API test kit

[Leo White Bear]

I was just wondering with a friend, how long does the API Master Test Kit last.  Does the viability of the kit dwindle as time go by or is it quite stable?  What is the best way to store the kit between tests, on the shelf, in the fridge, in the dark?  Just curious.

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Leo,

Good to see you're still quite active on the Forums.........good job! I have gone through 3 test kits already. One stored on top of my water heater, one outside(temps get up to 95Deg F, and one in a cool place. I must say they take quite a licking since they've all performed perfectly accurately. API is like the energizer bunny...........going.....going...going

[Leo White Bear]

Hi Harold-

  I am quite active on these forums as I am totally addicted to AP.  I was just curious on the "shelf life" of these test kits and am pleased that someong answered my post so soon.  My indoor small units are doing quite well with the sage, celery, basil and lavender in them.  Can't wait for spring so I can start on my 24' geodome greenhouse.  I hope the town doesn't reject the plans for it, if so I will go with the standard structure of a 16 x 24' GH.  Tahnks again for your reply.

Leo

 
Harold Sukhbir said:

Hi Leo,

Good to see you're still quite active on the Forums.........good job! I have gone through 3 test kits already. One stored on top of my water heater, one outside(temps get up to 95Deg F, and one in a cool place. I must say they take quite a licking since they've all performed perfectly accurately. API is like the energizer bunny...........going.....going...going

[Tim Sumrall]

My bottles have a expiration date (04/2017) but I've read where some people don't see a date (older threads?).

Here's some stolen research, thanks Samantha.

-----------------------------------------

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

[Jay Swenberger]

Based on my experience with chemical test kits from other areas of life, these expiration dates are often based on unopened containers. They typically have a much shorter effective expiration once opened. I've worked with some that are only good for 3-4 days once the cap is first removed.

Jay

Tim Sumrall said:

My bottles have a expiration date (04/2017) but I've read where some people don't see a date (older threads?).

Here's some stolen research, thanks Samantha.

-----------------------------------------

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

[George]

I've been using my kit for a couple of years - just check the PH nowadays for the most part.  You can buy replacements for the regents you use up.