How long are API test kits good for?

Matt Carden · Dec 11, 2018

I have had an API test kit in my storage which is now 5 years old. I have ~150 gallons of water and according to the online calculator I dosed 10% ammonia chloride (ACE hardware) of 17ml. I waited about half an hour and checked with the old test kit. I don't have another ammonia test kit only a Salifert basic reef test kit: Nitrate, Phosphate, Ph, KH, CA, Mg. I don't plan to buy an Ammonia kit no need. I was trying to conduct a digestion test. The Ammonia test shows a change in color indicating that the reagents aren't inactive but the color is in the blue spectrum.

MSB123 · Dec 11, 2018

API test kits arent good at all. I have found them to be faulty and non accurate

Matt Carden · Dec 11, 2018

I didn't know that when I bought them hence the Salifert kit.

Coastie Reefer · Dec 11, 2018

the API bottle should have an expiration date on them. If it's been in storage for 5 years it's likely past expiration. If you're cycling a tank, most LFS test water for free. Or you could get a simple ammonia, nitrite, nitrate kit for about 25 bucks

Matt Carden · Dec 11, 2018

I am just curious about the ammonia digestion rate. I am reading 50 ppm nitrate at day 30 so I know my tank is cycled. No expiration date on any of the bottles.