SaltwaterNoob17
Reefing newb
I think some of my API test kits have expired, and was wondering how to verify this. I see a LOT number near the top of the bottles. Is that the expiration date?
How do you know when API test kits expire?
- Thread starter SaltwaterNoob17
- Start date
little_fish
Moderator
They only last about a year, so if you have had them for about year i would ditch them and get new ones. But looking at mine i dont see any official expiration date either.
SaltwaterNoob17
Reefing newb
Yeah, I've definitely had them for a year, so I guess I need some new ones. Thanks!
Lizardgi
I used to have lizards
Only a year? I inherited mine from the past owner, but mine have to be over a year old... Looks like I'll be doing some shopping soon.
SaltwaterNoob17
Reefing newb
I just found this through my "Google" research:
The LOT number at the top of API test kit bottles are the date of manufacture. The API test kits typically expire 3 to 4 years after the date of manufacture depending on the type of test kit. These were the expiration periods that I found from API:
Ammonia Test Solution # 1 - 3 Years
Ammonia Test Solution # 2 - 3 Years
High Range pH Indicator Solution - 3 Years
Nitrate Test Solution # 1 - 3 Years
Nitrate Test Solution # 2 - 3 years
GH Test Solution - 3 Years
Calcium Test Solution #1 - 3 Years
Calcium Test Solution #2 - 3 Years
Phosphate Test Solution #1 - 3 Years
Phosphate Test Solution #2 - 3 Years
Copper Test Solution - 3 Years
KH Test Solution - 4 Years
Nitrite Test Solution - 4 Years
The LOT number at the top of API test kit bottles are the date of manufacture. The API test kits typically expire 3 to 4 years after the date of manufacture depending on the type of test kit. These were the expiration periods that I found from API:
Ammonia Test Solution # 1 - 3 Years
Ammonia Test Solution # 2 - 3 Years
High Range pH Indicator Solution - 3 Years
Nitrate Test Solution # 1 - 3 Years
Nitrate Test Solution # 2 - 3 years
GH Test Solution - 3 Years
Calcium Test Solution #1 - 3 Years
Calcium Test Solution #2 - 3 Years
Phosphate Test Solution #1 - 3 Years
Phosphate Test Solution #2 - 3 Years
Copper Test Solution - 3 Years
KH Test Solution - 4 Years
Nitrite Test Solution - 4 Years
little_fish
Moderator
Interesting, i had no idea. Did you find anyways to figure out when the lots were manufactured to see how long your tests have been around?
SaltwaterNoob17
Reefing newb
The Lot number is printed at the top of each of the test kit bottles. The last four digits are the month and year. For example: If the Lot number ended in 0410, then the test kit was manufactured in April of 2010 and is good (supposedly) for 3 to 4 years.
It turns out two of my kits are expired according to these parameters, so I'll guess I'll still be shopping for some new test kits.
It turns out two of my kits are expired according to these parameters, so I'll guess I'll still be shopping for some new test kits.
little_fish
Moderator
Thank you so much for finding this out!
SaltwaterNoob17
Reefing newb
No problem. ;)
