API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, White, Single, Multi-colored

This test kit is definitely accurate — I’ve used it side-by-side with other tests and it consistently gives clear, reliable readings. It covers everything I need for my freshwater tanks (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH), and it’s saved me from some serious water parameter issues more than once.That said, the process isn’t exactly quick or convenient. You’ve got to measure out water into test tubes, shake bottles, time everything exactly, and match colors that sometimes look way too similar. It works, but it’s not something I look forward to doing, especially if I’m testing multiple tanks or running through every parameter at once.What I liked:- Very accurate and consistent results- Covers all the main water parameters- Plenty of tests per bottle- More reliable than strips or cheap alternativesWhat I disliked:- Takes a while to run a full round of tests- Color matching can be hard under certain lighting- Lots of little pieces to keep track ofIt’s a solid kit and does the job well — just be ready for a bit of a routine every time you use it. I keep using it because I trust the results, but I wouldn’t mind if they made the process a little more user-friendly.

Absolutely must have for any aquarium hobbyist. Let’s you know when your tank is cycled, if your Ph levels are good and when you need to do a water change.

We bought this to check the water daily of our axolotl tank. Comes with chemicals to check multiple levels and an easy to follow waterproof chart, as well as multiple test tubes. I like that the chart also includes quick fixes and potential problems for the various levels being checked.

It checks for everything I need it to. Lasts forever. People have mentioned the tubes not being glass. I don't mind them being plastic. I have always been concerned about breaking them anyway.

All is well but my kit is missing the second ammonia test solution and the return policy does not allow me to get a replacement. Therefore, I cannot test for Ammonia parameters.

Excellent but tedious to use. I get the same result from the much more convenient test strips. The results are easier to read when using the kit, as the white background shows the colors better.

You will find this freshwater kit is far more accurate than test strips. The soaking of a tiny doped pad method of test strips just isnt an accurate way to test. This is the industry standard water test kit that most aquarists swear by.1st, be sure the test chemicals you get are not near expiration. You should easily be able to use this kit for up to a few years before the chemicals included lose their effectiveness. The expiration date is on the kit box and on each bottle of solution.The glass test tubes that used to be included in this kit have been replaced by plastic ones. The glass tubes made cleaning up a breeze and were far better than the plastic ones that don't clean up as well. Also the 5ml fill line is a bit difficult to see on the plastic tubes. It was always inevitable though that you would eventually break a few glass tubes before you got through the 800 tests this kit can provide. They now just assume that by the time the plastic tubes get permanently stained, you'll be on to a new test kit with new tubes. While not a deal breaker, I prefered the glass tubes.Be sure you purchase the kit best suited for the tanks or ponds you keep. This kit is the freshwater version.This kit tests pH in two different ways. If you have ph generally higher than 7.4 you use the high pH test solution. If you have pH below 7.6 youll use the standard pH test kit. This is great of you are keeping multiple tanks with different pH levels or if your one tank tends to bounce around between 7.4 to 7.6. Once you figure out which test best suits your aquariums, youll likely not use the other solution.This kit tests for total ammonia using 2 solutions in one test. Ammonia is a very hazardous chemical to your fish and plants. Use this kit to keep these levels of ammonia at or near 0.This kit tests Nitrites using 1 solution. This is the second step in the nitrogen cycle. While not as harmful as ammonia, it's still something you should strive to get as close to 0 as possible. Now some people using heavily planted and fertilized tanks will actually strive to have this level low but present.This kit tests for nitrates in two solutions for 1 test. While nitrates are not as harmful to fish as Ammonia or Nitrite, most fish keepers still strive for low readings. Long term exposures to high nitrates can still cause harm to fish. Generally youll get rid of nitrates by water changes or heavy plant growth. Many people with heavily planted and fertilized tanks prefer this value to be a little higher to feed the plants but still low to protect the fish.With this test kit testing 4 of your most important chemicals in fresh water, it is a necessity to have on hand. Test strips might be more convenient but are seldom very accurate. This liquid master test kit is the standard if you want true values at an affordable price. It comes in several varieties, depending on whether you have freshwater, marine, reef or ponds. Its a great way to see what is going on in your setup before any loss of life occurs.

Very useful, been using it to cycle my tank. The only issue i have is that maybe add one more test tube so it will be 1 each for ph low, and ph high. Otherwise i love it. And will always purchase this for my tank