JBL PROAQUATEST LAB water analysis case closed, black box with handle on a white background

JBL PROAQUATEST LAB case open on a white background, the 13 liquid tests in the upper tray and the lower compartment

JBL PROAQUATEST LAB, upper tray of the kit and its 23 reagent bottles

JBL PROAQUATEST LAB kit with its analysis sheets and colour charts spread out

JBL PROAQUATEST CO2 conversion table, to be cross-referenced between pH and KH

13-in-1 water testing kit for aquariums

Name: 13-in-1 water testing kit for aquariums
Brand: JBL
SKU: J2408400
Price: 119.9 EUR
Availability: InStock

119,90 €

(912 reviews)

39,96 € × 3 with no fees Klarna.

The JBL PROAQUATEST LAB brings together 13 drop tests in a single case and covers 12 freshwater parameters, from pH and nitrite to iron and CO2.

Aquarium, pond or aquaponic system, the laboratory comparator block makes the reading reliable even on tinted water. The instructions are multilingual, French included, and the reagents are available as separate refills.

Ref. J2408400·Water test

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The summary

What you receive: the JBL PROAQUATEST LAB case, 13 drop tests, 23 reagent bottles, 12 glass test tubes, a comparator block and a thermometer.
What you measure: 12 freshwater parameters, pH across three ranges, from ammonium to nitrates, from iron to phosphates, from silicates to dissolved oxygen.
How long it takes: 5 minutes for a single test, around 30 minutes for a full check of all 13 tests.
How to choose: the 6-parameter version is enough if you have no demanding plants, while this one is the right choice as soon as you need to monitor iron and phosphates.
What runs out: only the 23 bottles, sold as refills test by test. The glassware, the comparator block and the thermometer stay.
What ships to you: a parcel of around 1.9 kg, with the reagents in their original case, by Colissimo or Chronopost to your door.

JBL case of 13 drop tests, 12 parameters, for aquariums, ponds and aquaponics

This kit brings together 13 drop tests to read 12 freshwater parameters, from ammonium to copper, in half an hour of simple steps. It is aimed at those who want to see an imbalance coming rather than simply note it, because by the time the fish breathe fast at the surface or the plants yellow from the top, it has been developing for several days. You can use it equally well on an aquarium, a pond or an aquaponic system.

🔬 Drops and comparator block

Each test relies on a volume of water measured with a syringe, which reacts with a reagent dosed drop by drop into a glass test tube. The reading is then taken in a comparator block that cancels out the water's own tint, which matters with water stained amber by peat or by a root, where a direct reading gives a value that is too high, as explained in the article on cloudy water in aquaponics.

🧪 The 12 parameters measured

The nitrogen cycle trio

Ammonium, nitrite and nitrate tell you the true state of the biological filtration. These are the three values to monitor during start-up and after every incident.

The foundation: pH, KH and GH

KH stabilises pH, pH determines the proportion of toxic ammonia, and GH governs shrimp moulting. These three values should be read together.

What plants live on

Phosphates, iron and carbon dioxide make up the diet of aquatic plants. An iron deficiency shows on the young leaves first.

Unwanted visitors

Copper, silicates and a lack of oxygen are behind shrimp losses or brown diatoms whose cause would otherwise remain untraceable.

Rinsing, bottle storage, light

Rinsing the test tubes in tap water rather than in tank water will skew the phosphate and silicate readings for good. Laying a dropper bottle on its side lets air in and gives uneven drops, hence inaccurate KH and GH titrations, whereas the instructions say to hold the nozzle vertically, pointing down. Reading a colour under artificial evening light shifts the nitrite reading. Finally, a test taken the day after a medicinal treatment may be skewed by substances still present in the water.

Correcting a low iron reading taken with the test kit

The iron test in the kit tells you when an addition becomes necessary, and the form of the chelate then determines whether that iron will stay available to plants. DTPA 11% chelated iron keeps iron in solution up to pH 7.5 without colouring the water, which covers most planted aquariums and aquaponic systems. Measure the iron just before dosing and again 1 to 2 days afterwards: the difference between the two readings gives the actual uptake of your crops and the interval to leave between doses.

Each colour chart carries three reading bands, marked by a pictogram: the fish for freshwater, the koi carp for the garden pond, the starfish for seawater. The same colour therefore does not give the same verdict depending on the environment, first because salt dampens the intensity of the reaction, and second because a pond undergoes temperature and light variations that a living-room tank never experiences. Each band runs from green to yellow and then red, which gives you both the measured value and what to do about it.

🕐 One complete testing session

A complete session takes three stages. Draw the water from the middle of the tank, never from the surface or against the sand, because the surface film and the zone near the substrate give values that do not represent the whole volume. Then run the instant-reading tests while those with a waiting time wait for their timer, which brings the full session down to about thirty minutes. Finally, note the values on the supplied record sheet, together with the date, the temperature read on the kit's thermometer and the last action taken on the tank. That column of dates is what helps you most, because a single value is hard to interpret whereas a 6-week series shows a trend.

🌿 The targets in aquaponics

In aquaponics, the values to aim for are not those of an aquarium. Nitrates become a resource here, since they are what feeds your lettuces, whereas an aquarist tries to bring them down. The pH sits between two opposing needs: nitrification is faster in slightly alkaline water, while the roots absorb iron and phosphorus better in slightly acidic water. Two parameters then determine the health of your crops, iron and phosphate, and this kit measures both. Yellowing of the young leaves between veins that have stayed green signals an iron deficiency: without measurement, you are correcting blind.

🧫 The parameters people overlook

Three of the measurements in this kit are only used occasionally, when a problem has no obvious cause. Copper often explains invertebrate losses without any mortality among the fish, whether it comes from an antiparasitic treatment or an old pipe. Silicates feed the brown diatoms that coat the glass of a new tank, and their source is almost always the top-up water itself. Oxygen, finally, is rarely measured, even though its level drops sharply on summer nights in a pond, at the very moment your fish need it most. These three values are therefore not monitored routinely, but when one of these symptoms appears.

♻️ The equipment and the refills

The water-resistant plastic case, the 12 glass test tubes, the syringes, the measuring spoons, the comparator block, the thermometer and the colour charts stay with you from one year to the next. Only the 23 reagent bottles run out, and they are bought separately, test by test. The water analysis range brings together the most common refills, from pH to nitrates, including iron and copper. Check the level in each bottle before a series of analyses, since a single empty reagent is enough to block the corresponding parameter.

Technical specifications

The essentials

Parameters measured: 12, with 13 drop testsThe pH is read on three ranges, and the CO2 on a chart cross-referencing the pH and KH you have already measured
Method: Liquid reagents, colorimetric readingThe supplied comparator block cancels out the water's own colour when you take the reading
Environments covered: Freshwater, pond, aquaponicsOne reading strip per medium on each colour chart, seawater included
Reagent bottles: 23, child-resistant capsFrom 1 bottle for KH or iron to 3 bottles for ammonium, silicates and oxygen
Manufacturer's reference: JBL 2408400, PROAQUATEST range
Dimensions of the box: 38.2 x 31.8 x 8.5 cmThe kit stores flat on a shelf, with a handle on top and clip fastenings.

The 13 tests and CO2

pH, wide range: 3.0 to 10.0To place an unknown water on the scale before refining with one of the two narrow ranges
pH, acidic range: 6.0 to 7.65 ml of water, 4 drops, read after 3 minutes
pH, alkaline range: 7.4 to 9.0Hard water, cichlids, koi ponds. 5 ml of water, 4 drops, read after 3 minutes
KH, carbonate hardness: Titration, 1 drop = 1 °dHThat is 1.78 °f, 0.36 mmol per litre of alkalinity or 21.8 mg per litre of hydrogen carbonate
GH, total hardness: Titration, 1 drop = 1 °dHThat is 1.78 °f and 1.25 °e. On 5 ml of water, no colour chart needed
NH4 and NH3, ammonium: Colorimetric, 3 reagentsThe genuinely toxic fraction of ammonia is derived from a table cross-referencing pH and temperature
NO2, nitrites: Colorimetric, 2 reagents5 ml of water, read after 5 minutes. The reference test during cycling
NO3, nitrates: Colorimetric, 2 reagentsPer 10 ml of water. In aquaponics, this is the nitrogen ration for the crops
PO4, phosphates: Sensitive version, 2 reagentsFormulation designed for low concentrations, the ones that decide between plants and algae
Fe, iron: Colorimetric, 1 reagentKey parameter for planted tanks and aquaponic systems
Cu, copper: Colorimetric, 2 reagents5 ml of water, read after 15 minutes. To be checked after a treatment or on old pipework
SiO2, silicates: Colorimetric, 3 reagentsThe lead to follow when brown diatoms keep coming back on the glass
O2, dissolved oxygen: Colorimetric, 3 reagentsOn 20 ml of water drawn without bubbles, the most delicate test in the kit
CO2, carbon dioxide: No reagent, read off the chartThe value is read by cross-referencing pH and KH on the supplied chart

Method of use

Water volume per test: 5 to 20 ml5 ml for pH, KH, GH, nitrites and copper, 10 ml for nitrates, 20 ml for oxygen
Waiting time: 3 to 15 minutes3 minutes for pH 6.0 to 7.6, 5 minutes for nitrite, 15 minutes for copper
Titration tests: KH and GHCount the drops until the colour changes, there is no colour chart for these two tests
Bottle shelf life: Upright, nozzle pointing downNo bubbles, otherwise the drop volume varies and the titration is wrong
Reading: Colour chart, in daylightA warm artificial light shifts the perception of pink and orange shades
Full assessment: About 30 minutesApproximate time for the 13 tests, running the waiting times back to back

To budget for separately

Reagent refills: Sold test by testGlassware, colour charts, comparator block and thermometer are kept: only the reagents run out.
Potassium and magnesium: Separate JBL testsTo follow in aquaponics as soon as the bottom of the plants turns yellow

20 further specifications are available in the detailed view.

In the box

1 water-resistant plastic case, with handle and clip fasteners
13 drop tests, that is 23 reagent bottles with child-resistant caps
12 graduated glass test tubes, so you can run several tests in a row without rinsing
2 plastic test tubes
2 sampling syringes
3 measuring spoons for the powder reagents
1 laboratory comparator block
1 thermometer, needed to convert ammonium into toxic ammonia
1 colour chart set, 3 reading strips per test
1 CO2 conversion chart, with pH and KH entries
1 ballpoint pen and 1 set of test record sheets
1 multilingual instruction leaflet, French included

Contents, dimensions and reference recorded from the official sheet 2408400 on 10/09/2026. The 13 tests cover 11 parameters, with pH over three ranges; CO2 is also read from the chart supplied.

Six parameters or twelve?

Both cases use the same drop reagents and the same comparator block. What sets them apart is how much of the picture they let you see.

The set of six covers nitrogen and pH, nothing else It gives pH, KH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium and CO2 by chart. Total hardness, iron, phosphates, copper, silicates and dissolved oxygen are not included.

	Parameters covered (parameters)	Drop tests included (tests)	Reagent bottles (bottles)	pH, KH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium and CO2 per chart	GH, total hardness	PO4, phosphates	Fe, iron	Cu, copper	SiO2, silicates	O2, dissolved oxygen	Available pH ranges	Glass test tubes	Sampling syringes	Measuring spoons	Plastic test tubes	Laboratory comparator block	Thermometer	CO2 conversion table	Analysis sheets	Box width (cm)	Box height (cm)	Casing thickness (cm)	Price
6-in-1 Aquarium Water Testing KitYour choice	6 parameters	5 tests	9 bottles	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	Just one, from 3.0 to 10.0	3	1	1	1	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	26,6 cm	22,6 cm	5,2 cm	50,90 €
Recommended 13-in-1 kitYour choice	12 parameters	13 tests	23 bottles	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Three, two of them narrow-range	12	2	3	2	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	38,2 cm	31,8 cm	8,5 cm	119,90 €

6-in-1 Aquarium Water Testing Kit

What each kit measures

Parameters covered (parameters)6 parameters

Drop tests included (tests)5 tests

Reagent bottles (bottles)9 bottles

pH, KH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium and CO2 per chartYes

GH, total hardnessNo

PO4, phosphatesNo

Fe, ironNo

Cu, copperNo

SiO2, silicatesNo

O2, dissolved oxygenNo

Available pH rangesJust one, from 3.0 to 10.0

Equipment supplied

Glass test tubes3

Sampling syringes1

Measuring spoons1

Plastic test tubes1

Laboratory comparator blockYes

ThermometerNo

CO2 conversion tableYes

Analysis sheetsYes

Footprint and budget

Box width (cm)26,6 cm

Box height (cm)22,6 cm

Casing thickness (cm)5,2 cm

13-in-1 kitRecommended

What each kit measures

Parameters covered (parameters)12 parameters

Drop tests included (tests)13 tests

Reagent bottles (bottles)23 bottles

pH, KH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium and CO2 per chartYes

GH, total hardnessYes

PO4, phosphatesYes

Fe, ironYes

Cu, copperYes

SiO2, silicatesYes

O2, dissolved oxygenYes

Available pH rangesThree, two of them narrow-range

Equipment supplied

Glass test tubes12

Sampling syringes2

Measuring spoons3

Plastic test tubes2

Laboratory comparator blockYes

ThermometerYes

CO2 conversion tableYes

Analysis sheetsYes

Footprint and budget

Box width (cm)38,2 cm

Box height (cm)31,8 cm

Casing thickness (cm)8,5 cm

Parameters covered, equipment supplied and contents of the two kits taken from their official datasheets on 10/09/2026.

Product videos

JBL water tests: how to test correctly and what the advantages are.

Official presentation of the kit, in German

JBL TV 53, mastering water tests and avoiding common mistakes, in German

JBL TV 27, testing aquarium water step by step, in German

Documents & manuals

Official JBL PROAQUATEST instructions

Official JBL manual, multilingual with French. Volumes, drops, waiting times and corrections to apply, parameter by parameter.

PDF · 3,3 Mo

Download

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delivery time

2.11 kg parcel, dispatched within 48 hours by Colissimo or Chronopost home delivery, your choice at checkout. The exact cost is shown in the basket.

Reviews of this product

4.6/5 · 912 reviews · source: Amazon.fr

Most of the tests are simple to carry out, apart from one or two where you have to be a real little chemist. I had test strips and an electronic meter for pH, EC and TDS, and for pH I was getting three wildly different results. That's why I switched to the case, which is said to be more reliable than strips.

Very well packed, exactly as described.

Really complete! All the drop tests at this price is a real bargain. Much more accurate and reliable than my test strips. It's part of the starter pack for fishkeepers, I highly recommend it.

Very easy to use, the instructions are very clear. If I had to find a fault, it's a pity the magnesium and calcium test isn't included in the kit, as it has to be bought separately.

The case is very complete and the instructions are simple. They also tell you which products to use if the readings aren't right. The tests are very simple to carry out.

Frequently asked questions

10 questions

6 key questions, 10 in the detailed view

This 13-in-1 case or the 6-in-1 kit?

There are three cases, in the following order.

With fish alone and easy plants, the 6-in-1 case covers the nitrogen cycle, pH, KH and CO2. That is enough.
With demanding plants, shrimp, a pond or an aquaponic system, four tests become decisive and are missing from the short version: iron, phosphates, dissolved oxygen and silicates.
After a treatment or with old pipework, the copper test is added to the list, and this kit includes it.

How often should you test your aquarium water?

During cycling, test for ammonium and nitrites every day, until both drop back to zero and nitrates appear. The full process is described in our article on the nitrogen cycle.
On an established system, one full test per month is enough.
After an incident, check the nitrites within 48 hours of adding fish, a die-off, a pump failure, a treatment or a deep clean of the filter media.
In a pond, in summer: add an oxygen check during heatwaves.

How many tests can you run with this kit?

Is it suitable for a complete beginner?

Yes, provided you read the instructions carefully once: each test boils down to drawing a volume of water with the syringe, adding the stated number of drops, waiting 3 to 15 minutes depending on the test, then comparing the colour.

Two tests call for a little more care, oxygen and silicates, because they involve three reagents in sequence with waiting times to observe. The comparator block, for its part, avoids the most common beginner's mistake: reading a colour distorted by the natural tint of cloudy or amber-coloured water.

Is this set suitable for a garden pond or a marine aquarium?

For a pond, yes, and it is built in: each colour chart carries a reading band marked with a koi carp pictogram, with its own thresholds. The recommendations differ from indoor freshwater because a pond is subject to far greater swings in temperature and light, a point we cover in our guide to summer pond algae.

In seawater, several tests remain readable thanks to the third band of the colour chart, but a reef tank needs parameters specific to a saline environment that this kit does not contain. For a marine tank, go for the marine version of the range.

Can it be used on an aquaponic system?

This is one of the uses where it adds the most, because an aquaponic system requires you to monitor two populations with opposing needs.

Ammonium and nitrites: toxic to fish, they must stay at zero.
Nitrates: they measure what is actually available to the crops.
Iron and phosphates: they explain leaf deficiencies.
pH and KH: they determine whether these minerals can be absorbed by the roots.

Do the reagents expire?

Yes, like any chemical reagent, and an opened bottle ages faster than a sealed one because air gets in.

The reliable guide is how the test itself behaves: a reagent whose reference colour has turned brown, or which gives inconsistent results from one session to the next on water that has not changed, should be replaced rather than interpreted. Reagents should be stored dry, at room temperature and in their original packaging.

How do you read the CO2 value without a reagent?

Measure the pH using the narrow range suited to your water.
Measure the KH by titration, counting the drops.
Cross-reference the two values on the table provided: the cell where they intersect gives the carbon dioxide concentration.

This method assumes that the acidity of the water comes from dissolved CO2, which is the case in the vast majority of freshwater aquariums, but not in strongly peaty water or just after adding a chemical acidifier.

What precautions should you take with the reagents?

The bottles have child-resistant caps and the case closes securely, but several reagents carry official hazard statements. The most severe are:

KH, nitrite 1, nitrate, ammonium 2, phosphate 2 and the three oxygen bottles: H314 and H318, severe burns and eye damage;
nitrate 2: H341, suspected of causing genetic defects;
ammonium 3: H225, highly flammable liquid, and H336, may cause drowsiness or dizziness;
pH, GH, nitrite 2 and copper 2: H226, flammable liquid, and H319, causes serious eye irritation.

Keep the bottles out of the reach of children, avoid contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly in the event of splashes and keep the original label to show to a doctor. Never pour the dregs from a test tube back into the aquarium.

Do you need a thermometer to interpret the ammonium reading?

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13-in-1 water testing kit for aquariums

The summary