Api Master Test Kit Query.

[Aliena]

I recently read a comment (on a different forum!) about the API test kit bottles going out of date from someone who had to take theirs back because it was out of date when they bought it.

How can I tell if mine is out of date? Can't see a date on the bottles anywhere. I only ask really because I am not convinced by the results I am getting during cycling my tank. Bought the kit from Ebay pretty recently.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yes, there is a set of small numbers usually on the front of the bottle that will tell you the date.

0408 = April of 2008

These test can be accurately used up to about 2-3 years after the printed date.

Mine outdated in 2007, but I still use them and they work just fine.

-FHM

 

[Aliena]

Yes, there is a set of small numbers usually on the front of the bottle that will tell you the date.

0408 = April of 2008

These test can be accurately used up to about 2-3 years after the printed date.

Mine outdated in 2007, but I still use them and they work just fine.

-FHM

Thanks, mine show dates in late 2008 and early 2009 so I should be ok by the sounds of it.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yeah, you will be just fine!

-FHM

 

[OldMan47]

If your dates are in 2008, they are all good until at least 2011. The shortest life on any of the kits is 3 years and one of them, I forget which, is good for 4 years.

 

[Essjay]

Reply from API when I emailed them -

.......in response to your question, each reagent bottle has a Lot # printed on the bottle. The last four digits are the month and year of manufacture. Example: Lot # 28A0108. This is a pH reagent manufactured in January of 2008. Wide Range pH, High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, Copper, Calcium and GH all last for three years. Nitrite and KH will last for four years. Freshwater pH (low range) and Pond Care Salt Level will last for five years. I would not use or trust these kits after they have expired.

 

[coldcazzie]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread - I was about to ask this very question about my nitrite kit!

 

[shaolin95]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread - I was about to ask this very question about my nitrite kit!

Sorry to steal this thread but my # 1 Nitrate bottle was a mess like it exploded and some liquid was around the label.
That should not affect the performance right?

 

[fatheadminnow]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread - I was about to ask this very question about my nitrite kit!

Sorry to steal this thread but my # 1 Nitrate bottle was a mess like it exploded and some liquid was around the label.
That should not affect the performance right?

LOL

As long as you are using the liquid that is still inside the bottle, then yu should be just fine.

-FHM

 

[Aliena]

Thanks all, I have added the info to my aquarium notebook for future reference!