How long it is safe to store ink?

[Fountainista]

I am not sure if the posted question would have any validity but I will try it anyway. I want to order Japanese ink Kiwaguro outside USA. The ink is expensive and I need to pay for freight. The label in Japanese will not be helpful for me. I want to order more bottles (6-8) instead of usual 2 when I do this locally.

The question: what is a reasonable time to store the ink on shelf at home? Is there no limit of time to store the ink, providing that ink is held in a dark and dry place? This ink is pigment based instead of regular dye ink. So I don’t know if such ink degrade faster or slower or stays good for decades? I am using bulletproof black Noodler’s now. I looked at the bottle I couldn’t find any expiration date. On the bottom looks like it is a batch number there 07 FFS 17. I think the bulletproof Noodler’s is pigment based, too. What I am afraid of is when the ink ages it degrades to small clumps of particles or sediment and those may clog pen’s channel even if you shake the bottle before usage. I put my Noodler’s bottle upside down every 2 weeks to prevent creation of sediment.

Happy New Year everybody!

[FrankB]

I have some inks I bought myself that are over 30 years old. I do use them infrequently, which is why they are 30 years old. They are fine and work well. I keep my inks in drawers, out of the sun. With proper storeage, inks should last for decades.

[johnboz]

I own and use inks that are from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and newer. As long as there's no mold or sediment, they should be fine. Modern inks easily last for many years. As long as there's no funky smell (in addition to the mold or sediment) they should be perfectly safe to use.

[Fountainista]

Thanks for response. It looks I was worrying too much.