Arctic Mama 3,623 Posted May 28, 2015 API brand liquid test kits. If we haven't used all the bottles of reagents, do they ever go bad? Do they expire? Does humidity or ambient temperature make a difference? 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoldenSpoiledRotten 6,786 Posted May 28, 2015 There are expiration dates printed on the bottom of each bottle. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arctic Mama 3,623 Posted May 28, 2015 I didn't notice any. Let me check again. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mikey 6,780 Posted May 28, 2015 Mine were printed on the front above the label on each bottle on my new ones. On my old ones, all that was there was a lot number. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arctic Mama 3,623 Posted May 28, 2015 Yes, there is only a lot number. No other markings on the box or bottles. Any rule of thumb guide? I think I've had this kit four or five years, which is why I was wondering if it needs replacing soon. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds12 98 Posted May 28, 2015 Yes, I would think it needs replacing. I just opened a new kit a few months ago and it gives me a 2020 expiry, BUUUT, I've seen a few comments around that they are very generous on their expiry dates, and my previous kit - which was always kept stored out of sunlight and intense heat, started giving inaccurate readings about 18 months prior to its expiry date. Next kit you buy, take note of the expiry date somewhere - the numbers wear off really easily on these bottles. Some of my few-month-old bottles have already lost the dates from smudging and are completely unreadable. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arctic Mama 3,623 Posted May 28, 2015 That's a good tip, thank you! I haven't noted any accuracy issues which was surprising to me when I thought about how long I've had my kit, and it's the older model in the cardboard box and not the plastic case, but it seems like replacing it here soon would be wise. So do we think the expiries are five years out? Seven? 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bagh 199 Posted May 28, 2015 My Prodac Test Kits were marked for use within 4 years after manufacture. Another local brand marked that was good for 3 years. Maybe we could take 4 years as a rule of thumb if stored as directed. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daniel 5,668 Posted May 28, 2015 If it has not run out by then, I consider 3 years time for a replacement. The last four digits of your lot number are supposed to be the month and year that test was manufactured. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds12 98 Posted May 28, 2015 The lot on my new bottles say "0215" and the expiry date is 02/2020, so 5 years, but I wouldn't rely on them for that long, personally. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arctic Mama 3,623 Posted May 29, 2015 (edited) I think 4 years sounds like a good, conservative rule of thumb, then. I'm pretty darn sure, if we are going by lot number, mine is closer to eight years old. *ahem* So I'm going to replace it soon. What's amazing is that my test results appear totally accurate given observation of then sin and environmental parameters like the age of the filters. Maybe I just got a super kit! Edited May 29, 2015 by Arctic Mama 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arctic Mama 3,623 Posted June 8, 2015 Ahem. Correction. According to the lot numbers, my kit was manufactured in March of 2005. That would be when I got my first fish tank again after moving to Alaska. So more than ten years. Soooooo.... We're replacing. But I have to say my results are stil spot on accurate among my different tanks and their chemistry, no wonky or inexplicable readings. I'm kind of impressed. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmetzger72 6,976 Posted June 8, 2015 I think 4 years sounds like a good, conservative rule of thumb, then. I'm pretty darn sure, if we are going by lot number, mine is closer to eight years old. *ahem* So I'm going to replace it soon. What's amazing is that my test results appear totally accurate given observation of then sin and environmental parameters like the age of the filters. Maybe I just got a super kit! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites