Api test kit

[Enigma77]

I have an old Api masters freshwater test kit which was supposed to have expired 2 years ago.. So i purchased a new one (expires 2017) and compared the 2 on all 4 tests and had exactly the same results.. .5ppm on ammonia (tank is 1 week old).. Ph 7.6 all others are 0...
My question is how accurate are the expiry dates on these tests? If it really had expired why am I still getting accurate results?

 

[Cactuspixie]

I have an old Api masters freshwater test kit which was supposed to have expired 2 years ago.. So i purchased a new one (expires 2017) and compared the 2 on all 4 tests and had exactly the same results.. .5ppm on ammonia (tank is 1 week old).. Ph 7.6 all others are 0...
My question is how accurate are the expiry dates on these tests? If it really had expired why am I still getting accurate results?

I think the quality just can't be guaranteed past the expiry. It doesn't necessarily mean that they won't be accurate. What conditions was your kit stored in?

 

[Enigma77]

Stored in its original container inside a aquarium cabinet.. I'd only used it a couple of times while my other tanks were cycling..

 

[Cactuspixie]

Stored in its original container inside a aquarium cabinet.. I'd only used it a couple of times while my other tanks were cycling..

I guess your just lucky!

 

[Fresh2o]

The expiration date for the kit may be based on the earliest expiration date for ONE of the components. And those component expiration dates are a result of extensive testing to determine when a product starts to fail or a percentage of the tests falls below an acceptable limit.
In other words, that may be hard to tell. I would continue to use the old one and spot check with the new kit from time to time if used for regular maintenance testing (not cycling). If you have a control (DI/RO water) that's always nice to have on hand for QC purposes.

 

[NYgiantsRP]

I wouldn't think that the testing chemicals would go bad. I never even looked for an expiration date on mine...never crossed my mind.

 

[Enigma77]

Yeah I think I will just keep using the old kit then checking it against the new kit couple times a month to make sure it's still accurate..
Thanks guys for your help