[MsNemoShrimp]

In the process of starting up our first tank together and this time it will be just CRS only tank with a few horned nerites and ottos. Since we got most of the basics down now and just waiting to fill our tank by the beginning of October, we want to go over the last bit of info we need for successful shrimp rearing and breeding : )

For the TDS, given that the digital technically could work forever, is it necessarily "maintenance free"?

Test Strips on Amazon for $12

Digital Tester on eBay for $9

Which one is better to go with?

What are the best parameters for shrimps?

How to lower TDS or increase it?

 

[mordalphus]

Digital, ill sell you one if you want. Never ever buy a test strip for anything unless its fresh litmus paper. Test strips are about as inaccurate as you can get

 

[OverStocked]

And the meter reads TDS.... the strips are measuring hardness in PPM. They are not the same thing...

 

[happi]

And the meter reads TDS.... the strips are measuring hardness in PPM. They are not the same thing...

am bit confused about the TDS meter, last time i tested, it was reading 250ppm on the meter and API test kit was reading 6dh, now either one is inaccurate. :confused1:

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

Looks like Digital it is : )

 

[OverStocked]

am bit confused about the TDS meter, last time i tested, it was reading 250ppm on the meter and API test kit was reading 6dh, now either one is inaccurate. :confused1:

They are testing different things... If you get the same results, it is coincidental.

 

[happi]

They are testing different things... If you get the same results, it is coincidental.

so does that mean API results represent real GH, while TDS meter detect other things which does not really represent real GH?

 

[mordalphus]

Yes, tds could be "cleanliness", ro water has close to zero solids disolved in it. Water with nitrates and phosphorus has more solids dissolved.

Reconstituted ro water measured with a tds meter will yield a ppm of hardness, only because you have only the hardener dissolved into the water

 

[shrimpnmoss]

digital all the way...you can use it over and over again...

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

digital all the way...you can use it over and over again...

And its only $9 shipped to your door! :biggrin:

 

[BradH]

I'm looking for a digital tds meter myself. Which brand is good?

 

[ohbaby714]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002C0A7ZY/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1315435279&sr=8-1

Been using this, for about a month now. Pretty decent. Plus really cheap from Amazon

 

[Kazuya]

Has anyone used the TDS meter in op?

 

[mordalphus]

I use the ones in the OP, works good

 

[jkan0228]

Sorry to ask what it's a simple question. What is TDS?

 

[Kazuya]

Total dissolved solids

 

[GeToChKn]

I use the ones in the OP, works good

Does it come with a calibration source liquid? Do I need to buy a meter with one or can you easily make your own?

 

[Jeffww]

Total dissolved solids

More precisely: The sum of almost all ions, organic molecules and floating particles in your water in ppm. It's really a shot gun measurement that imo isn't very useful.

 

[shrimpnmoss]

More precisely: The sum of almost all ions, organic molecules and floating particles in your water in ppm. It's really a shot gun measurement that imo isn't very useful.

All ions that conduct electricity. It's useful if you start with pure RO and know exactly what you are putting in.

 

[jkan0228]

Looks like I need one for my shrimp tank....