test kits.. how old is too old?

[firefightered]

I have a couple of API test kits. Cal. ( if I'm reading the date correctly) 09-10. Kh= 07-09. I believe the dates are sept, 2010 and july,2009. I just bought these kits from lfs in Feb. Are they too old?

 

[skinz78]

I would think you should be fine for a little while longer but I would start thinking of buying new one's real soon.

 

[Russellaqua]

I'd be a little afraid to trust either of them, but especially the one that expired in July 2009. That's 2 years past expiration. I'd toss that one.

 

[slice]

I've seen this question often. When reading this, I did another google search and found this (look at bottom half of page):
Saltwater Aquarium measuring devices

Odd though, look at the description of the Salifert Mag test procedure. I thought the Mg-3 was brought into the syringe until the STOPPER was at the 1 ml mark and that the air bubble was fine to be under the stopper. I thought the objective was to measure displacement of the Mg-3 during the drop into the vial. I have to re-read my instructions.
Then again, not sure how old this info is, the method may have changes since.

Which leads to a pet peeve.....web pages with no revision date...

 

[fish&corals]

from what i found with API test kits they last up to 12 months after stamped date .. but come to find out not always true .. they can be off as the months go on by a lil bit i would really start thinking about replacing them ..

 

[slice]

from what i found with API test kits they last up to 12 months after stamped date

Yep, and I've also read that it should be 12 months after opening. The rule I use:

If in doubt, throw out!

 

[fish&corals]

Yep, and I've also read that it should be 12 months after opening. The rule I use:

If in doubt, throw out!

thats about right slice .. if in doubt . throw out ..

it is to much of a risk in this hobby to 2nd guess yourself ..

 

[firefightered]

I'm going by the lot number.(something like: 22kh0710) the 0710 being the manufactor date. There is really no seperate date stamp on the bottle or box. I opened both kits in Feb. Would they still be ok or should they be replaced. When buying new kits... How do they expect you to know the date of thier product if you have to open the box to get it??????

 

[firefightered]

Slice... I just read the link you sent. That is some pretty good info.. Thanks I put it in my favorites for future referance.