Best aqua testers to measure water in 2020

To purify water in everyday life, all kinds of purification filters are often used. But in order to make sure that the water is free of harmful or unnecessary impurities, it is useful to use a special water tester - this device will help not only test the water for drinking, but also carry out its chemical analysis. Based on the results of such an analysis, showing the level of contamination of the liquid and revealing its composition, it is possible to choose a method for purifying the water.

Clean drinking water must meet state standards for a number of indicators:

1. Redox potential of a liquid. This figure should be in the range of 50 to 100 millivolts. Otherwise, the body will spend a lot of resources in the process of restoring the redox potential.
2. The pH should be neutral (mark 7.0). In this case, a slight presence of alkali is permissible, but there should be no oxidation at all.
3. The water hardness should be at an average level. Soft water, along with hard water, is unacceptable for consumption.
4. The presence of minerals and salts should not exceed the norm. Excess of these substances damages the kidneys. Their low content is also not useful - in this case, the body will experience a deficiency of essential salts and minerals.
5. The norm of the indicator of the surface tension of water is 73 dynes / cm. This water is easy for the body to absorb.
6. In addition to the above, drinking water should not contain heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine and organic compounds of any kind.

What is an aqua tester for?

Ordinary personal water filters are short-lived - over time, they begin to let in harmful substances and the water acquires an unpleasant odor, most often - hydrogen sulfide, sewage, or chlorine. But not always the harmful substances contained in the water can be easily detected using the sense of smell, then the aqua tester comes to the rescue.

This device can be simple, pocket-sized, or a complete set for complex liquid analysis. If you have a pool in a country house or in the country, you will need a special set of testers to check the pool water for the content of chlorine, bromine, and also to analyze the pH level.

Working principle and characteristics of the water tester

This portable device has a rather narrow functionality - it calculates the number of heavy particles in PPM - ("par per million" - "parts per million") from 0 to 1000, and sometimes up to 10,000 (the higher this indicator, the more water pollution ). The norm is from 100 to 300 PPM. The measurement result is shown on the display.

The pocket-sized device is no larger than a thermometer and is easy to use with a portable filter, especially on the go. It takes only 5 minutes to determine the composition of the water.

A water test kit is more complex than a pocket tester.It is a set of reagents that allow, like an indicator, to test water.

Types of aqua testers

Monoparametric. The analysis is carried out according to one specific parameter:

• pH level;
• the amount of salts;
• hardness level and so on.

Multiparameter. Several types of analysis are performed:

• chemical,
• optic,
• electrochemical,
• chromatographic,
• photochemical.

Also, testers differ in the type of analyzed water:

• tap,
• ground,
• from an artificial reservoir,
• technical and waste water.

Aquatesters are also distinguished by the way they are used:

• portable;
• stationary (installed in water pipes, provide an hourly report on the state of water).

The best water testers - rating of the highest quality models from popular manufacturers

These will include budget, low-cost and mid-priced pocket testers, as well as devices and kits for analyzing pool and aquarium water.

API Freshwater Master Test Kit

Inexpensive kit for testing the water in the aquarium, is a mini station for the analysis of liquid. It is especially necessary for large aquariums, using special tests to determine the suitability of the water for the fish living in it. The kit shows the presence of ammonia, the pH level, the presence of nitrites and nitrates, and also gives a signal that it is time to change the water to fresh. The average cost is 386 rubles.

• the kit is designed for 400 tests;
• simple and straightforward instructions.

• lack of a large flask.

Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen

A very popular and inexpensive water tester model. This device detects the presence and measures the amount of harmful substances in the water: heavy metals, inorganic salts, organic compounds. Outwardly, the device looks like a thermometer, in the upper part of which there are batteries, and in the lower part there are two titanium probes. To perform a water analysis, you just need to lower the tester into a container with water - the analysis result will be displayed on the display. The device takes into account the water temperature. In addition to testing drinking water, this tester can be used to analyze aquarium and pool water. The average cost is 500 rubles.

• ease of use;
• small size;
• affordable price;
• practicality;
• accuracy of measurements;
• nice design;
• good build quality.

• does not perform a complete analysis of water;
• lack of display backlight.

ZeroWater ZT-2 Electronic Water Tester

Another budget model with basic functionality, well suited for home testing of drinking water - the TDS range has been reduced to 999 PPM, which allows you to control the quality of water at a household level. Despite its modest capabilities, the tester copes well with its task, in addition, it is distinguished by its reliability and durability. The average price of the device is 693 rubles.

• accuracy of measurements;
• simple control;
• profitability.

• low quality materials.

HM Digital TDS-EZ Water Quality TDS Tester

A very popular pocket aqua tester model with a lot of positive user reviews. The device is of high quality and reliability, has a wide PPM range, which allows for a fairly accurate water analysis. Average price - 819 rubles.

• reliability;
• good quality;
• analysis accuracy.

• high measurement error.

HM Digital TDS-4 Pocket Size TDS

A simple but accurate pocket tester with a PPM measuring range of 0 to 9990. The norm for drinking water is 100-300 PPM. The control is simple and convenient, the device is also able to "remember" the readings. This tester can also be used to check the water in the aquarium. Average price - 1,008 rubles.

• high quality workmanship;
• analysis accuracy;
• easily identifies low-quality water;
• portability.

• too small display;
• small functionality;
• inaccuracy of measurements.

Digital Aid Best Water Quality

High-quality aquatester model, complete with a storage case, which is convenient for those who are often on the road. Measuring range 9990 PPM, high performance, nice design. The tester is equipped with a convenient display with a mode for storing and comparing analysis results. Average cost - 1,010 rubles.

• high quality of work;
• modern design;
• extended functionality.

• not found.

Poolmaster 22260 5-Way Test Kit with Case - Basic Collection

Best-in-class pool water testing kit. Allows you to comprehensively examine the water for the presence of substances harmful to the body. The tester is a set of vials with chemicals and reagents; the kit also includes a test tube, flask, instructions for use. The kit allows you to check the water for the content of chlorine, bromine, determine the pH level. Average cost - 1,071 rubles.

• simple and straightforward instructions;
• accuracy of readings;
• good build quality.

• fragility.

AquaVial Water Test Kit for Bacteria

Kit for determining the presence of bacteria in water. In open water bodies, the greatest danger is not so much heavy metals as bacteria and fungi, for the detection of which a special kit is required. In addition to checking the pool with this tester, you can analyze the water after the filters. Average price - 1,134 rubles.

• multifunctional set;
• analysis accuracy;
• wide functionality.

• does not provide information on water hardness;
• no cover included.

Watersafe WS425W Well Water Test Kit 3 CT

A very simple aqua tester, perfect for home use. It is a set of tester strips that, when interacting with water, become a certain color, signaling the state of the liquid. The instructions included with the kit detail the meaning of each color. This type of aqua tester is convenient for quick analysis of water, it is designed to detect metals, but in addition it is able to detect the presence of bacteria and pesticides. The average cost of the device is 1,323 rubles.

• versatility;
• the speed of obtaining the result;
• ease of use;
• able to detect organic matter.

• high price;
• quickly consumed;
• not suitable for pool water research.

Criteria for choosing an aquester

Since household filters are not enough to gain firm confidence in the purity and safety of drinking water, it becomes necessary to purchase a tester. What's the best tester to get? It all depends on what kind of tasks are assigned to this device.

If you suspect that the water is hard, it is best to purchase a TDS-3 Salt Meter. The device will quickly and accurately calculate the amount of salts in the liquid.

For a comprehensive check of the state of water, it is best to give preference to a universal device that examines a liquid by 11 of the most important parameters - a multi-parameter tester, for example, U-50. Any model from this series is distinguished by high efficiency, convenient operation (built-in control unit) and accessible instructions. In addition, multivariable water testers of this series are able to memorize the results of the analysis, which are then easily entered into a personal computer and thus monitor the state of water quality, monitor possible changes in its composition.

If it is necessary to determine the presence of chlorine in water, then for such a case it is necessary to purchase a special CL200 + chlorimeter. This device has a wide measuring range - from 0.01 to 10 mg / l, which allows you to accurately examine highly chlorinated liquids. In addition to the main function, the device is able to determine the pH and ORP level not only in home water, but also in any artificial reservoir - an aquarium, pool, boiler, and so on. In addition, the device is economical, since the universal chemical ExTab is used for any analysis.The measurement results are displayed in digital format.

A special oximeter is designed to detect and calculate the concentration of oxygen (O2) in water. For home use, it is best to purchase the Extech DO600 + and the AZ8401 model. Both instruments are a gas analyzer capable of conducting research in an open well of any depth and in a closed sealed vessel. What is their difference? The first option - Extech DO600 + - is used not only at home, but also in production.

The built-in memory of the device allows you to save the analysis results and subsequently compare them with each other. The number of reports that can be saved is 25. The second option, AZ8401, is designed to detect and calculate the amount of oxygen not only in ordinary drinking water, but also in any body of water, including natural (for example, in order to determine whether a given reservoir is suitable for fishing, or breeding in it fish). It should be added that O2 measurements are best done regularly, since the oxygen concentration is subject to constant changes, depending on weather conditions.

To maintain and maintain the health of the body, it is necessary to use and consume only clean water with a normal content of salts and minerals. Therefore, the aquatester is one of the most essential devices in everyday life, because thanks to this compact, simple device, you can easily determine the state of drinking water, aquarium water, a pool and even a natural reservoir. Based on the results of analysis or regular research and observations, it is possible to identify the problem and take measures aimed at purifying the water and protecting the body from exposure to harmful substances.