API Test Kit Question.

Alrighty folks. So I got my API Test kit back in may of 2009. I used to test often and all, but slowly stopped within the year as everything just continues to look good and lush and healthy. So Recently, I tested.

Everything Came within line Except Nitrite and Nitrate.

Nitrate - 10ppm
Nitrite - .25ppm


Nothing else was out of whack. Did a 30% waterchange and changed out filters and stuff etc. Reason for doing this I had a fiji leather, a rather large one start melting. (it fell into my frogspawn and looked a bit beat up) Tested water, Got the results above. and did all that work.

The sand has no nasty algae blooms or diatoms or anything. Im sure the nitrite was caused by the Coral. and probably the nitrate.

Anyways... The test kit is going on 2 years old itself (from purchase, 3 years from creation). and from my understanding the lot numbers on the bottle have the date created.

Those two Test Kits are 1007 ending. October 2007.

Everything in the tank looks happy gorgeous, active etc... Just seems these are out of whack.

Now Last time I used the test kits where back in June. And everything was perfect then.

Do you guys think the test kits are old? From what I read the test kits have a 1-4 year lifespan depending on what test it is. Any Help would be appreciated.

The tests still showed the same. and Showed the same when I tested our regular water we use for the changes.

 

Hard to tell. I assume there wasnt an expiration date on the box. I use the salifert test and they have a expiration date on the box. they seem to be good for up to 4 yrs. I would test again after the WC and see if the test is reading differently. I may would go ahead and get another test kit and double check.

 

API said that the test are good for 2 to 3 years. I would say time for replacement.

 

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 API 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 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. With regular weekly
usage, this bottle should only need to be shaken for 30-60 seconds.

 

So In theory, My kits are pretty much expired. lol.

Nitrite - Ocotber 2007
Nitrate #2 January 2008(Should be ok for another full year in theory)

Most of everything I have from the starter kit for PH, N03, Nh3/Nh4, NO2...


My CA, PO and KH where just purchased within the last 6 months and have the Dates of 12/09 through 04/10.


And yamaharider73, there is none on the kit. You just rely on the bottles Lot No.

I got a fresh nitrite Kit today when We ran to petco to pick up some clips. Needless to say 0.0ppm for Nitrite.. and the Nitrate did show at 5ppm. So Feeling a Little better about the situation.

 

Glad the tank is good with no real issues. Havent used API that i can remember so I just look on the box of the salifert tests