API test kits going bad? How to tell?

[chimmike]

I must've tried running the phosphate test 4 times last night, each time with an inconsequential result (the test page shows all green shades from light (0ppm) to dark (higher ppm)

my result was constantly a pale yellow.

I had trouble with my nitrate test in the past showing the same numbers every time too.

Any way to tell when these tests are bad?

For the phosphate, I was filling the tube with 5ml tank water. Then 6 drops of bottle 1, shook for 5 seconds, then 6 drops of bottle 2, shook for 5 seconds, then let sit for 3 mins.

Same way each time, same pale yellow color result.

GRR!

 

[chimmike]

anyone?

 

[fcm90]

buy a new test kit with a decent shelf date i had a problem which bit me in my rear it was my nitrate test everytime i would test it was 0 ppm took my water in to buy fish from my LFS and it was through the roof, never thought how long those test sit on a shelf in some stores

 

[bdub]

I found this info online concerning API test kits, hope it helps:

"Thank you very much for contacting us regarding our products. All of
your comments and questions are valuable. We use your feedback to
create the most effective line of aquarium and pond products available.

Your solutions are not expired. 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 us 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 have never heard of falsely high readings with Nitrate Kits.
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. Try the
test again and hopefully this will fix your problem. With regular weekly
usage, this bottle should only need to be shaken for 30-60 seconds.

Always check results at the recommended duration of time. Letting the
tubes sit longer can result in falsely high levels."

 

[fcm90]

good stuff thanks bdub .. knowledge learned everyday

 

[Jdack]

My ammonia test has white crap in it (second bottle) my nitrate test does not. Bought at Petco today. I'm going out to the LFS in the morning.