abc reagents don't expire?

[TokenReefer]

Does anyone know what this means? From https://abcreagents.com/pages/contact

Does that mean they don't expire or they just didn't put a date on it?

Neptune says theirs expire in 2 months. The abc bottles I got (a while ago) are not sealed, just capped. Neptune seals theirs...

Apologies if this is not chemistry related; maybe equipment related? Idk

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is chemistry, and yes, reagents get old. They don't say the reagents last forever, jsut that they do not tell you how old they are.

FWIW, I'm not a fan of this company.

 

[Blitheran]

On Coral Vue:

Technical Specifications​

• Bottle Size: 250ml per reagent
• Shelf Life: 24 months unopened
• Storage: Room temperature, avoid direct sunlight
• Compatibility: Most automated aquarium testing systems

Return Policy: Due to the nature of chemical reagents, ABC Reagents are non-returnable once shipped.

 

[TokenReefer]

I got these before they partnered with coral vue I believe; so pretty old now I suppose. The trident was offline for a while. Since its been back up I've used Neptune's reagents but when it just ran out I tried the bottle of reagent A from ABC and I'm getting high alk numbers. It would be helpful to put a date on it; whether its accurate or not I have no way to gauge the age; even before it's bought. 24 months unopened...are the new bottles sealed?

 

[OnPointCorals Verified Sponsor]

I got these before they partnered with coral vue I believe; so pretty old now I suppose. The trident was offline for a while. Since its been back up I've used Neptune's reagents but when it just ran out I tried the bottle of reagent A from ABC and I'm getting high alk numbers. It would be helpful to put a date on it; whether its accurate or not I have no way to gauge the age; even before it's bought. 24 months unopened...are the new bottles sealed?

I mean it would have to be recalibrated if you're using different reagents.

 

[TokenReefer]

I mean it would have to be recalibrated if you're using different reagents.

Great point!

 

[mmorrison55]

I bought the mix at home gallon size and it started out great. But last month or so, the b and c reagents are constantly failing to test. I think they have gone bad.

I say that, because when I received the test b and c fail messages before, the only way I could get past it was to add new ca and mg reagent bottles from Neptune. As soon as I swapped them out, the test started running again.

I did have them in clear glass 1 gallon bottles for storage in my closet. Is it possible,using clear glass for storage quickened their expiration?

The alk has been fine. Ive used 1 gallon of the abc reagent and it’s been testing steady. So not sure why may is still good, but b/c have expired.

Long story to say, I don’t think I will buy abc again unless sits no more than a 6 mo supply.

 

[mmorrison55]

On a side note, im seriously considering to selling my trident and picking up an aquawiz or aquarino kh to test alk hourly without reagents, and just forget about testing ca and mg except occasionally with my Hanna.

 

[BeanAnimal]

It is chemistry, and yes, reagents get old. They don't say the reagents last forever, jsut that they do not tell you how old they are.

FWIW, I'm not a fan of this company.

I don't know that you have ever said why.

I contacted the owner a several years ago with what would have amounted to a possible business opportunity. He was not at all a pleasant person or somebody I ever care to talk to again.

 

[braaap]

It is chemistry, and yes, reagents get old. They don't say the reagents last forever, jsut that they do not tell you how old they are.

FWIW, I'm not a fan of this company.

Of course you aren’t a fan.

Been using ABC reagents for 4+ years now. Flawless results with their premixed stuff and the bulk kits. Results don’t drift. Within margin of error of my Hanna and salifert. Great stuff for half the price.

 

[braaap]

I don't know that you have ever said why.

I contacted the owner a several years ago with what would have amounted to a possible business opportunity. He was not at all a pleasant person or somebody I ever care to talk to again.

I agree with that. Had the same experience. He isn’t pleasant. He is actually a jerk. That said his product is cheaper than Neptunes and has been perfectly consistent.

 

[mmorrison55]

Of course you aren’t a fan.

Been using ABC reagents for 4+ years now. Flawless results with their premixed stuff and the bulk kits. Results don’t drift. Within margin of error of my Hanna and salifert. Great stuff for half the price.

How long did your bulk reagents last, and how did you store them? As I said, I bought 4, 1 gallon, clear glass bottles, thinking the glass would be better than a typical milk jug container, but my b and c reagents are constantly failing. Ive just used 1 gallon of the alk reagent (1/2 the bulk supply) and alk seems to still be fine. So not sure why the ca and mg has seemed to have expired. Hoping the chem forum could,shed some insight.

 

[areefer01]

Neptune says theirs expire in 2 months. The abc bottles I got (a while ago) are not sealed, just capped. Neptune seals theirs...

Actually Neptune Trident ACM (Alk, Ca, Mg) reagents have a shelf life of 6 months. It is stamped on the box. Of course this will depend on the source of purchase and how long they sat on them. Neptune NP is a different situation. They also only come in 2 month packaging.

Also worth mentioning is that recently the Trident ACM 6 month kit packaging has changed (shipping/law changes?) and you get them all in one box now. You will notice that they have all the same lot numbers now which is nice.

I am aware that some disregard lot numbers but my reply is simple. Talk to any tile installer.