Aquarium test kits are essential to fishkeepers. We use them to assess the conditions in our fish tanks that we can’t gauge without the necessary tools. It is crucial to know the conditions in our aquariums since it can be the difference between life and death for fish.
Since test kits are so important, it would be dangerous if they give faulty results. In that spirit, fishkeepers have asked, “Do aquarium test kits go bad?”
Well, yes. Aquarium test kits go bad after some time once opened. It is thought that they go through gradual reactions with oxygen that eventually make them useless for their intended purpose. Whether that is the cause of test kits going bad or not is still in contention. Testing kits going bad is not!
One way to prove this to yourself is by performing simultaneous tests with aged and new kits. Of course, the kits should be of the same brand despite the age difference. You will notice that results from the new kits are quite different from older ones.
You can also test known items such as vinegar, distilled water, nitrogen fertilizers, or ammonia-based substances. If the results are way off what is expected of the substances, the test kits will definitely not give accurate readings of nitrites or another water parameter.
How Long is a Test Kit Good For?
Before we talk about the lifespan of an aquarium test kit, we must understand the difference between expiration and tests going bad. Once we know the fine line between the two, we will be better positioned to gauge the lifespan of a test kit.
So, what is the difference between expiration and test kits going bad? Currently, most test kits come with an expiration date. The date is an indication of the kit’s shelf life. It would be best if you buy test kits way before their expiry date. Once you start using the test reagents, it is a different ball game altogether.
Generally, test kits are good for about 6-12 months after you open them. As mentioned before, the reagents break down with time. They become less accurate with time; hence not suitable for use where you need accurate results.
How long they are good for use depends on the brand of the kits and how you use or store them. Some brands last longer compared to others. It would be best if you stick to known and popular brands since they guarantee the quality of their test kits.
Similarly, test kits have higher chances of lasting longer if you store them in cool, clean, and dry areas. Avoid mixing the reagents while using them to ensure that they are always pure and good for their intended function.
Conclusion
Yeah, test kits go bad over time. However, that should not worry you. If anything, it should help you plan and ensure you always have suitable aquarium test kits for your daily checks.
Jesse is the principal author of this blog. He is an avid fishkeeper with rich experience spanning several years. He is here to share his knowledge and ensure you also have a guiding compass, as he did with his father.