Life expectancy of bulk ink question

[fdm2000]

I have bottles of PG 245 and CL 246 that are about 5 or 6 years old and wonder if they are still usable without causing damage to the print head on the cartridges. My old MG2420 died and I have replaced it with a newer MG2522 which uses the same cartridge and ink

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

There is a remote chance that refill inks get a fungal infection from repeated opening of the bottles or syringes not cleaned over a long time, and it depends on the ink itself if it contains a fungizid to prevent any spores to sprout.
It can be visible in clear bottles, and I have a sample in my cabinet. I asked a biologist for an analysis but he changed his job before he got the results.
You may have a look to this thread - the main subject is not fungus in inks but it shows this problem as well already in the opening posting #1 with images

https://www.printerknowledge.com/th...of-the-international-business.9735/post-79909

I have seen with magenta and yellow ink

It's just a remote chance but possible - I have seen it about 3 - 4 times over a period of 20+ years of tinkering around with refill.

 

[fdm2000]

Many thanks for your response and insights. Will check out the link you provided. Will also check for obvious overgrowth of fungi by puttin the inks in clear glass containers.

 

[videobruce]

Other than a "fungal infection", any thing else affect the ink as far as actual longevity and print quality?

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

I keep the ink bottles in the dark, just at room temperature; I'm not observing strange effects like sediments, coalgulation or similar

 

[The Hat]

Fungal infection in your ink is a very rare thing, and you’d want to be very carless to let that happen, just threat all your refilling implements with care..

Tip: Don’t put used ink back into your refill bottles..

 

[videobruce]

"Used ink" as in ink that was already in a cart that was refilled?

 

[The Hat]

"Used ink" as in ink that was already in a cart that was refilled?

Yes..