[bob.bonnet]

I am setting up my first planted tank and am trying to get a handle on my well water. Bypassing my home water softener; Kh is 300ppm (17 degrees), Gh is 375ppm (21 degrees), ph is 7.2. I just installed an RODI system with plans to mix RO and tap water (maybe 60/40) to bring the hardness down to a level which would not limit my plant and livestock selection, but still be adequately mineralized. (Aquarium will have ADA aquasoil, CO2, and AI Prime Freshwater lights.) Now my question: My RODI system has a TDS meter which says my input water has only 19ppm TDS (output of 0ppm). Can this even be possible? Do my plans make sense?
Thanks - Bob

 

[Mark Fisher]

There is something wrong with that TDS meter. Can you borrow/buy another one? A new handheld meter is around $20.

 

[bob.bonnet]

Thanks. That is what I was thinking, but wanted confirmation. I will get another one.
Bob

 

[varanidguy]

Out of curiosity, is that pH measurement taken from off-gassed water?

I ask because my dKH is just over 5 degrees, 0 degrees of GH, but my off-gassed pH is 8.2. I thought 17 degrees should be higher in pH but obviously I may have a glaring lack of understanding lol

 

[bob.bonnet]

My tank is not set up yet, so the measurements are without CO2 and bypassing the house water softener. I also expected a higher ph.

 

[varanidguy]

My tank is not set up yet, so the measurements are without CO2 and bypassing the house water softener. I also expected a higher ph.

Did you measure the pH right out of the tap or did you let the water sit for a day or more?

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[bob.bonnet]

Right out of the tap. I did not realize that would change.

 

[varanidguy]

Right out of the tap. I did not realize that would change.

Yes, the water will almost always have a lower pH than if you let it off gas for 24 hours.

I'd take a cup of it and let it sit out for a bit then measure the pH.

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[bob.bonnet]

Thanks. Will do.

 

[mbkemp]

I am setting up my first planted tank and am trying to get a handle on my well water. Bypassing my home water softener; Kh is 300ppm (17 degrees), Gh is 375ppm (21 degrees), ph is 7.2. I just installed an RODI system with plans to mix RO and tap water (maybe 60/40) to bring the hardness down to a level which would not limit my plant and livestock selection, but still be adequately mineralized. (Aquarium will have ADA aquasoil, CO2, and AI Prime Freshwater lights.) Now my question: My RODI system has a TDS meter which says my input water has only 19ppm TDS (output of 0ppm). Can this even be possible? Do my plans make sense?
Thanks - Bob

My source water is similar and my tds comes through ro system at about 25. I do not use the DI I absolutely second owning a tds pen but I think over time you will see your tds be very low once the ro unit does it’s thing.

My waste was was 2/1 until I added a second membrane. Now I run 1/1 or very close. Good luck!


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[bob.bonnet]

Thanks for the input.

Bump: Thanks for the input.

 

[BOTIA]

My source water is similar and my tds comes through ro system at about 25. I do not use the DI I absolutely second owning a tds pen but I think over time you will see your tds be very low once the ro unit does it’s thing.

My waste was was 2/1 until I added a second membrane. Now I run 1/1 or very close. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow my tap water comes out at a TDS of 12

 

[Edward]

I am setting up my first planted tank and am trying to get a handle on my well water. Bypassing my home water softener; Kh is 300ppm (17 degrees), Gh is 375ppm (21 degrees), ph is 7.2. I just installed an RODI system with plans to mix RO and tap water (maybe 60/40) to bring the hardness down to a level which would not limit my plant and livestock selection, but still be adequately mineralized. (Aquarium will have ADA aquasoil, CO2, and AI Prime Freshwater lights.) Now my question: My RODI system has a TDS meter which says my input water has only 19ppm TDS (output of 0ppm). Can this even be possible? Do my plans make sense?
Thanks - Bob

Hi
Water at 17 dKH and 21 dGH cannot have 19 ppm TDS, that is a wrong value. If you want you can check the TDS meter. Here is how, How to calibrate or verify TDS & Conductivity meters.

Another idea is instead of mixing RO/DI with tap, which will not produce consistent water parameters, you can disconnect the DI and have water ready for the aquarium. RO membrane’s usual removal rate is about 95%. That will produce water at 0.85 dKH and 1 dGH. These are perfect values to work with ADA Aquasoil substrate. And don’t worry about pH, it will be controlled and buffered by the substrate.

 

[mitom17]

If it is an in-line TDS meter that gives you TDS of 19 on the input water, there could be an air bubble trapped and affect the reading. The pens are cheap and mobile