hns2678

Hello, I'm new to the site and to keeping Cichlids, so probably will be needing some advice from time to time. I'm finding out that with aquarium or fish questions, that if you ask 20 people the same question, you're likely to end up with 20 completely different answers. Anyway, I have a question about a test kit that I bought. It is a Lifeguard ammonia Test Strip kit by Pentair Aquatics. On the bottle is what I assume is date, it's printed 08/06. So, my question is, is this an expiration date? A date of manufacture? A date at all? If it is a date, does that mean that I may have bought a kit that expired 2 years ago? I just bought it this week. If it is the date of manufacture, what is the shelf life of test strips for ammonia? Also, I want to say that through much reading on water testing, I now know that the liquid tests are more accurate than the strips. I plan on purchasing a new kit this weekend, but I want to return the strips if they were expired before I purchased them, so I can get my money back. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

pinkfloydpuffer

I think that you should return them, and get the API master test kit instead. It works great, test strips don't.

Martinismommy

I agree....The API master kit is the best one out there....

Shawnie

im third(ing) that LOL and welcome to fishlore!!! the api liquid master test kit will be your best friend..it has everything and is pretty darn accurate

hns2678

That's the kit I've been looking at. I already opened the test strips. Noticed the "date"? after I opened the box and bottle. So, I don't think he will refund my money unless, he sold me expired product. Do you think that's what it is?

Lucy

I would think that's the expiration date. Take it back with the receipt.
If you need a 4th on the API master kit, I 4th it. lol

Welcome to Fish Lore.

hns2678

Ok, thanks. I'll try returning it. If they won't take it back I guess that what I get for not do more research and buying the better kit in the first place. Lesson learned- Do your research. Things that are cheaper and easier are usually not the best for your fishies!
Thanks everyone, for all the help.

COBettaCouple

Hey, welcome to Fishlore.