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Free Aquarium Water Testing

Good water quality is the foundation of a healthy aquarium. Bring in a sample of your tank water and we'll test the important parameters - completely free. We'll explain the results in plain English and help you address any problems. Whether you're troubleshooting a problem or just doing a routine check, our water testing service helps you keep your tank in top condition.

Starting from

$0 0 always free

No purchase necessary

What We Offer

Always free service

No purchase required

Results explained clearly

Troubleshooting advice

Both freshwater & saltwater

Know Your Water, Know Your Tank

Water quality is everything in fishkeeping. You can have the best fish, the best food, and the best equipment - but if your water parameters are off, nothing else matters. That’s why we offer free water testing to all aquarium owners in the Sarasota area.

No appointment needed, no purchase required. Just bring in a sample of your tank water and we’ll test the important stuff. More importantly, we’ll explain what the results mean and help you fix any problems.

Water testing station with professional test equipment

What We Test

Freshwater Parameters

pH - Acidity/alkalinity of your water
Ammonia - Toxic waste from fish (should be zero)
Nitrite - Intermediate waste product (should be zero)
Nitrate - End product of nitrogen cycle (keep under 40ppm)
General Hardness (GH) - Mineral content
Carbonate Hardness (KH) - Buffering capacity

Saltwater Parameters

All of the above, plus:

Salinity - Salt concentration
Alkalinity - Critical for coral health
Calcium - Essential for coral growth
Magnesium - Supports calcium uptake

Staff member explaining test results to customer

How to Collect a Sample

Getting an accurate sample is easy:

Use a clean container - A rinsed water bottle works great
Rinse with tank water - Never use tap water or soap
Collect from the middle - Not the surface, not near the bottom
Bring it in fresh - Within a few hours is best

That’s it! Stop by during store hours and we’ll take it from there.

Why We Offer This Free

You might wonder why we give away water testing for free. Simple: healthy tanks mean happy fishkeepers. Happy fishkeepers stick with the hobby and come back for fish, corals, and supplies. When your tank thrives, we all win.

We’d rather help you succeed than sell you fish for a tank that’s not ready. It’s better for your fish, better for you, and honestly, it’s better for our business too.

When to Get Your Water Tested

Starting a new tank - Track your cycle progress
Before buying new fish - Make sure your tank is ready
Fish acting strange - Water issues are often the cause
After a fish loss - Understand what went wrong
Monthly maintenance - Catch problems early
Anytime you’re curious - Peace of mind is free

How It Works

Collect a Sample

Use a clean container - rinse with tank water, not tap water

Bring It In

Visit us during store hours with your sample

We Test

We'll check all the key parameters for your tank type

Get Answers

We'll explain results and help solve any issues

Gallery

Why Choose Us

Truly Free

No strings attached - you don't have to buy anything

Accurate Testing

We use quality test kits for reliable results

Plain English

We explain what the numbers mean for your tank

Problem Solving

We don't just test - we help you fix issues

What Our Customers Say

"Had a mysterious fish die-off and couldn't figure out why. The free water test showed my nitrites had spiked. They helped me fix it and saved my remaining fish."

Chris P. Sarasota

"I love that I can just drop in and get my water tested without any pressure to buy. They genuinely want to help you succeed."

Jennifer W. Lakewood Ranch

Frequently Asked Questions

What parameters do you test?

For freshwater, we test pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and general hardness. For saltwater, we add salinity, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. If you're having a specific problem, let us know and we can focus on relevant parameters.

How should I collect a water sample?

Use a clean container - a rinsed-out water bottle works fine, but rinse it with tank water, not tap water. Collect water from the middle of the tank, not the surface or near the substrate. Bring it in within a few hours for the most accurate results.

Do I need to buy something to get my water tested?

Absolutely not. The water testing service is free with no strings attached. We offer it because healthy tanks make happy fishkeepers, and happy fishkeepers come back for fish and supplies. It's good for everyone.

How often should I test my water?

For established tanks, once a month is usually fine unless you notice problems. New tanks should be tested more frequently during the cycling process - we can guide you on timing. Any time fish are acting strange, testing is a good first step.

Can you test my tap water too?

Yes! Testing your tap water helps us understand what you're starting with. Some areas have high chloramine, hard water, or other factors that affect how you should treat your water before adding it to your tank.

Related Services

Aquariums & Equipment

Quality tanks, filters, heaters, lights, and accessories. Brands that serious fishkeepers trust, with honest recommendations.

Freshwater Fish

Tropical community fish, cichlids, bettas, goldfish, plecos and more - all quarantined for 2 weeks before sale.

Saltwater Fish

Clownfish, tangs, wrasses, gobies, and marine invertebrates - hand-selected for health and quarantined before sale.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit our store in Sarasota and let our experts help you find exactly what you need.