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Post by babygeige on Dec 1, 2008 14:25:25 GMT -5
I was wondering what the expiration on liquid test kits was, and I found this post on a forum. I think it's sort of helpful. www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/test_kits_life.phpThe only thing I am wondering is how long they are good for after being opened. Tetra says their tests have a shelf life of 5 years, but you should get rid of them 1 year after opening. API doesn't say how long to keep theirs after opening. Do you really think they should be thrown out after 1 year, or is that just a way for them to make more $$$? |
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Post by goldenpuon on Dec 1, 2008 15:11:48 GMT -5
Normally test kits (at least the test strip kind) have an expiration date somewhere on them. I'm not sure about liquid tests becuase I don't use those but I have found the expiration dates printed on the test strip test kits to be pretty accurate. Hope that helps! Also, other people's opinions may differ based on experience.
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Post by Carl on Dec 1, 2008 15:37:50 GMT -5
That is an interesting article.
What I can say is that as with medications and similar these "published" numbers are for nearly 100% effectiveness, in other words, the accuracy of kit that is 2 years past this date is likely to be diminished (how much would take another test kit of known accuracy to tell), but that does NOT make it useless.
For instance a test of GH that yields GH of say 200 ppm via an outdated test may yield say 225 ppm by a more accurate "fresh" test. This still gives you useful information that is simply less accurate.
Another point would be storage of test kits. With liquid test kits it is imperative to keep them sealed/closed tightly to avoid air contamination.
With test strips (which have a shorter accuracy lifespan in my experience) keeping them tightly sealed WITH a desiccant is important.
Carl
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Post by babygeige on Dec 2, 2008 11:03:27 GMT -5
That makes sense. So I would guess that as long as my readings are still "good," then I shouldn't really have to worry. If one turns up really bad, then it would be a cause for concern.
Yeah, Renee, for whatever reason, they don't put expiration dates on the liquid ones, just the dates that they were bottled. At least they give us something!
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