TDS experiment

[louistheloach]

Okay....so I took a gal of RO water and tested first the plain water then with each of the additions that are necessary here are the results:

RO 5
salt 103 x10
bicarb 138 x10
RO Right 205 x10

final TDS is 2050ppm after adding the necessary chemicals back into the RO water.

So apparently, I should not be concerned with the TDS of the tank and just watch the KH, GH, pH. Which I know are a little high so I will be working that down by some water changes and then decreasing the amount of bicarb and RO right.

I was also considering reducing the amount of salt that I add since my tank will probably not be getting any more new inhabitants, so stress level should be minimal etc.

Any thoughts, comments, questions?

Louis the Loach

[Jay]

I have never used or felt I needed to use a TDS meter.

It is my understanding that in our hobby most folks use them to reassure themselves that their RO or whatever purifying water filter is functioning properly and does not need to have components changed out.

It stands to reason then, if your RO water checks out, and you add back the electrolytes (mineral salts and other necessary trace elements) at a known dose, then a TDS reading at that point will give you a baseline for future comparisons.

[louistheloach]

I know. I have never read where anyone else has used it, but one day I just said "hey I wonder what the tank reads" (you know...new toy and all ) and well ,that sent me on the investigative trail. Initially I purchased the meter as you said to be able to monitor the RO output......

thanks for the input.

LtL