Aquarium Test Kits

What are aquarium test kits?

Test kits allow you to check your water chemistry at home without having to send a sample away. Each type of tester has different ways of showing results, you can either dip a strip, add a reagent that changes colour, or get a digital reading. Some of our testers are for individual issues, some come as a kit and test for a range of problems. These tests allow you to quickly diagnose any issues within your water so you can fix them with an appropriate water treatment.

Should I choose test strips, liquid kits, or digital checkers?

Test strips are the fastest solution for a quick weekly check, liquid master kits give a more precise reading and cover more parameters in one kit, and digital checkers are the most accurate and are best if you are keeping less hardy species. Most fishkeepers use a liquid master kit as their main tester, typically only using strips for quick top-ups, and digital checkers if they are having repeated issues with a specific parameter.

Which parameters should I be testing for?

Ammonia and nitrite are the most important thing to test for when a new tank is cycling. However, nitrate needs regular testing in an established tank, and pH and phosphate is worth keeping an eye on if you have sensitive fish or live plants. If you don't know where to start, a kit that covers all these in one box is the best choice.

Looking for something else?

Keeping marine fish? Water chemistry requirements are different for these setups, so try our Marine Test Kits range instead. If you're looking to check your pond water, try our Pond Water Test Kits.