Water Test Kits- Api Liquid

[Yanks15]

Does anyone know how long these test kits are good for? The dates on the bottles range from 9/08 to 2/09. Not sure why the manufacture dates would be different from same kit.

 

[backtotropical]

The tests can be accurate for a long time, but it is usually recommended to replace them after 6 - 12 months as their accuracy seems to be less certain after this time. Its really up to you on how prudent you are in replacing them. Checking their accuracy against a different test kit will give you a good idea of whether they need replaced.

Are the dates on the bottles expiry dates or the date of manufacture?

 

[Yanks15]

Superior question. I have no clue. lol I assume they are manufacture dates. I don't remember reading in the booklet with the kit where it states an expiration date. Just curious because the nitrite bottle is the oldest one- 9/08 and I'm cycling a fish-in tank so I need that to be accurate. ( I'll never do a fish-in cycle again after reading so much about fish-less!)

 

[Essjay]

I emailed the company as I wondered that too. Here's what they said

...... 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.

 

[Yanks15]

Thanks essjay for the leg work! I was hoping to here that these were manufacture dates.