Expired test kits

[ReefJCB]

I just realized I’ve been testing with expired Red Sea kits for the last 7 months .

I know that test kits are relatively inexpensive and a very important part of reefing. But I also know that expiration dates are not always accurate in a lot of cases.

So my question is how important are exp dates on test reagents. And would you feel comfortable testing with expired reagents, and if so, how far past the date?

 

[Highgrade]

I use my Expired Red Sea test kits as a backup. Generally I use Hanna Checkers. One main concern is the Red Sea Alk test. The Reagent seems to oxidize before the expiration date. The color is more of an orangish color. As long as you can determine the color change the test kit should still work but may not be as accurate as it would be fresh.

 

[DarkSky]

I have a bottle of expired Hanna alk reagent that I've been using, it has matched my non expired bottle whenever I check against it. It is 9 months post expiration.