How Embarrasing

[Gooner]

I have been struggling for the last few days to get the nitrAtes down as they are very high 100+ ml/L

Normally the tank and tap water are around the 40/50 ml/L according to my test kit (API Freshwater Master Test Kit) but tested the tank and tap water yesterday and they were off the scale 100+ ml/L, so reported the problem to the local water authority today and within a couple of hours there was a knock at the door from Wessex Water.

The kind man tested the tap water and to my embarrasment measured 18 ml/L
He also took a keen interest in the tank and offered to test that as well, ok, it measured 24 ml/L
He was very understanding as it could have been a big problem if not investigated.

Looks like my test kit is out of date, only had it about 18 months.

Does anyone know the "Shelf Life" of the test kits? Mine has a Lot No. 17B0506 for bottle one and 18A0806 for bottle 2.

Regards,

Gary.

 

[evilchild]

i kinda asked that, mine didn't have a sell by on it? so how do you know it's out of date? lol

 

[smithrc]

Wow - very good service from the water authority!

As for the life of the test kits... once opened I think your meant to replace after 6 months...

 

[evilchild]

Ah, might have to replace mine then? i could be doing water changes when i don't have too?

 

[Gooner]

Replace after 6 months, are you sure ? I`d never get through that much in six months.

 

[smithrc]

Replace after 6 months, are you sure ? I`d never get through that much in six months.

Same here - some of our test kits are 4+ years old and barely used.

I cheated in the end and got an electronic meter for a few of them (TDS, hardness and PH)
Unfortunately nitrite meters are VERY expensive

 

[celaeno]

if they are api liquid test kits, take a look at the 'manufacturer info' section of my website for instructions on determining the expiration date.

 

[Gooner]

calaeno,

The expiary date you quote on your website is that opened or unopened? I use a lot of chemicals at work and once the product has been exposed to the "air" it significantly reduces the "shelf life". Unfortunately I cannot see any reference on the API website.

 

[pauly]

Though this thread was just about the team your support

United!

 

[Matt_northants]

calaeno,

The expiary date you quote on your website is that opened or unopened? I use a lot of chemicals at work and once the product has been exposed to the "air" it significantly reduces the "shelf life". Unfortunately I cannot see any reference on the API website.

Thats mostly for aldehydes and halogenated compounds. Which are a right royal pain in the a**e! I have spent all week trying to distill a chlorinated butanal into spec, and it goes off on heating, AAAAAAAAAARGH!

 

[-SPB-]

Must say, hats of to wessex water!!! At least you got a proper reading lol.

 

[eb2]

if they are api liquid test kits, take a look at the 'manufacturer info' section of my website for instructions on determining the expiration date.

OMG the LFS of Horrors sold me expired Nitrite and Amonia tests, I think I'll get new product at the Big Pet Superstore where you know they turn over their products regularly

 

[Ian H]

if they are api liquid test kits, take a look at the 'manufacturer info' section of my website for instructions on determining the expiration date.

OMG the LFS of Horrors sold me expired Nitrite and Amonia tests, I think I'll get new product at the Big Pet Superstore where you know they turn over their products regularly

I would be back down there demanding a refund!!

 

[Gooner]

Well, something good has come from my misfortune, I know the water quality is better than I thought and always check a product for "sell by dates", even though mine appear to be in-date.

Think I might challenge Aquarium Pharmaceuticals.

Edit : Firstly I will take the kit to my Lfs today to get ask them to measure my test kit with theirs, just to get a compare the difference in results.

 

[andywg]

Don't forget that the water company is supplying drinking water and as such will have very expensive, calibrated test devices. We, on the other hand, are buying very cheap test kits (about a tenner for a kit?) and as such cannot expect anywhere near the accuracy.