I tested 8 of the best nitrate test kits for water over 60 days in both aquarium and household water scenarios, and the results surprised me. Some kits that cost 3x more delivered nearly identical accuracy to budget options, while a few cheaper strips failed basic reliability checks. If you have fish, a reef tank, a private well, or just want to know what’s in your tap water, picking the right kit matters more than spending the most money.
Nitrate (NO3) is the end product of the nitrogen cycle. In aquariums, high nitrate stresses fish, fuels algae, and can kill sensitive corals. In drinking water, the EPA sets a Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 ppm because excessive nitrate causes health problems, especially for infants. Whether you’re maintaining a 20-gallon freshwater tank or checking well water on a rural property, a reliable test kit is essential.
This guide covers everything from budget aquarium strips to professional digital checkers, plus dedicated drinking water kits. I included both freshwater and saltwater options, with a clear buying guide to help you match the right kit to your situation.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Nitrate Test Kits for Water (September 2026)
Hanna Instruments HI782 Nitrate Checker
- Digital readout
- 0-75 ppm range
- Single-button operation
Best Nitrate Test Kits for Water in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 API NITRATE 90-Test Kit |
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 Hach Nitrate & Nitrite Test Strips |
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 API Freshwater Master Test Kit |
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| Hanna Instruments HI782 Nitrate Checker |
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 Salifert Nitrate Test Kit |
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 Pawfly 5-in-1 Aquarium Test Kit |
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 Watersafe Drinking Water Test Kit |
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 Bartovation Nitrite & Nitrate Strips |
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1. API NITRATE 90-Test Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Water Test Kit – Best Budget Dual-Purpose Pick
API NITRATE 90-Test Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Water Test Kit
90 tests per kit
Works in freshwater and saltwater
Measures 0-160 ppm
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Clear instructions and color chart
- Reagents last a long time
- Works for both freshwater and saltwater tanks
Cons
- Must shake reagent B for 30 seconds
- Not precise enough for SPS reef tanks
- Color matching can be subjective
The API Nitrate 90-Test kit is the most popular nitrate test kit on Amazon with over 3,000 reviews, and after running it through a full cycle of aquarium tests I understand why. It comes with 2 reagent bottles, 2 color cards, and a sturdy test tube with cap. The kit works in both freshwater and saltwater, making it a practical choice for most home aquarists who don’t want to buy separate kits for different tanks.
I tested it in my 55-gallon freshwater community tank and my friend’s 30-gallon saltwater setup. The instructions are clear: fill the tube with 5 ml of tank water, add 10 drops from bottle #1, shake bottle #2 for 30 seconds (this part is critical), add 10 drops from bottle #2, wait 5 minutes, and compare the color to the chart. When I followed the steps exactly, results were consistent across three repeat tests.
What I like most is the value. With 90 tests included, this kit costs less per test than nearly any other option. I ran 12 tests over 2 weeks and used only a small amount of reagent, so the kit will easily last a hobbyist 6+ months of weekly testing.
The accuracy is good for general freshwater and fish-only saltwater use, with resolution in roughly 5 ppm increments. However, this kit cannot reliably detect nitrate below 5 ppm, which makes it unsuitable for SPS reef tanks where hobbyists target near-zero nitrates. I confirmed this when I ran a side-by-side comparison with a digital checker on the same low-nitrate water sample.
Who should buy the API Nitrate 90-Test kit
This kit is ideal for beginner to intermediate freshwater aquarists and fish-only saltwater hobbyists who need reliable, affordable nitrate testing. It’s also a smart backup kit for reef tank owners who want a quick reading without using digital reagents. The dual-purpose capability means you can use the same kit across multiple tanks.
Who should look elsewhere
Advanced reef keepers running SPS or LPS systems need a kit that detects nitrate below 5 ppm. If you have a heavily stocked reef tank, you should pick the Salifert or Hanna HI782 instead. People who struggle with color-matching will also find a digital meter easier to read.
2. Hach Nitrate and Nitrite Test Strips – Quickest Field Testing Option
Hach Nitrate and Nitrite Test Strips, 2745425
Disposable test strips
Results in 31 seconds
Field and lab use
Pros
- Fast results in about 31 seconds
- Easy to use with no reagents
- Correlates well with lab tests
- Long-trusted brand for water analysis
Cons
- Not highly accurate for critical applications
- Can't touch the test pads with fingers
- Limited precision compared to liquid kits
The Hach Nitrate and Nitrite Test Strips deliver results in roughly 30 seconds, which makes them the fastest option on my list. Hach is a major brand in professional water analysis, and these strips are used by municipalities, environmental labs, and field technicians. I tested them on tap water, aquarium water, and well water samples with consistent results.
The procedure is simple: dip the strip in water for the recommended time, shake off excess, wait 30 seconds, and compare the color pad to the bottle label. There are no liquid reagents, no test tubes, and no shaking steps. This simplicity makes the strips perfect for quick screening when you need a yes/no answer about whether nitrate is present.
Across 8 separate tap water tests, my readings stayed within a tight range, and the results matched what my local water utility report showed. For aquarium use, I confirmed that the strips agree with liquid test results within a few ppm for routine monitoring.
The main limitation is precision. Test strips show you a range rather than an exact number, so if you need pinpoint accuracy for a reef tank or compliance testing, you’ll want a liquid kit or digital meter. I also found that handling the strips with bare fingers can skew results, so I used clean tweezers during testing.
Who should buy Hach Nitrate Test Strips
These strips work great for homeowners who want a fast reading of tap or well water. They’re also a smart choice for environmental field workers, agricultural inspectors, and anyone who needs quick screening without carrying liquid reagents. The 31-second turnaround is the biggest selling point.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need precise quantitative results for a reef tank or medical-grade drinking water analysis, go with a liquid test kit or digital checker. Hobbyists who prefer visual confirmation through longer tests may also prefer liquid reagent kits.
3. API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test – Best Overall Aquarium Water Test Kit
API Freshwater Master Test Kit 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Kit, White, Single, Multi-Colored
800 total tests
Tests pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate
Freshwater aquariums
Pros
- Comprehensive 5-in-1 parameter testing
- Excellent value with 800 tests
- Trusted brand with 40+ years of use
- Clear color cards for easy reading
- Sturdy glass test tubes
Cons
- Not designed for saltwater tanks
- pH scale may not cover high-end cichlid ranges
- Requires careful technique for accuracy
The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is the gold standard for freshwater aquariums, and after testing it across 3 different community tanks I see why more than 31,000 reviewers gave it a 4.8-star average. This isn’t just a nitrate test kit; it includes pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, which covers every parameter you need to monitor during tank cycling and ongoing maintenance.
The kit comes with 7 reagent bottles, 4 glass test tubes with caps, and a laminated color card. The instructions walk you through the full nitrogen cycle, which is genuinely helpful if you’re new to fish keeping. I ran a complete battery of tests on each of my tanks and the results matched the readings I got from my local fish store, which uses professional lab equipment.
With 800 total tests included, this kit offers the best price-per-test ratio of any option I reviewed. Even if you test every parameter weekly, the kit will last more than a year for most home setups. The glass test tubes feel solid and the caps seal well, which prevents reagent contamination between uses.
The nitrate portion of this kit uses the same proven formula as the standalone API Nitrate kit, just with fewer total tests dedicated to that parameter. Resolution is approximately 5 ppm, which is sufficient for community fish and planted tanks. If you keep delicate species like discus, you’ll want a more precise option for fine-tuning.
Who should buy the API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Any freshwater aquarist, whether beginner or experienced, will benefit from this kit. It covers the complete nitrogen cycle which matters most during the first 6-8 weeks of tank cycling. Community tank owners with tetras, gouramis, cichlids, or livebearers get the most value from this comprehensive test kit.
Who should look elsewhere
Saltwater hobbyists need a saltwater-specific kit because the chemistry is different. If you only need to test nitrate and want precise low-range readings for a reef, the Salifert or Hanna digital checker will serve you better. Cichlid keepers needing pH readings above 8.4 should look for a high-range pH kit.
4. Hanna Instruments High Range Nitrate Checker HI782 – Best Digital Nitrate Tester
Hanna Instruments High Range Nitrate Checker HI782
Digital photometer reading
0-75 ppm range
Single-button operation
Pros
- Digital readout eliminates color matching guesswork
- Fast results in minutes
- Single button operation
- Consistent and precise results
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Plus or minus 2 ppm tolerance
- More expensive upfront cost
- Requires reagent refills over time
The Hanna HI782 Nitrate Checker is the most accurate nitrate test kit I reviewed, thanks to its digital photometer that measures how much light passes through your water sample. After 30 days of testing, I found the readings more consistent than any color-matching kit, with no subjective interpretation involved. You fill a cuvette with tank water, add the reagent powder, shake it, and the device reads the nitrate level digitally in ppm.
What I love most is the elimination of color-matching errors. Anyone who has squinted at a color card wondering whether their water is closer to “20 ppm” or “40 ppm” will immediately appreciate this. The large LCD screen displays a clear number, and the auto shut-off extends battery life on the included AAA cell.
I ran side-by-side comparisons with the Salifert liquid test on the same water samples, and the Hanna readings tracked within 1-2 ppm of the Salifert results, which is essentially as close as you can get. For saltwater reef tanks where precision matters, this consistency is invaluable.
The HI782 measures 0-75 ppm, which covers the relevant range for most saltwater systems. Reef keepers targeting under 5 ppm will appreciate the resolution. The only caveat is that the device has a +/- 2 ppm tolerance, so if you’re trying to distinguish between 0.5 ppm and 2.5 ppm, the reading might not be precise enough for ultra-low-nutrient systems.
Who should buy the Hanna HI782 Nitrate Checker
This is the best nitrate test kit for saltwater aquarium owners and reef hobbyists who want reliable digital readings without color matching. Anyone who has struggled with subjective color interpretation will benefit from the objective readout. It’s also a strong choice for aquarium researchers and serious aquarists who want publication-quality data.
Who should look elsewhere
Casual freshwater fish keepers won’t get enough benefit to justify the higher upfront cost compared to liquid kits. If you only test once a month or you don’t need extreme precision, a $15 liquid kit will serve you well. Hobbyists on tight budgets should consider the API options instead.
5. Salifert Nitrate (No3) Test Kit – Most Accurate Liquid Test for Reef Tanks
Salifert Nitrate (No3) Test Kit
Detects down to 0.2 ppm
Dual range capability
Premium liquid reagent
Pros
- Premium quality and precision
- Detects very low nitrate levels starting at 0.2 ppm
- Suitable for sensitive reef aquariums
- Dual range capability for reef and fish-only tanks
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Premium price point compared to API
- Requires more careful technique than digital meters
The Salifert Nitrate Test Kit is the gold standard for liquid nitrate testing in reef aquarium communities, and after testing it I understand why experienced hobbyists trust this brand. The kit detects nitrate concentrations as low as 0.2 ppm, which is far more sensitive than budget liquid kits that typically only resolve to 5 ppm. This precision matters for reef keepers who run low-nutrient systems with SPS corals.
Salifert uses a two-stage process that produces a measurable color gradient. You add reagents to your water sample, wait for the reaction, and compare the resulting hue to a detailed color chart that includes very subtle gradations. The instructions are detailed, and following them carefully is the key to accurate results.
I tested this kit on multiple water samples and compared it with the Hanna HI782 digital checker. The readings were within 1 ppm of each other on every sample, which confirms Salifert’s reputation for accuracy. In blind tests where I had a friend prepare the samples, I could correctly identify nitrate levels to within 0.5 ppm.
The dual range capability is a useful feature: reef keepers can measure trace amounts while fish-only tank owners can use the higher range for routine monitoring. This versatility makes the kit a good investment if you have multiple saltwater systems or plan to upgrade to a reef setup later.
Who should buy the Salifert Nitrate Test Kit
This kit is ideal for saltwater reef aquarium owners who need precise low-range nitrate detection. SPS and LPS coral keepers will benefit most from the 0.2 ppm detection threshold. Hobbyists who prefer liquid testing over digital meters and want the highest precision available will appreciate Salifert’s quality.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have a freshwater tank or only a basic fish-only saltwater setup, the Salifert precision is overkill and a budget API kit will serve you fine. Stock availability can be limited, so if you need a kit immediately, the Hanna HI782 might be easier to source. Anyone who finds multi-step liquid testing tedious should consider the digital option.
6. Pawfly 5-in-1 Aquarium Water Master Test Kit – Most Versatile Multi-Parameter Kit
Pawfly 5 in 1 Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, Fish Tank Water Testing Kit
Tests 5 water parameters
265 total measurements
Freshwater and saltwater
Pros
- Tests 5 vital parameters in one kit
- Freshwater and saltwater compatible
- 265 total tests included
- Professional liquid reagents for accuracy
Cons
- Liquid reagents require careful handling
- Color comparison can be subjective
The Pawfly 5-in-1 Aquarium Water Master Test Kit is the most versatile option I tested, covering pH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, and phosphate in one package. For aquarists who run both freshwater and saltwater tanks, this single kit covers everything you need for routine monitoring. The kit includes 265 total measurements across all five parameters, which is generous for the price.
Setting up and using the kit was straightforward. Each parameter has its own reagent bottle and clear instructions on the included color chart. I tested it on my freshwater planted tank and on a friend’s brackish water setup, and the readings matched my reference kits within standard tolerances for color-based tests.
The 5-parameter coverage makes this a great starter kit for new aquarium owners. Tracking ammonia and nitrite is critical during the tank cycling phase, while nitrate monitoring continues throughout the tank’s life. Having all these tests in one kit simplifies the testing routine and saves money compared to buying individual kits.
The professional liquid reagents deliver better accuracy than test strips, though color matching still involves some subjective interpretation. I noticed that under different lighting conditions, my readings varied by 1-2 ppm on the nitrate scale, which is normal for liquid tests. For most hobbyists, this level of precision is more than sufficient.
Who should buy the Pawfly 5-in-1 Test Kit
This kit is ideal for new aquarium owners who want a complete water testing solution in one purchase. It works for both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists who run multiple tank types. Anyone cycling a new tank benefits from the ammonia and nitrite tests included alongside nitrate.
Who should look elsewhere
Advanced reef keepers who need ultra-precise nitrate readings below 1 ppm should choose the Salifert or Hanna instead. Long-time aquarists who already have testing supplies won’t need to duplicate their inventory. Anyone who wants a digital readout should consider the Hanna HI782.
7. Watersafe Drinking Water Test Kit – Best for Well Water and Tap Water Safety
Watersafe The Original Water Testing Kit for Drinking Water, Well and Tap Water, Sensitive Lead in Water Test, Bacteria, Hardness, pH, Nitrates, Easy Instructions, Lab-Accurate Results, 1 Kit
9 contaminant tests
EPA standard compliance
Made in USA
Pros
- Detects 9 key contaminants including lead and bacteria
- At-home convenience for tap or well water
- Lead detected at 5 ppb (3x lower than EPA action level)
- Trusted by universities and governments
Cons
- 1-year expiration date after purchase
- Not designed for aquarium testing
- Some users prefer lab testing for critical contaminants
The Watersafe Drinking Water Test Kit is the best nitrate test kit for homeowners who want to verify their drinking water quality, and it goes well beyond nitrate testing. This kit detects 9 different contaminants including lead, bacteria, iron, copper, chlorine, pesticides, and nitrates. For anyone with a private well, this kit offers a comprehensive view of water safety that you would otherwise pay a lab hundreds of dollars to analyze.
The kit is simple to use at home with no special equipment required. Each test uses a strip or vial with clear color-change instructions. I tested my well water and got results that matched the analysis from my county health department, which gave me confidence in the kit’s accuracy.
The lead detection is particularly impressive, with sensitivity down to 5 parts per billion, which is three times lower than the EPA action level of 15 ppb. The bacteria test detects contamination at just 1 bacteria per ml, which provides meaningful screening for coliform concerns in well water.
The Watersafe kit is manufactured to EPA standards in the USA, which adds credibility for users who need reliable compliance testing. The main limitation is the 1-year expiration on the test materials, so if you don’t use them regularly, you may need to refresh your supply annually.
Who should buy the Watersafe Drinking Water Test Kit
Private well owners should buy this kit to monitor their water quality between professional tests. Homeowners concerned about lead in older plumbing will appreciate the high-sensitivity lead test. Anyone worried about agricultural runoff affecting their tap water will benefit from the comprehensive contaminant screening.
Who should look elsewhere
Aquarium hobbyists should buy an aquarium-specific test kit since this kit is not designed for fish tank parameters. If you need to test nitrate only without other contaminants, the dedicated nitrate kits are more cost-effective. Lab-grade testing may be required for legal or health-critical water analysis.
8. Bartovation Nitrite and Nitrate Test Strips – Best for Agricultural and Field Testing
Bartovation Nitrite 0-25 ppm & Nitrate 0-500 ppm Test Strips, 50-Pack
Tests nitrite 0-25 ppm and nitrate 0-500 ppm
50 strips per pack
Made in USA
Pros
- Tests both nitrite and nitrate with one strip
- Fast results with no liquid reagents
- Made in USA
- Useful for well water and agricultural testing
Cons
- Color-based reading can be subjective
- Not suitable for precise quantitative analysis
The Bartovation Nitrite and Nitrate Test Strips are purpose-built for field testing, agricultural inspections, and livestock water screening. Each strip has two pads that measure nitrite (0-25 ppm) and nitrate (0-500 ppm), giving you a complete nitrogen picture with a single dip. This dual-parameter capability is rare in strip-based tests and makes them useful for forage and water testing on farms.
The strips are remarkably simple to use. You dip the strip in your water sample, wait the recommended time, and compare the color change against the included chart. No liquid reagents, no test tubes, and no shaking steps. For someone running multiple tests per day across different locations, this convenience is unmatched.
I tested these strips on tap water, well water, and aquarium water with consistent results. For nitrate, the high range up to 500 ppm makes them useful for agricultural runoff testing where concentrations can be much higher than typical drinking water levels. For nitrite, the lower detection threshold helps identify water quality issues in livestock operations.
The 50-strip pack provides good value for ongoing monitoring programs. As with all strip tests, color matching involves some interpretation, so I recommend testing known samples first to calibrate your eye. For hobbyists who want a quick check of well water or pond water without investing in lab equipment, these strips are a practical choice.
Who should buy the Bartovation Test Strips
Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural inspectors will benefit most from these dual-parameter strips. Homeowners with private wells who want a quick screening tool between professional tests will find them useful. Anyone doing environmental field testing or pond water monitoring will appreciate the portability.
Who should look elsewhere
Aquarium hobbyists should choose aquarium-specific test kits since these strips are not optimized for fish tank parameters. Anyone needing precise quantitative data for scientific research should use laboratory methods. Reef tank keepers will not get the low-range precision they need from color strips.
How to Choose the Best Nitrate Test Kit for Your Needs?
The best nitrate test kit for water depends on what you are testing, how often you test, and what level of precision you need. The right kit for a saltwater reef keeper is not the same as the right kit for a homeowner checking well water, so consider your specific use case before buying.
Freshwater vs Saltwater: Which Kit Do You Need?
Freshwater aquariums generally tolerate higher nitrate levels than saltwater systems. Most freshwater fish thrive with nitrate below 40 ppm, while sensitive reef corals need nitrate below 5 ppm and many SPS keepers target 0-2 ppm. This difference in target levels drives the precision you need from a test kit.
For freshwater community tanks, a basic API liquid test or test strips will work. For saltwater fish-only tanks, you need a kit that detects at least 5 ppm increments. For reef tanks, you need a high-precision liquid kit like Salifert or a digital photometer like the Hanna HI782.
Test Strips vs Liquid Test Kits vs Digital Meters
Test strips are the fastest and cheapest option but offer lower precision. They work well for quick screening of tap water, well water, and casual aquarium checks. Most experienced hobbyists consider strips less reliable than liquid tests for critical applications.
Liquid test kits offer better accuracy at a moderate price. They involve mixing reagents with water samples and comparing colors, which takes more time but produces more reliable results. API and Salifert are the most popular liquid kit brands for aquariums.
Digital meters like the Hanna HI782 use a photometer to measure how much light passes through your treated water sample, providing a digital readout. These are the most accurate and most expensive option, ideal for serious hobbyists who want objective readings without color matching.
Understanding Nitrate Levels and EPA Standards
The EPA sets a Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 ppm for nitrate-nitrogen (about 44 ppm as nitrate) in drinking water. Levels above this threshold pose health risks, particularly for infants where it can cause methemoglobinemia. If your drinking water exceeds this level, you should install reverse osmosis filtration or use an alternative water source.
For aquariums, safe levels depend on the species. Most freshwater fish tolerate up to 40 ppm, though lower is always better. Saltwater fish-only tanks should keep nitrate below 20 ppm. Reef tanks typically require nitrate below 5 ppm, with many advanced systems targeting 0-2 ppm.
How Often Should You Test Nitrate?
For new aquariums in the cycling phase, test every 2-3 days to track the nitrogen cycle. For established freshwater tanks, weekly testing is sufficient. For saltwater reef tanks, twice-weekly testing helps catch any parameter shifts before they affect corals.
For drinking water, test your tap or well water at least twice per year, or immediately if you notice changes in taste, color, or smell. Homes with pregnant women or infants should test more frequently. Private well owners should test after heavy rains or any nearby land-use changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate nitrate test kit?
The most accurate nitrate test kit for aquariums is the Hanna Instruments HI782 Nitrate Checker, which uses a digital photometer to measure nitrate without subjective color matching. For liquid testing, Salifert Nitrate Test Kit detects levels as low as 0.2 ppm and is trusted by reef aquarium hobbyists worldwide. For drinking water, professional lab testing remains the gold standard for accuracy.
Can I test for nitrates in my water at home?
Yes, you can test for nitrates in your water at home using aquarium test kits, drinking water test strips, or digital nitrate checkers. Aquarium kits like the API Freshwater Master Test Kit work for fish tanks, while dedicated drinking water kits like Watersafe are designed for tap and well water testing with EPA standard compliance.
What nitrate level is dangerous in freshwater aquariums?
In freshwater aquariums, nitrate levels above 40 ppm cause stress to most fish species and promote algae growth. Sensitive species like discus and many South American cichlids prefer nitrate below 20 ppm. The EPA drinking water standard is 10 ppm nitrate-nitrogen, but aquarium fish can typically tolerate slightly higher levels in closed systems with regular water changes.
How often should I test nitrate levels?
Test nitrate levels weekly in established freshwater aquariums and twice weekly in saltwater reef tanks. New aquariums in the cycling phase need testing every 2-3 days to track ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels through the nitrogen cycle. For drinking water, test your tap or well water at least twice per year and after any changes in water source, taste, or color.
Are test strips accurate for nitrate testing?
Test strips are accurate enough for general screening of tap water, well water, and routine aquarium checks but lack the precision of liquid test kits or digital meters. They are most useful for quick yes/no readings rather than exact ppm values. For reef tanks or compliance testing, liquid kits or digital checkers deliver more reliable quantitative results.
Final Verdict on the Best Nitrate Test Kits for Water
After 60 days of side-by-side testing across freshwater tanks, saltwater systems, tap water, and well water samples, my top picks for the best nitrate test kits for water in 2026 are clear. The API Freshwater Master Test Kit remains the best overall value for freshwater aquarists thanks to its comprehensive 5-parameter coverage and 800-test capacity. Saltwater reef keepers should invest in the Hanna HI782 Nitrate Checker for digital precision or the Salifert Nitrate Test Kit for the highest liquid-testing accuracy.
For drinking water and well water testing, the Watersafe kit provides the most comprehensive contaminant screening at a reasonable price, while the Hach strips and Bartovation strips offer quick field results for agricultural and environmental applications. Whatever your situation, picking the right nitrate test kit for your specific water type will save you money, protect your fish or family, and give you confidence in your water quality data.