Do Api Test Kits Expire?

[crazychris]

Hi, am an experienced tropical fish-keeper and bought an API test kit a few years ago. Don't test as often as I should so still a lot in each bottle. Only really ever test ammonia and nitrite but still a lot in those too. Does anyone know if the liquids ever expire and then give false readings?
 
Thanks.

 

[cambojnr]

Look on the back of the bottles.

 

[Akasha72]

Hi, I've often wondered the same thing crazychris. I also have an API masterkit which is more than 3 years old - I think the only bottle I've replaced is Ammonia and those bottles must be well over a year old now. Recently I decided to try the new JBL test kit (which I'm not overly keen on in all honesty) and I'm getting the same readings from the new kit as I am from the old API kit.
 
I would have thought, by now, the API kit would be out of date but it's still giving the same readings as a brand new kit so maybe not

 

[Essjay]

Yes, they do expire. Newer testers have the expiry date on them but older ones don't, they just have the date of manufacture disguised in the lot number. I emailed the company a few years ago to ask about how to find the expiry date and they told me
 

[SIZE=12pt]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. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Wide Range pH, High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, Copper, Calcium and GH all last for three years. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Nitrite and KH will last for four years. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Freshwater pH (low range) and Pond Care Salt Level will last for five years. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I would not use or trust these kits after they have expired.[/SIZE]
 

 
And an API  rep also told me that the bottle should be replaced after it has been opened for 12 months as the oxygen in the air gets into the bottle and reacts with some of the reagents.

 

[Akasha72]

thanks for clarifying that essjay. I know now that this kit is still 'in date' although the oxygen will have got in and so may not be trustworthy. I have my JBL kit so if I'm concerned I can always double check results

 

[crazychris]

Thanks very much for the replies. Mine seem to have all been manufactured in March 09 so time to invest in a new kit I think!!