If you're serious about fishkeeping, you'll need a test kit at some point. And when I say a test kit I really mean you'll need this. At risk of sounding like I've been paid off by API, this test kit is really just the best option to my knowledge. It comes with five testing solutions, easy-to-understand instructions, and the whole process makes you feel like a kid again. What's more, at $35, this is far more economical than any other liquid test kit, especially compared to the option of buying individual bottles.However, I'm rating this testing kit four stars simply because it does have a few minor inconveniences that I think API could really do to fix. If you're on the fence about buying this, don't bother thinking too hard. Just buy it, it's the best option. The following complaints are included with the hope that API can fix them in the future, not to dissuade any newbie fishkeepers.1. Since there are five testing solutions, there should really be five beakers, not four.2. The ammonia tests are a bit hard to read. Since the gradient color is yellow to green, the individual levels tend to blur together. Considering the importance of accurate ammonia readings, this is a bit of a glaring oversight.That said, this is still a great testing kit, and a must-have for any freshwater aquarium.

Ordered and arrived quickly, but 2 of the test tubes had broken in transit. Still was able to use everything else though

Has saved my fish therefore I could never go without this for my tanks again

Accurately reads fishtank conditions and is relatively easy to use

It works but I think the cost of this product is high for all the steps you have to do to check water

Kit did not include KH Test Solution, why?

This is a nice kit but a master test kit should have a test for water hardness...other than that it is great.

You will be reading a lot between the lines.. esp in ammonia.Also, the tubes are made of glass, they are fragile. Careful when using it. I already broke one of them and it hasn't even been a month.They will last you a decently long time, so value for money.

Only complaint is the glass tubes already broke 2/4 wish they gave more

They have a long expiration date so will be very well used

More complicated than a Test Strip. Using this kit I look like a Scientist and like I know what I'm doing.Meh, I know better. Still, piece of mind.

I've no real complaint, this kit does what it is designed to do.I do wish there was a way to order a hard-water only kit. I'll never use the normal blue pH bottleso one star off for good value. Maybe offering a swap-out for chlorine or GH would be an option.Otherwise, I'm happy with this kit.

Ammonia tests came out clear- no meaning given for it, the lightest color is yellow. The nitrate nitrite test use the same result strip. If one is a regular range the other is higher- there should be separate. test result gauge. Lastly, 7 separate test but 6 vials. Stop being cheap API, there's room in the box to include it. smh

I was running tests and just lightly shaking it up, and I had noticed a little bit if water coming off the tube. I checked the cap with no issues. I gave it one more little shake and it came apart in my hand, luckily I felt it and avoided being cut possibly severely. I love api stuff have for years, this on the other hand is just potentially unsafe. I see it especially for kids in the hobby, if they arent careful enough with the tubes..

I love API products, but this is by far the best thing they have. It is super easy to use, gives accurate results fast, and is fairly easy to read in the right lighting. Highly recommend this product for anyone with a freshwater tank.

damaged product

Be careful with the caps, they really like to stick on there sometimes (that is the point after all), and also be careful how you pop them off - I forget how I did it, but I might've made more of a twisting motion when taking a cap off of a vial one time and managed to break the vial.Do wish the kit came with a small holder for the vials or something when I need to set them down, but I guess that would raise the price.

Needs a separate chart aside from the book.

Great combo of Tests

First of all, the instructions for these are great. Absolutely clear and easy to follow in order to get good test results. Be very careful with the test tubes. I had one break while taking the cap off. I guess I held it with a little too much pressure, but it broke and sliced my thumb pretty bad. I don't fault API for this, its glass and glass breaks. However I feel a safer alternative would be plastic.Pros:-Clear instructions and easy to use.-The containers have enough liquid in them to do many tests.-The color chart is easy to read and follow.-Much more accurate than the test strips.Cons:-The glass tubes can break easily.-The container is much larger than it really needs to be. The container can probably be half the size that it is.-Takes more time to get results than with test strips.