The API 5 in 1 Test Strips can be used in order to test the pH, nitrite, nitrate, KH and GH levels in your tank water. So, do these strips have an expiry date? You can find out in this article from Aquarium Blueprints.
Do the API 5 in 1 Test Strips expire?
These strips do have an expiration date. In our case, we found the date printed on the back side to the right of the barcode. The location could be different on your container.
If you don’t see an expiration date, then you can try looking at your receipt for when you purchase the product. Test strips usually expire in two years from the manufacturing date. Therefore, you may be able to guess the general expiry time frame for the product based on when you purchased it.
Can the 5 in 1 Test Strips sooner?
The test strips could end up getting expired sooner if you don’t take good care at storing the product.
API recommends that the store the container in a cool and dry space. The company also recommends that you keep the lid tightly closed after removing a strip.
Most importantly, you should take care of not letting in any liquid in the container. This includes your wet fingers.
Can you use API 5 in 1 Test Strips past the expiration date?
If you took good care at storing the testing strips, then you should be able to keep using them a short period after its expiration date. With that said, you may not be able to get an accurate reading.
As an extra precaution, we suggest that you avoid dipping an expired strip directly in your fish tank. This is because the expired stick may leech potentially harmful substances in your aquarium.
Instead, we recommend that you fill out a cup, that is long enough to dip the strip, with water from your tank. Afterwards, you can dip the test strip into the cup. Once you are done with the testing, you can throw the water in the cup away.
If years have passed since the expiration date, then you are better off throwing away the entire container and getting a new one.