Expired?

[bellabean]

So after getting ANOTHER identical test reading (API Master test kit). I know I'm performing the tests correctly. I thought hey maybe they expire?

I just bought the kit last week though. Ugh! I can't win

Ph - lot 28C0709
High PH - lot 27A0709
Ammonia - lot 83A0809
Nitrite - lot 26A0809
Nitrate - lot 18B0909

 

[Essjay]

The last four digits on each bottle are the date of manufacture, so the first one, the pH bottle, was made in July 2009 (07 09). The different testers have different shelf lives.

Wide range pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, copper, calcium and GH last for 3 years.
Nitrite and KH last for 4 years.
Low range pH lasts for 5 years.

I emailed API a couple of years ago to ask.

Your pHs, will last till July 2012, ammonia till Aug 2012, nitrate till Sep 2012, and nitrite till Aug 2013


I was also told by someone who works for the company that once the bottles have been opened, they should be replaced after 12 months. This is because air enters the bottle and the oxygen in the air makes the reagents go off faster.

 

[karawr]

Sorry but what readings are you getting?

I have an API test kit that is completely in date... I even switched it out for a new one, and I always always always, no matter what, get a slightly green reading for ammonia. I don't know, maybe it's just our luck.

 

[CezzaXV]

Are you sure you're not just getting identical readings because the levels haven't changed? In a cycled tank, the only reading that should change is nitrate and possibly pH.

 

[Proxo]

I hold my ammonia test tube in front of the card and under a high watt spot light, it looks yellow then.
Under poor lighting it has a tint of green like it's sitting between 0 and 0.25 so i wouldn't worry if that's what your reading looks like!

 

[bellabean]

Over the course of 1 week it hasn't changed. Despite large water changes, adding prime, etc.
I only test in the morning, before feeding, etc. And use the window light as it is BRIGHT. We've had amazing weather for the last few days!

I also tested my tap water and got the same readings
I just returned the kit and will continue to do water changes until new kit comes in.
I have the API 5 in 1's left. Maybe just use those until my master kit comes in again. Sigh ...



These have been my readings ...

Dec 19 (Did an immediate water change 60%)
PH - 7.8
Ammonia - 0.5
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5


Dec 20 (water change)
PH - 7.8
Ammonia - 0.25
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5


Dec 21 (water change)
PH - 7.8
Ammonia - 0.25
Nitrite - 0.25
Nitrate - 5


Dec 22 (water change - added prime 9pm)
PH - between 7.4-7.8
Ammonia - 0.5
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5


Dec 23 (water change - prime added)
PH - between 7-7.4
Ammonia - 0.5
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - between 5-10


Dec 24 (water change)
PH - 7.4
Ammonia - 0.5
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5


My tap water
PH - between 7-7.4
Ammonia - 0.5
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5

 

[CezzaXV]

Nitrate tests can tend to solidify in the bottle. Give bottle no 2 a good bash against the desk and a hard shake, it'll likely solve your problem. However, the fact that you've got ammonia and nitrite suggests you're not cycled, so it may well be possible that nitrate won't be going up and the readings you're getting are correct.

Many people on here doubt the accuracy of the strips, but it might be worth a try to see what readings you get and how they compare.

 

[karawr]

It could be that you are simply experiencing some filter problems which is causing an ammonia spike. Add any fish lately or any careless activities regarding filter media and tap water?

 

[bellabean]

It could be that you are simply experiencing some filter problems which is causing an ammonia spike. Add any fish lately or any careless activities regarding filter media and tap water?

Yup!
Tried doing a water change late at night dead tired and wasn't thinking. Rinsed under tap water. I know ... trust me I beat myself up lots over it!
I tried dipping filter into the water I just removed from tank. Actually let it sit for like 5mins in that water. Was hoping to reveerse what I had just caused. Thinking it didn't help.




The test strip says ....

GH - 30
KH - 40
PH - 7
No2 - 0
No3 - between 0-20 (closer to 0)

 

[karawr]

It could be that you are simply experiencing some filter problems which is causing an ammonia spike. Add any fish lately or any careless activities regarding filter media and tap water?

Yup!
Tried doing a water change late at night dead tired and wasn't thinking. Rinsed under tap water. I know ... trust me I beat myself up lots over it!
I tried dipping filter into the water I just removed from tank. Actually let it sit for like 5mins in that water. Was hoping to reveerse what I had just caused. Thinking it didn't help.




The test strip says ....

GH - 30
KH - 40
PH - 7
No2 - 0
No3 - between 0-20 (closer to 0)

Yeah that wouldn't have helped...

Just make sure you are doing daily water changes and keep up on testing your water. Things will straighten out eventually. Be more careful with your media next time!

 

[bellabean]

Yeah I learnt my lesson.
Water changes in the morning only