How do I test for TDS in my source water

ramullinax · 04/22/2007, 10:05 AM

I just hooked up my shiny new RO/DI unit last night and turned the water on. I let it run for about 8 hours and got between 35 - 40 gallons of good water. That seems high to me for a system that is rated 75 gpd. I want to test the water before adding it to my aquariums. What's the best way to test for TDS?

Thanks,

Ryan

shag26272 · 04/22/2007, 10:12 AM

TDS meter

ramullinax · 04/22/2007, 10:17 AM

Home Depot, Lowes or order online?

shag26272 · 04/22/2007, 10:22 AM

I got mine on ebay its a Milwaukee brand, i doubt you can find it at lowes or HD most places that sell the RO/DI units have them also

reef_doug · 04/22/2007, 10:25 AM

Online, many places like ReefGeek, Marine Depot, etc.

I prefer the handheld meters vs. inline version, allows you to check all the waters very easy.

I have the Hanna Marine TDS1. I think it cost around $35.00

collins · 04/23/2007, 02:25 AM

if it is producing too much water, it may be that the RO cartridge isn't seated all the way. It is usually a tight fit.

jeffbrig · 04/23/2007, 05:45 AM

Ryan, I have a unit with a 75gpd membrane that produces 110-120gpd at 0tds. Membranes are rated at 70 degrees and 50psi. Warmer water temps speed production, as does increased tap pressure. My tap water is ~75 and 75-80psi, which is right in line if you look at the production charts for a dow filmtec membrane.

ramullinax · 04/23/2007, 10:03 AM

Thanks Jeff!

AZDesertRat · 04/23/2007, 10:14 AM

PM me. I am off Bell Rd & I-17 and have a TDS meter you can borrow. I can also give you pointers on what to get and where.
This time of year you should be getting a little less than the rated flow here in Phoenix due to lower water temperatures, mine is running 58 to 64. The meter also does temp so it will tell you.

04/22/2007, 10:05 AM	#1
ramullinax Moved On Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 402	How do I test for TDS in my source water I just hooked up my shiny new RO/DI unit last night and turned the water on. I let it run for about 8 hours and got between 35 - 40 gallons of good water. That seems high to me for a system that is rated 75 gpd. I want to test the water before adding it to my aquariums. What's the best way to test for TDS? Thanks, Ryan

04/22/2007, 10:12 AM	#2
shag26272 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 3,088	TDS meter __________________ .

04/22/2007, 10:22 AM	#4
shag26272 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 3,088	I got mine on ebay its a Milwaukee brand, i doubt you can find it at lowes or HD most places that sell the RO/DI units have them also __________________ .

04/22/2007, 10:25 AM	#5
reef_doug Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hesperia/Apple Valley Posts: 3,814	Online, many places like ReefGeek, Marine Depot, etc. I prefer the handheld meters vs. inline version, allows you to check all the waters very easy. I have the Hanna Marine TDS1. I think it cost around $35.00 __________________ "If you have more than one tank in your livingroom, you might be a reefneck" Current Tank Info: 180r SoCal Creations, 75g SCC1M Sump, WM EcoBAK, NextReef SMR1, TropicMarin Salt, ACIII, 3x250w HQI Phoenix 14k, 2x140w Super Actinics, ATi BM250, Eheim 1262, Tunze 2x6100+7095, Tunze Osmolator, 6 stage RODI w/ Spectrapure MaxCap

04/23/2007, 05:45 AM	#7
jeffbrig Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Posts: 5,548	Ryan, I have a unit with a 75gpd membrane that produces 110-120gpd at 0tds. Membranes are rated at 70 degrees and 50psi. Warmer water temps speed production, as does increased tap pressure. My tap water is ~75 and 75-80psi, which is right in line if you look at the production charts for a dow filmtec membrane. __________________ Beware the power of stupid people in large groups..... Current Tank Info: formerly 250g room divider

04/22/2007, 10:17 AM	#3
ramullinax Moved On Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 402	Home Depot, Lowes or order online?

04/23/2007, 02:25 AM	#6
collins Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 409	if it is producing too much water, it may be that the RO cartridge isn't seated all the way. It is usually a tight fit.

04/23/2007, 10:03 AM	#8
ramullinax Moved On Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 402	Thanks Jeff!

04/23/2007, 10:14 AM	#9
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	PM me. I am off Bell Rd & I-17 and have a TDS meter you can borrow. I can also give you pointers on what to get and where. This time of year you should be getting a little less than the rated flow here in Phoenix due to lower water temperatures, mine is running 58 to 64. The meter also does temp so it will tell you.