Api Drop Testkits.

[Rhykiru]

Hi, i was seaching around on the internet and i found a few sites that said that after a while, drop test kits (that test ammonia, nitrite etc) become inaccurate.

I have the API drop test kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph. How long does it take before these test bottles to become inaccurate? i have had them for about a year. The reason im asking is because im going to do a fishless cycle soon and i want to be sure that there will be no mistakes with the readings.

thanks

 

[Spooky76]

Thats a good question....best check mine

 

[rdd1952]

Below is a quote from this thread:

"Your solutions are not expired. 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.

Liquid Nitrate Test Kits from any manufacturer can have a common problem with their last test solution. For some companies, it is bottle number
3, but for us it is bottle number 2. One of the ingredients wants to solidify out of liquid solution. If the test bottle sits for any period of time, this can happen. If this does happen and the test is performed without Bottle # 2 mixed properly, then you can get a falsely low reading. I have never heard of falsely high readings with Nitrate Kits. I would try tapping your Bottle # 2 a few times on a table or counter top. This should loosen-up anything that has solidified. Then I would shake this bottle for about 2-3 minutes, to really mix it up. Try the test again and hopefully this will fix your problem. With regular weekly usage, this bottle should only need to be shaken for 30-60 seconds.

Always check results at the recommended duration of time. Letting the tubes sit longer can result in falsely high levels."

 

[Rhykiru]

wow, thanks so much. That really pretty much explained it all for me o.o