how to test ro water

[Pensky]

The water that comes out of my kitchen faucet is horrible, so I go do to the local car wash and fill up buckets of water and I want to make sure that this water is safe for my reef tank. The water purification machine says it is filtered using reverse osmosis and ultra violent light. Is there a place I can take water to be check or any test I should do myself?

 

[Shagsbeard]

On the vending machine there should be a number to call. You can ask for a TDS reading, and they should have it. You want a TDS under 5... preferably 0 or 1. Your tap water is most likely in the 100's. Investing in a RO/DI unit will pay for itself in the first two years.

 

[AZDesertRat]

A pocket sized handheld TDS meter can be purchased for about $20 from several of the RC sponsors or on e-bay. Its a good tool to have.

 

[Pensky]

would it be safe to assume that the quality of this water may be affecting my low Alk and Calc reading?

 

[poppin_fresh]

Pure water doesnt affect Alk and Calc. It is more likely to be your salt mix, or the rate at which your tank is uptaking calcium and alkalinity. You might just have a high demand tank.

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Is that the water that comes out of the same hose that they pump soapy water out of? Bad news....................

 

[kfowler]

I use the Hanna pocket TDS meter. Very inexpensive.