Old Test Kits

[jarcher1390]

do they have a use by data as i got these new test kits from pfkand the ph does not read the same do the results go rong as they get older

 

[Ethos]

I dont think so.
How old? If its 3+ maybe, but anything newer than that you shouldn't have any problems? What kind of tasting kit are you talking about? Liquid or tyhe strips?

 

[stup3rman]

i use a water tester which is a strip test, Colombo Quick Test, and it has an expiry date on the top of january 2007, and i got them in erm july ish time so they have two or 3 years, maybe it depeds on the testing kit?

 

[ncjharris]

Strip tests will defo go bad over time, as they are exposed to the air and they will 'dull' so to speak,

As for liquid tests, they should (assuming that they are kept sealed) be ok for quite a while. Bear in mind they contain some pretty reactive chemicals, so over a period they will react with their containers to contaminated at some point.

Give them a good shake before use (make sure the lid is on), and that the test tubes you are using are clean and dry. Do 3 tests of each one (if you have time) to see if you get a variance across the results.

If the worst comes to the worst, you can buy individual liquid test bottles to replace the one or two that may have failed.

 

[timmystood]

My stirp testing ones where bad after a few weeks - that's why I am using liquid now.

 

[CFC]

Once opened most liquid test kits have a life of 6 months to a year. Nitrate tests especially start to give false readings after 3 to 6 months of being opened.

 

[jarcher1390]

i am using liquid but have them for 3 to 4 years know ive got these strips they tell diffrent reading i wondering sould i chuck out the old one

 

[CFC]

id recomend a whole new test kit asap

 

[jarcher1390]

will do

 

[metfan581]

do they have a use by data as i got these new test kits from pfkand the ph does not read the same do the results go rong as they get older

YES test kits get old and Fail
This happens when it gets too old
or when you leave the cap off the drops

 

[Valmyre]

Sorry if i'm hijackin' thread.. but should test strips be kept in the fridge to keep them from deteriating?