Api Master Test Kit

[dissimulo]

Hi all,

A short and simple question regarding an API Freshwater Master Test Kit. The kit is entitled FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT and is produced by AQUARIUM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (API). The kit was purchased in 2004 and has since been used no more than 5 times. It is in extremely good condition with all the chemicals having been securely handled and well looked after, as far as being stored in a suitable place etc. is concerned. 6 years on, will the kit be reliable?

The below image is of the 2004 API Test Kit in question (apologies for the low quality).

Cheers,

Luke.

 

[ajs2294]

if you already have it and you can't find any expiration dates use it. But I wouldn't pay for a used kit if that's what your asking

 

[dissimulo]

if you already have it and you can't find any expiration dates use it. But I wouldn't pay for a used kit if that's what your asking

Yes, it is in my possession and no I haven't paid for the kit. It was gifted to me by a family member.

Cheers,

Luke.

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi Luke, have a look round on the kit, there should be an expiration date somewhere. Most kits have a shelf life of between 1-3 years then the chemicals start becoming unreliable and innaccurate.


Andy

 

[dissimulo]

Thanks for the advice. I've thoroughly searched the box and documentation but found no such date. I did, however, quickly sample my tap water to determine how inaccurate the chemicals might be, if at all.

Base readings - Tap water

• pH: 7.6 - 7.8
• NitrIte: 0ppm
• Ammonia: 0ppm
• NitrAte: 5ppm

Are these results seemingly average?

Cheers,

Luke.

 

[JoshuaA]

Those results are definitely fairly "average" results. However I wouldn't say that makes the test kit trustworthy.

 

[ajs2294]

Yep seem great. Ammonia and Nitrite should always be 0 Nitrate can get up to 60 depending on what you have. Personally I don't trust the liquid pH that much the ranges are to high and aren't consistent but you should be fine. I have a nitrite test from API that I got from someone who had it for a really long time and I tested it side by side with my new kit and it reads the same. Only flag may be that the chemicals just didn't even trigger the test but I doubt this is the case

 

[PDSimon]

It says in your sig you're awaiting to start a fishless cycle, which would hopefully mean you've got some ammonia?

why not dose a known amount of liquid with a known about of ammonia and see whether it is accurate, then that should produce a set amount of nitrite approx 2.7 I think.

so 1ppm of ammonia = 2.7 nitrite

use the calculator and use a syringe to dose accurately.

 

[dissimulo]

It says in your sig you're awaiting to start a fishless cycle, which would hopefully mean you've got some ammonia?

why not dose a known amount of liquid with a known about of ammonia and see whether it is accurate, then that should produce a set amount of nitrite approx 2.7 I think.

so 1ppm of ammonia = 2.7 nitrite

use the calculator and use a syringe to dose accurately.

What a great idea.

Though, I can't start any new tests tonight so it'll have to wait until tomorrow morning. Anyway, something I've been meaning to mention - with regards to ammonia and water testing, I go away for a week on 6th August which leaves a 12 day window of cycling opportunity as of tomorrow. I realise this might not be enough time but two weeks after having come home I go away again, leaving a similar frame of time in which to cycle my tank. Any ideas as to how I should go about performing a fish-less cycle on such a time scale?

Cheers,

Luke.

 

[OldMan47]

The nominal expiration date varies depending on the particular test. They are at 4 or 3 years depending on the test. The date of manufacture is in the code on each bottle. My present nitrate bottle 1 has a stamp reading 17A0407 so it was bottled in 2007 April. It is nearing the end of the life the manufacturer gives it.

 

[FishyWishie]

Response from API i found while browsing the interwebs


"Thank you very much for contacting us regarding our products. All of
your comments and questions are valuable. We use your feedback to
create the most effective line of aquarium and pond products available.

Your solutions are not expired. Each reagent bottle has a Lot # printed
on the bottle. The last four digits are the month and year of
manufacture. Example: Lot # 28A0102. This is a pH reagent manufactured
in January of 2002. Pond Care Wide Range pH, ammonia, High Range pH,
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 trust these
kits after they have expired.

Liquid Nitrate Test Kits from any manufacturer can have a common problem
with their last test solution. For some companies, it is bottle number
3, but for us it is bottle number 2. One of the ingredients wants to
solidify out of liquid solution. If the test bottle sits for any period
of time, this can happen. If this does happen and the test is performed
without Bottle # 2 mixed properly, then you can get a falsely low
reading. I have never heard of falsely high readings with Nitrate Kits.
I would try tapping your Bottle # 2 a few times on a table or counter
top. This should loosen-up anything that has solidified. Then I would
shake this bottle for about 2-3 minutes, to really mix it up. Try the
test again and hopefully this will fix your problem. With regular weekly
usage, this bottle should only need to be shaken for 30-60 seconds.

Always check results at the recommended duration of time. Letting the
tubes sit longer can result in falsely high levels."

 

[OldMan47]

Thanks for the search Fishywishie. I knew the 3 and 4 years typical and the code but didn't have the full answer.

 

[dissimulo]

Anyway, something I've been meaning to mention - with regards to ammonia and water testing, I go away for a week on 6th August which leaves a 12 day window of cycling opportunity as of tomorrow. I realise this might not be enough time but two weeks after having come home I go away again, leaving a similar frame of time in which to cycle my tank. Any ideas as to how I should go about performing a fish-less cycle on such a time scale?

Cheers,

Luke.

I'm still struggling with this as the only other option is to leave the tank pushing water for almost the entire 6 weeks holidays.

Luke.

 

[dissimulo]

It says in your sig you're awaiting to start a fishless cycle, which would hopefully mean you've got some ammonia?

why not dose a known amount of liquid with a known about of ammonia and see whether it is accurate, then that should produce a set amount of nitrite approx 2.7 I think.

so 1ppm of ammonia = 2.7 nitrite

use the calculator and use a syringe to dose accurately.

I've done the test, below are my readings:

[font="arial][size="2"]1l of water dosed with 0.04ml of Ammonia to 4ppm

• NitrIte: 0ppm
• Ammonia: 4ppm
• NitrAte: 5ppm

The NitrtrIte, in theory, should read 13.5 due to 1ppm of Ammonia producing 2.7ppm of Nitrate (5 x 2.7 = 13.5). However, wouldn't this only occur if the Ammonia is being processed by bacteria? Also, my kit only reads NitrIte to 5ppm so I wouldn't have been able to get a true reading anyway.

Cheers,

Luke. [/size][/font]

 

[arobinson1984]

Seems to be ok luke

Even if they aren't 100% accurate, they should be close enough for a fishless cycle, plus they'll be much better than test strips that some people use anyway

And your right about the nitrite, it wouldnt show up without bacteria processing the ammonia.

Andy