TDS meter for rO/DI unit?

andy2966 · 08/17/2012, 06:02 PM

What does this meter tell me? I know Total disolved solids? But not sure what that means. And do I need to buy the calibration fluid that comes with it. Found this on amazon for $18.30 25$ everywhere else I looked. > HM Digital TDS-3 Handheld Meter TDS Tester Model. Main question is what does this tell me and do I need the Calibration fluid? Thanks for any help. Andy

Jarmen · 08/17/2012, 06:23 PM

Here's Randy's article on TDS:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

Jason

andy2966 · 08/17/2012, 06:36 PM

Wow > That is a little complicated to understand. It is something I really need for my RO unit?

RAY in PA. · 08/17/2012, 06:43 PM

If I can explain my opinion of this(at the risk of being wrong). A TDS meter tells you what is getting by your membrane of your RO (thus telling you it's when it's time to replace the membrane of the RO). I have one and don't use it. I change my membrane at a time interval. It's much less complicated. I don't put much stock in my TDS meter and I've had it for so long that I can't tell you why.

andy2966 · 08/17/2012, 06:51 PM

The reason I want one is to make sure my RO/unit is working right. I just purchased it and I am getting a 1-1 Ratio of good to waste water. Its rated at 50 GPD and I get 32 Gallons in 6 hours. Thats about 128 GPD.

Mavrk · 08/17/2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2966

The reason I want one is to make sure my RO/unit is working right. I just purchased it and I am getting a 1-1 Ratio of good to waste water. Its rated at 50 GPD and I get 32 Gallons in 6 hours. Thats about 128 GPD.

The TDS meter will tell you if your membrane is working right, but if it is and you are getting a 1:1 ratio, then it will last a LOT shorter than with a 4:1 (or at least 3:1) ratio.

Handheld TDS meters are very important to tell you when to change your membrane and DI resin. The dual inline ones are okay for a general reference, but I don't trust those to be exact. For less than 20 bucks on Amazon right now I would jump at the chance to get a TDS-3 handheld. Even at the normal 25 bucks it is important to have.

andy2966 · 08/17/2012, 07:04 PM

Already placed the order. Thanks for all the help Mavrk

Buckeye Hydro · 08/18/2012, 12:10 PM

CAREFUL! The "cut-rate" TDS3's on Ebay are cheap for a reason. Just went on there and looked at several - none are HM Digital TDS3's - all are Chinese knock offs/counterfeits. None of them said anything about automatic temperature compensation for example.

"Cut-rate" and "electronics" rarely go together well.

And for the record, yes - we are a Master Distributor for HM Digital.

andy2966 · 08/18/2012, 12:24 PM

I ordered this unit > HM Digital TDS-3 Handheld Meter TDS Tester Model

Buckeye Hydro · 08/18/2012, 01:32 PM

Should be good as long as its not counterfeit.

08/17/2012, 06:02 PM	#1
andy2966 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Saint Louis, MO. Posts: 376	TDS meter for rO/DI unit? What does this meter tell me? I know Total disolved solids? But not sure what that means. And do I need to buy the calibration fluid that comes with it. Found this on amazon for $18.30 25$ everywhere else I looked. > HM Digital TDS-3 Handheld Meter TDS Tester Model. Main question is what does this tell me and do I need the Calibration fluid? Thanks for any help. Andy

08/17/2012, 06:23 PM	#2
Jarmen Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 76	Here's Randy's article on TDS: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php Jason

08/17/2012, 06:36 PM	#3
andy2966 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Saint Louis, MO. Posts: 376	Wow > That is a little complicated to understand. It is something I really need for my RO unit?

08/17/2012, 06:43 PM	#4
RAY in PA. Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 68	If I can explain my opinion of this(at the risk of being wrong). A TDS meter tells you what is getting by your membrane of your RO (thus telling you it's when it's time to replace the membrane of the RO). I have one and don't use it. I change my membrane at a time interval. It's much less complicated. I don't put much stock in my TDS meter and I've had it for so long that I can't tell you why.

08/17/2012, 06:51 PM	#5
andy2966 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Saint Louis, MO. Posts: 376	The reason I want one is to make sure my RO/unit is working right. I just purchased it and I am getting a 1-1 Ratio of good to waste water. Its rated at 50 GPD and I get 32 Gallons in 6 hours. Thats about 128 GPD.

08/17/2012, 07:04 PM	#7
andy2966 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Saint Louis, MO. Posts: 376	Already placed the order. Thanks for all the help Mavrk

08/18/2012, 12:10 PM	#8
Buckeye Hydro .Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,857	CAREFUL! The "cut-rate" TDS3's on Ebay are cheap for a reason. Just went on there and looked at several - none are HM Digital TDS3's - all are Chinese knock offs/counterfeits. None of them said anything about automatic temperature compensation for example. "Cut-rate" and "electronics" rarely go together well. And for the record, yes - we are a Master Distributor for HM Digital.

08/18/2012, 12:24 PM	#9
andy2966 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Saint Louis, MO. Posts: 376	I ordered this unit > HM Digital TDS-3 Handheld Meter TDS Tester Model

08/18/2012, 01:32 PM	#10
Buckeye Hydro .Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,857	Should be good as long as its not counterfeit.