your aquarium water. And that’s through a test kit with high accuracy level.  Because not getting an accurate result might make you end up with taking the wrong step, which may harm your fish. All the product we reviewed ensured that each parameter is measured accurately.

What Should You Test In The Aquarium Water?

Freshwater Aquariums

The Ph is a crucial component of a freshwater tank. A too high or too low PH of water can affect your fish negatively. Water PH typically ranges from alkaline to acidic and measure from 0-14.

Most fish thrive well on a neutral PH which is usually in the middle of 6.6-7.8. You may need to adjust based on the test result or the type of fish you harbour. Some fish thrive more on an acidic environment.

You need to confirm the level of ammonia because an excessive level of ammonia may kill your fish. Ammonia is derived from the breakdown of leftover foods and wastes. Healthy tanks usually have an ammonia level of zero.

You also need to check for the nitrate and nitrate contents of your fish. Nitrates are formed when the beneficial bacteria in the aquarium breaks down ammonia. Nitrites are formed when nitrates break down. Unlike ammonia, nitrites pose less harm but can be problematic if they come as high.

Nitrates are the final result of the Nitrogen cycle. Nitrates are not harmful; most times, they are only a sign that the aquarium bacteria are performing their function of breaking down nitrites and Ammonia.

Hardness is measured by the level of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other materials in water. Soft water can also be harmful because the PH can drastically drop.

Alkalinity indicates stability and the ability of water to maintain a particular PH. A fluctuating PH can harm your fish.

Saltwater Aquariums

As with freshwater aquarium, also check all the parameters we checked with the freshwater aquarium, including the chlorine and salinity.

Reef Ranks

Also check the same components as with the saltwater, including calcium, phosphate, and magnesium.

Magnesium and calcium play a considerable role in the proper coral growth, and excess phosphate can result in too much growth of algae.

Planted Aquariums

Test the same components you would as with freshwater aquarium including the alkalinity and general water hardness which are both crucial for plant growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Test Kit for marine aquarium?

A test kit dedicated to the marine aquarium must be accurate because of the sensitive nature of the plants, animals, and coral living in this environment.

The API Freshwater Master Test Kit features every material needed to test for PH, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.

What is the Best Test Kit for freshwater aquarium?

When it comes to the best freshwater aquarium test kit, the API Freshwater Master test kit is your best bet. It comes with every necessary material needed to test the ammonia, PH range, nitrite and nitrate level, which are required for your tank to thrive.

This test kit is an excellent value, especially with the way it features sufficient materials to perform overt 800 tests, alongside instructional booklets, testing solutions, and every necessary supplies.

Additionally, it also comes with a computer analyzed cards which you can compare with an accurate scale to guide you on what is safe and what needs improvements.

What Is The Best Test Kit For Saltwater Aquarium?

The Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE21525 Marine Care Test Kit for Aquarium is the best test kit for a saltwater aquarium and excellent reasons. The nicely-packed test kit comes with everything you need to test your saltwater fish and keep them healthier and happier.

Inarguably, the API Saltwater Master Test Kit is a super-accurate kit that tests nitrite, nitrate, high PH, and every other component that keeps the saltwater tank balanced.

Apart from having everything you need to test, it also comes with supplies that are sufficient to test your aquarium for up to 550 times. You will use the kit for a long time before replenishing them. An excellent test coming at a good value- you can never go wrong with the best test kit for saltwater aquarium.

How to Use an Aquarium Test Kit

Although they are different from brands to brands and from models to models, all aquarium test kits are generally used in the same way.

Here’s a step by step guide on how to use an aquarium test kits:

Assemble your materials

For example, testing solutions, test tubes, color charts for result comparison, syringe, or another way of taking a water sample from the aquarium. Your kit will come with everything you need.

Label your tubes with tested components

Next is to label each tube with what you intend to test. For example, you can write PH on one tube, and nitrite or another. Just make sure you avoid confusion. And if you don’t like the idea of writing on labels, put a label on the stand so you that you will have an idea of what’s inside the tubes. That way, you’ll be able to read an accurate result.

Fill the test tube

Once you’ve labelled everything, fill the test tubes with the water, according to the recommendation from the manufacturer. Most manufacturers recommend 5ml but check if yours is different. Now add each solution to the tubes. Also, the number of drops varies as well.

Based on the component you’re testing, the number of drops starts anywhere from 3-10 drops.

Don’t multi-task; focus on one test tube at once. Put the recommended number of drops, put the lid and mix them by shaking. Now, move to the next tube and do the same….and the test tubes.

Each solution will change into a different color depending on what you’re testing on the water. Now compare all your results to the values of the charts. If all goes well, then you’re good to go till the coming week. If you need to make specific changes, then do the needful and retest at the end of the day.

As aforementioned, your kit may slightly vary, so make sure you study the instructions carefully. However, some kits can be very complicated than others.

Conclusion

Out of the best aquarium water test kit reviewed, the API Freshwater Master Test Kit takes the first position.

The freshwater test kit from API features every vital material you need to test the elements of your freshwater aquarium, including the PH, nitrate, ammonia, high range PH, and nitrite.

The accuracy of the kit is commendable enough, and we love how it can determine from even the most basic to the general aspect of your aquarium health. All other kits also come at excellent quality and dedicated to a specific type of tank.

In the end, I hope you will be able to choose the best aquarium water test kit that meets your requirements. Good luck!