What are the best nitrate test kits? Does shopping for the best nitrate test kits for the aquarium get stressful for you? Are doubts and confusion rolling over in your head? We perceive it is very much confusing!
Nitrate testing is an essential part of owning an aquarium to keep the fish healthy! Because a high nitrate concentration can cause unwanted algae growth. This might slow down coral growth and deteriorate the water quality in the aquarium which is not beneficial for fish health.
Hence, in this article, we have come up with some best Nitrate test kits for you. So that you can understand your baselines and when to change water or adjust other supplementation. If you’re ready, let’s begin and pick the best Nitrate test kit!
Top 7 best Nitrate test kits:
We have done our research on over 20 Nitrate test kits available in the market and picked the top 7 Nitrate test kits on our list!
1. API Aquarium Test Kit
The first time you have desired to keep fish but don’t know anything about the water’s quality in your fish tank? Don’t worry! You can check this one out. API is one of the best around for performance because it is suitable for reef aquariums, saltwater, and freshwater.
The API Aquarium Test Kit contains one Master Test Kit, including 7 bottles of testing solutions, 1 color card, and 4 glass tubes with cap. The test kit will help to check the quality of water by tracking any changes in the water. Moreover, the test kit will show the levels of different chemicals in the tank. So that you can take the most appropriate action to save the fishes out there!
Key features:
- The test kit comes up with 7 bottles of testing solutions, 1 color card, and 4 glass tubes with a cap to observe the quality of tank water
- This product will detect the 5 most vital water parameters levels in freshwater aquariums with accuracy. They are pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate.
- The master test kit can prevent invisible water problems
- The product is suitable for use in only freshwater aquariums
Pros:
- Affordable testing kit
- Appears with all the needed chemicals
- Ideal for detecting any invisible problems
- Can help in monitoring water quality
- Designed to test 5 crucial water parameters
- Provides detailed instructions for a better understanding
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with saltwater aquariums
- Some chemicals can run out fast before the rest
- Fragile glass test tubes
2. API NITRATE TEST KIT for freshwater and saltwater
The API NITRATE TEST KIT is unique to the previous one to the extent that the kit isconvenient to use both in freshwater and saltwater. The test kit can detect nitrate levels from 0 to160 ppm to upgrade the water condition. This product carriesone nitrate bottle, one capped glass test tube, and one color card. You will also get a proper direction with this product. Thus, any previous knowledge about testing is not required which is beneficial for beginners! Anyone can make a better underwater world through this efficient test kit!
Key features:
- The API NITRATE 90-T is an effective reading to check for any issues that might harm the plants and fish in the tank
- The product holds one nitrate bottle, one capped glass test tube, and one color card.
- The test kit is convenient to use both in salt and freshwater aquariums
- The kit can test nitrate levels from 0-160 ppm
- The test kit prevents unwanted algae growth in the aquarium.
Pros
- Testing is fast, easy, and accurate
- Designed for use in both fresh and saltwater aquariums.
- Comes with complete accessories including two bottles of solutions
- Can detect nitrate levels up to 160 ppm
- Can prevent invisible issues in the tank
Cons
- The quality of the bottles is not up to the mark
- Replacement bottles are also cheap in materials
3. API GH & KH Liquid TEST KIT
The most important parameters in any water tank are GH and KH. These two measurements affect the Ph in an aquarium which indicates what types of fish you will be able to keep. Hence, this API GH & KH Liquid TEST KIT a wholesome test kit to grab immediately! The test kit accommodates 2 bottles of testing solution, 1 color card, and 2 glass test tubes with a cap. This kit is useful to use in freshwater aquarium water. Moreover, the product is also able to identify low KH levels that cause rapid pH shifts, stressing fish. With API GH & KH Liquid TEST KIT, it’s easy to keep a beautiful saltwater, freshwater, or reef aquarium.
Key features:
- The GH & KH Liquid TEST KIT is suitable for freshwater aquarium water
- The test kit contains 2 bottles of testing solution, 1 color card, and 2 glass test tubes with a cap
- The product measures both kinds of water hardness
- This water test kit monitors GH & KH to create a more natural habitat for the fishes in freshwater aquariums
- The kit can detect low KH levels that can lead to rapid pH shifts, stressing fish.
Pros:
- Provides accurate result
- Easy to use
- Prevents hidden water problem
- Balance PH level in the water
- Has longer shelf life than strips.
Cons:
- There is no clear instruction on how many drops have to be drip
- The kit has no color sample by which to judge the test color.
4. BOSIKE Aquarium Test Strips
Bosike is not as a prominent brand as API or tetra but not least than those of! The BOSIKE aquarium test kit comes up with a count of 125. The BOSIKE strips expire for 2 years which makes them a perfect buy for long-term use. The fiber strips contain six panels to test individual parameters. The panels are well-distant to prevent bleeding and false readings. They are unique from the other brands to the extent that these testing strips work for about everything! These strips can test tropical, Betta fish, Shrimp, saltwater, and freshwater aquariums. At the same time, these strips are super easy to use and provide a result within 90 seconds with accuracy!
Key features:
- The aquarium test kit includes 125 test strips
- Strips expire for 2 years
- The test kit can track 6 parameters to measure water quality. These six parameters include total Hardness, Nitrate, Nitrite, Cl2, Carbonate, and pH level at a time!
- Each test strip is made of high-quality fiber paper
Pros
- Provides accurate result
- Requires only 90 seconds to get a result!
- Long term usage facility
- Detects 6 essential water quality parameters
Cons:
- Sometimes strips color do not match with the color card
- The ph and alkalinity( KH) readings are difficult due to the off-colored strips
5. Tetra EasyStrips 6-in-1 Aquarium Test Strips for Fresh/Salt Water
If you’re searching for a good multi-test kit, this one will be a perfect match for you! As the name indicates, Tetra easy Strips are easy to use and inspect 6 significant water quality parameters. This distinctive feature isn’t always included on the typical test strip. These six parameters are Chlorine, General water Hardness (GH), nitrates, nitrites, alkalinity (KH), and pH levels. These strips are effective enough to give an accurate result within 60 seconds! Moreover, there is no need to have confusion on the validity of these strips since they are invented by using the same technology that the experts use in the laboratories. These aquarium test strips are versatile and are convenient to use both in fresh or saltwater aquariums.
Key features:
- This kit has 100 test strips
- The test kit suitable for both fresh or saltwater aquariums
- The master test kit is capable of providing a result within one minute with accuracy!
- The aquarium test kit is super easy to use. Dip and read!
- The product is ideal for halting hidden water problems
Pros
- 100 test strips will last long even with frequent water testing!
- Complete testing kit
- Can also check water hardness, pH levels, and alkalinity
- Easy to read the result with the color card
- Requires less time to provide result
- Provides accurate result
Cons
- Almost 5 times more expensive than other liquid test kits
- No way to identify if the kit tests total or free chlorine
- Not cheap per strip
6. API NITRITE TEST KIT 180-Test Freshwater and Saltwater
The API NITRITE 180- TEST KIT is another choice not to miss when comparing options for an item in this category. You will love the test kit since it is affordable and ideal for beginners due to easy usage. At the same time, it can offer a dual-range result and is convenient to use in freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
We recognize that fish waste and fish food waste produce Nitrite in the aquarium. Low levels of nitrite can cause fish suffocation and hamper their immune system. The product is wholesome in this aspect that it can detect high nitrate levels from 0-5 ppm! Even professional aquarium maintenance services use this product for both fresh and marine tanks. So, everyone can rely on this item about the efficiency of the NITRITE TEST KIT-180!
Key features:
- Suitable for use in freshwater and saltwater aquarium
- This product comes with one nitrite bottle, one capped glass test tube, one instruction manual, and one color card.
- The test kit offers an exact result of nitrate levels from 0-5 ppm
- The kit helps to maintain the natural immune system of the fishes by keeping balanced nitrite level in the water
- The aquarium test kit provides a result within 5 minutes and you will need 5 drops to dip!
Pros:
- Versatile for use in either freshwater or saltwater tanks
- Can detect nitrite levels up to 5 ppm
- Weekly usage to detect problems
- Can prevent invisible issues in the tank
- Helps to maintain the natural immune system
Cons:
- Doesn’t cover all parameters
- Colors are indistinguishable as color schemes are too reconciled to differentiate
7. Sera Nitrate-Test (No3) 15 Ml, 0.5 fl. oz Aquarium Test Kits
Comparing with other brands, Sera Nitrate Aquarium Test Kit is one of the affordable test kits that offer many of the same testing parameters as other test kits do. Sera’s test kit offers a value that no other aquarium test kit can bid. It includes tests for ammonium/ammonia, pH value, nitrite, nitrate, total hardness, carbonate hardness, phosphate, iron, and copper that’s perfect for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The aquarium kit comes up with three bottles, a measuring spoon, and a test tube with a cap. The kit offers almost accurate results within 5minutes!
Key features:
- This test kit is suitable for freshwater, marine aquariums, and pond water
- This master test kit contains 3bottles, a test tube, and a measuring spoon
- The water test kit can measure 9 vital water quality parameters
- The aquarium test kit can provide a result within 5minutes
- The test tubes are much larger than a lot of standard liquid tests that make them easier to use
Pros
- Tests for 9 measures of aquarium chemical balance
- Comes with everything you need for testing
- Easy to read results with an included reference card
- Best price for a comprehensive test kit
- Provides accurate result
- Large test tubes
- Nice organizer case
- For freshwater and marine aquariums as well as ponds
Cons:
- Does not come with instructions for how to correct imbalances
- It may not be easy-going for beginners
- Requires to complete several steps
What to Look For before buying Nitrate Test Kit:
Before you head out and buy the first test kit you see, there are several things to consider. Despite their importance, not all kits are made the same. Here are some things to look for!
Accuracy: You should buy a test kit that can offer you precise results. After all, it is one of the reasons that we’re buying this kit. All aquarium test kits will provide some basic data. But, that doesn’t mean that every reading is 100 percent accurate. As a result, they are expected to provide approximate data. So, one should find a kit that can provide the most accurate readings possible.
Facile instruction: the efforts of having a great test kit will go into vain if one can not use the kit due to lacking proper instruction. So, make sure before buying a kit that the instructions are easy to understand and followed.
Price: It would be beneficial if one can find a test kit that comes with 50 strips at an affordable price. Hence, there is no need to buy them from time to time. But never compromise the quality!
FAQ:
- How often should one use an aquarium test kit?
It is beneficial to use a test kit once a week to persistent the quality of water. Along with this, one can use a kit whenever sick fish or any unwanted problems are found.
- Do aquarium test kits expire?
Yes! It would be helpful to notice expire date when the kit arrives and maintain the deadline! Because, after being expired, they will be unable to provide an accurate result.
- What are the best freshwater test kits?
When it comes to freshwater test kits, the names of API, Tetra, Sera Aqua, Hanna will come forward. They provide a wide range of test kits. Some of them are capable of monitoring several water parameters while the rest are for the individual parameter.
Final Verdict:
By now we hope you not only know the name of the best aquarium kits but feel comfortable using them. These little things play an essential role in the ability to keep a tank healthy and happy. Let’s not forget to look for a nitrate test kit with accuracy, affordability, and multi-test capacity!