View Full Version : TDS Meter Question
125gJoe
08-10-2003, 6:27 PM
TDS means Total Dissolved Solids..
I just got a Hannah TDS-1 meter. I understand how to use it to see of my R/O de-ionized system is working properly, but is there a "TDS test" to see if the existing aquarium water is 'right'..?
I'm new at this TDS gadget.........
The usual tank test is just comparison of the tank water to the source water - in other words, if you are putting in blended RO and tap, with the combination having a TDS of A, the tank will ordinarily have a TDS of B, with B>A. The ideal is to minimize the difference between A and B - keeping the tank close to the source, and stable.
If RO is being used for top-off only and not to soften the tank, then the ideal is B = B = B, not B= B+x = B+x+y. Does that make sense? It is stability again.
125gJoe
08-11-2003, 1:21 AM
Originally posted by RTR
... ... The ideal is to minimize the difference between A and B - keeping the tank close to the source, and stable. ... ideal is B = B = B, not B= B+x = B+x+y. Does that make sense? ...... Somewhat...
When I add the R/O Right and fertilizers too, the reading gets high again. I'm not sure if I will get A and B close, or a minimal difference between the two. :confused:
The reconstitued RO+ RO Right + ferts would be the source water, then it would be monitoring to confim that the tank does not drift away from that level too far.
Moniroring the RO unit is just confirming performance with expectations, and that the membrane is still good. Monitoring the tank is confirming and control that you are really doing what you want to do.
125gJoe
08-11-2003, 7:58 AM
Thanks, that makes sense on how to monitor TDS of the tank. If the tank water is doing 'what it's supposed to', with the additives, then the level shouldn't vary much from test to test..
Thanks again..
TDS is a good tool for monitoring the tank, but not many people use it - it is more money than a test kit, but it helps pin down stability - which IMHO is one of the biggest issues.