Test Kits

[steve-o]

I have the Aquarium Pharmaceutical's freshwater Master testkit and I'm just wondering what the shelf life of these kits is. I couldn't find a date written anywhere on the box.

The reason I'm asking is because I was doing a test on my 75 tonight to check the ammonia as last week it was up @ 0.25. Anyways tonight I tested them, everything was @ 0(nitrates, nitrites, ammonia). Didn't bother testing ph this time, last week it was @ 7.2.

I left the tubes sitting for about 5-10 minutes after all testing was complete and the water was still the same color as it was after the 5 minute mark of checking the condition. Usually when I leave the tubes for a few minutes before emptying the water color darkens.

I've had the test kit for quite a few months now, not exactly sure how long. If it is expired I'm thinking of replacing it w/ the Tetra Laborett test kit, anyone have experience w/ this kit?


Sorry for the long post, thanks for taking the time to read this :)

[Zoban]

Most that suggest Test Kits are usually recommending the API Master Kit so I think you are spot on with the current kit. Don't think there is much of a shelf left as he chemicals are al liquid and stored in own containers.

[steve-o]

ok, thanks for the response :) Going to try the kit out on a couple other tanks today too see what happens.

[jackson]

Here you go guy's this is from the horses mouth.

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.


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 # 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.

If you have any other questions or wish to discuss this further, please email back or give us a call at 1-800-847-0659.

Best Regards,

Brian Bridgwater
Technical Service and Research
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mars Fishcare Group

[jackson]

I was thinking about this around a year and a half ago and had to find out so I emailed and talked to Brian about many things. My main concern was the use of melafix and pimafix with turtles.

[klc]

Great post! Thanks for that reply Jackson. I've often wondered how long my test kits were good for and now I can check.

[CanadaPleco]

Thanks, now I've got to throw out my kits.

[jackson]

No problem guy's I am happy to help:)