TDS meter??

[chuckdallas]

Since starting the reef aquarium, I've always wondered about RO vs RO/DI water and the house water system and the LFS fresh waters. I have read about how we definitely do NOT want to drink RO/DI water but RO water is good for us humans. So I want to start measuring the content of the fresh water. What TDS meter do I need?

Thanks in advance,
Chuck

 

[Siptang]

I use el cheapo one from ebay and its serving its purpose fairly well.

 

[mojoreefer]

Chuck, that all depends. Do you want just a hand held model? Or is this for your RO-DI setup you have installed?

I have a Dual TDS meter from BRS on my RO-DI which I think was about $30. In is at 120 out 0. Love that thing. Tells me pretty much when the filters need to be changed.

I've also had a hand held one and it worked just as fine. Spent $20 on that one.

 

[mrx66699]

Tells me pretty much when the filters need to be changed.
.

um .......almost ...depending on where you have the leads placed a minimum of three points will need to be measured if you want to know incoming tds, out tds from RO membrane, out tds after di

you will need to measure incoming into the ro unit combined with a little math to know when to change the RO membrane as it is a rejection percentage of the incoming .........the di is a little bit easier if its going in at a reasonable rate (under 10) and its not coming out 0 or if you have color changing DI

 

[chuckdallas]

mojoreefer, I currently rent a house and do not have an in-house RO/DI system. I'm looking for one, but I was thinking about a hand held one to test the RO water from the LFS and the house water system. Where should I go to do some homework? I know nothing about brand names, model numbers, etc, etc.

 

[ek9vboi]

Look at the BRS website. They have some good stuff at a reasonable price. My friend is selling his RO/DI that he got from them. It was one of their high end models.

 

[mrx66699]

mojoreefer, I currently rent a house and do not have an in-house RO/DI system. I'm looking for one, but I was thinking about a hand held one to test the RO water from the LFS and the house water system. Where should I go to do some homework? I know nothing about brand names, model numbers, etc, etc.

If your looking for an RODI system I have one that I can sell you (RODI), or a portable TDS meter if you want one I have an extra one of those too...I can also give you some lessons on how to operate them and what each part is and how to figure change times for each unit or just any general questions you may have......

 

[Biggar]

I have been using this for one year, flawless 15 bucks shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HM-Digital-...863?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414620f777

 

[DRThompson]

I've bought the one from ebay also, works great

 

[Siptang]

Here you go Chuck, here is a pic of my handheld TDS meter from ebay.

Two buttons, very simple to operate and accurate.

Turn on, dunk it into water and it will give you a reading. Press hold to hold that number.

 

[chuckdallas]

You guys are very helpful. Thanks. ek9vboi, please have your friend email me at diver11down at aol.com or text me at 954 232-4821 the details of the unit.
Chuck

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

I have been using this for one year, flawless 15 bucks shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HM-Digital-...863?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414620f777

We're a Master Distributor for HM Digital so we are very familiar with the TDS-EZ. Good TDS meter, but it's not a good fit for this hobby where people want to measure TDS accurately down to 0 ppm. Why? This meter doesn't have automatic temperature compensation. This meter would be fine for measuring RO drinking water where precision isn't crucial. For handheld meters, you'll have to spend a few bucks more and jump up to the TDS 3, or a few bucks more for the waterproof AP1, or a few bucks more for the COM100.

Russ

 

[chuckdallas]

Why is auto temp compensation needed for a handheld TDS meter? What's so special about the waterproof AP1? I just want to dunk th eend of the meter into the sample water and get on with life.

 

[ek9vboi]

Why is auto temp compensation needed for a handheld TDS meter? What's so special about the waterproof AP1? I just want to dunk th eend of the meter into the sample water and get on with life.

He is just giving you options but he is correct. You can use whatever meter you want but I would say the minimum would be auto temp comp with the TDS.

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

I just want to dunk th end of the meter into the sample water and get on with life.

Me too!

TDS meters work my measuring conductivity, and mathematically converting that to TDS. Conductivity changes significantly with temperature.

W/o ATC, the meter will assume the sample you're measuring is a 77 degrees F. But let's say you're down in the basement and its the middle of winter and your water is actually 55 degrees F. Your TDS reading could be ~20% off.

So if you just want to dunk, read, and walk away, get a meter with ATC.

TDS3: has ATC, temperature readout, is water resistant
AP1: has ATC, temperature readout, is waterproof
COM100: has ATC, temperature readout, variable/selectable conversion scales, precision to tenths of ppm, floats

 

[AquamanE]

Hey Russ- Im almost sure youve helped FMAS out a few times.

We have a raffle at the upcoming Frag Swap. Maybe some of these guys will pluck a few bucks for one of your TDS meters!!! and get some literature about them while they are at it.

Feel free to visit our website for more info: www.fmas1955.org