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I need to vent and its really nobody's fault...]:|

I just placed an order for the first time with That Pet Place to replenish my chemical tests for the year. I do this all the time. They offered the AP Master Kit for $14.99 - some 4 bucks cheaper than I can get it locally. It got her in popsicle state and I don't trust it. Yet, there is nothing on the box or insert indicating storage temps. On Saturday I saw that FEDEX had it on the truck and it was to be delivered. But we had the snowstorm and it never made it out of the truck, which must have been sitting outdoors.


Here's the toll..

All but one or two of the bottles in the Master Test Kit: Pure Popsicle. Nothing expanded to the point of messing the box. (14.99)

gH/kH test kit: Pure Popsicle with chemical leakage in the box where it had expanded. (4.49)

FW/SW Phosphate Test Kit: Pure Popsicle (5.99)

Netsoak: Popsicle (4.49)

Lime-Off: Popsicle (1.99)

Clear Water (used for sterilizing): Popsicle (3.99)

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The last three are Jungle Products and I'm going to contact them via email. I don't know if or how it may alter the chemical properties to go from liquid to frozen to liquid. I'm most concerned with Clear Water which is diluted potassium permangenate.

I called the place back up and told them all of my chemicals were frozen solid and the lady told me that it happens all the time. How can I trust my test kits now?

I'm going to call AP in the AM when they are open again, but this was a chunk of change to not have confidence in.

Last edited by Cory_Di at 24-Jan-2005 17:58

I would be more concerned about them reaching high temperatures than freezing. Chemical reactions occur much more slowly at low temperatures, so I doubt that you would have anything happen that would alter the chemicals in any way other than structurally when they were frozen. If you had something, say, with live bacteria in there (BioSpira, NIC) I'd be more worried. IMO you have nothing to worry about.

EDIT: unless the bottles cracked, in which case they'll be leaking as soon as they thaw.

Last edited by superlion at 24-Jan-2005 17:55

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The one bottle that already has oozed fluid due to expansion concerns me. Since we must shake the bottle to mix the chemicals which make it up, I don't know that the portion which expanded out wasn't a proportion of all chemicals present - if that makes sense.

I'd have the same worry Cory_Di I know I've done a nitrAte test and wasn't thinking right and forgot to shake it ...test didnt come out @all right ....
You'd think that fed ex might unload their trucks if the temps are extreme like that...

^_^
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How awful when you think about potential livestock that didn't get to its destination as intended. I know most of that stuff goes during the business week, but not all.

I don't think a heat pack could have worked that long.

Last edited by Cory_Di at 24-Jan-2005 19:43

Thats a major bummer Di. Can you file a claim with FedEx? I was wondering about a brand new bottle of Aquarisol that I forgot about in my car. Its probibly been frozen and unthawed about 30 times. I guess thats what I get for having a messy car.

Steph




Last edited by doedogg at 24-Jan-2005 22:13

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I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.
~ Mae West

Since we must shake the bottle to mix the chemicals which make it up, I don't know that the portion which expanded out wasn't a proportion of all chemicals present - if that makes sense.

Makes perfect sense..

If this were my purchase, I'd return it and request new stock.. If you're anything like me, it won't matter if someone comes along and tells you specifically why that kit is perfectly safe, you'll always have some concern regarding the reliability of the readings due to them being frozen prior to use.. Better to exchange them and remove any reason for doubt, IMO..

That's the issue - lack of confidence. If I have ammonia in my tank, I need to know I have a kit that will provide me with 100% certainty that it is readable. Why else would I bother to throw out the old kits after 1 year and buy new?

I've emailed AP and Jungle - both are manufacturers whose products became popsicles. I've posed these questions to them. I'll post back with their response.

Di, Have you contacted the shipping company. Most will replace things that are damaged wile in their care (to an extent), even without insurance on the said items.

When in doubt...get new stuff.

stupid snow.... we got like 2 feet.

I did hear back from Jungle. They said to let their products thaw, give a good shake and they are good to go. They didn't have a problem with them freezing. I was less concerned about these than the test kits. So far, this is good:

Lime-Off
Clear Water (used for sterilizing plants)
Net Soak

I had several bottles from the AP Master kit come frozen and all the tests are accurate after I let them thaw. Also, I do water testing at work and have had the kits we use there function just fine after freezing once.

Thanks for sharing. I hope you are right, because I can't really expect the store to take the hit for an act of God. It happened and its sux, but I hope things work well. I'm still waiting to hear from AP yet.