old stuff still good?
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Help
Forum Name: General Help
Forum Description: The place to ask about pest, problems, hitchhikers, etc.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=56839
Printed Date: July 04 2026 at 3:17am
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Topic: old stuff still good?
Posted By: CrimsRayne
Subject: old stuff still good?
Date Posted: May 31 2012 at 1:13pm
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I have a bunch of test kits and add-ins that are at least 4 years old... They have been stored in drawers so they have been kept relatively cool and dry. Are they still good or should I invest in new stuff? Add-ins include CA, Alk, Iodine, etc... do these "go bad" or can I just shake them up and use them like normal?
------------- "What we know from this hobby is too hard to share with the people who just want to look and not get wet." -Rioreefer "The Puffer Girl" Zoo freak :) West Jordan |
Replies:
Posted By: aquablue
Date Posted: May 31 2012 at 3:02pm
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From what I can tell after checking some test kits I had left over in storage for nearly 5 years they seemed to work just fine when compared to my new kits, I can't speak for all types of regents and test types but my CA and Alk kits were fine I know. The iodine (potassium iodide) additive regardless of what the date on the bottle may say has a stable lifetime of around 6 to 7 years before degrading, and after that it's still a slow decay. Are the CA and Alk additives powder or liquid? ------------- 12G Nano Cube | DIY LED Member of GCFB |
Posted By: CrimsRayne
Date Posted: May 31 2012 at 3:06pm
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The CA and Alk are liquids, but I think I have some powder too.
------------- "What we know from this hobby is too hard to share with the people who just want to look and not get wet." -Rioreefer "The Puffer Girl" Zoo freak :) West Jordan |
Posted By: aquablue
Date Posted: May 31 2012 at 3:14pm
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I'd shake up the CA additive and add it to a little RO water, see if any solid white chunks drop to the bottom that won't dissolve, if a lot do then it's not going to be 100% potent but is still usable. The Alk is likely fine. ------------- 12G Nano Cube | DIY LED Member of GCFB |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: May 31 2012 at 6:29pm
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I'd use them. I'd consider testing your water, then having someone else test it and compare just to make sure the first time. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: CrimsRayne
Date Posted: June 01 2012 at 1:21pm
Oh right... I totally forgot that I could take some water to the LFS and get a second opinion. Now if I can just manage to go to the LFS and NOT buy anything that won't survive the merging of tanks...  ------------- "What we know from this hobby is too hard to share with the people who just want to look and not get wet." -Rioreefer "The Puffer Girl" Zoo freak :) West Jordan |
Adam Blundell wrote: