TDS reading of tap and Remora Skimmer

[32Bit_Fish]

Hi guys,

TDS reading for my tap water is 41 PPM
TDS reading for my FW planted tank is 81 PPM :irked:

The number 81 means I need to do a water change for my planted tank?
I'm not sure what the number represents, what number is good or bad.. no idea.

I am going to set up my R.O unit and test for TDS, wondering what number will turn out.

So do you guys know the PPM of your reef tank water?

BTW, I got my Remora skimmer 1200 and that thing is a bit of loud..
Hopefully the noise get better after the break in period. :sad2:

 

[Deanos]

Marine reefers use a TDS meter to measure pure water...usually before and after their RO/DI unit. Measuring the TDS of water from either a FW planted tank or a saltwater aquarium is just short of a waste of time. Both usually contain livestock releasing "impurities" into the water raising TDS levels. Comparing parameters of a FW tank and a reef tank rarely makes sense either.

 

[KathyC]

Your question made me curious and since I also have planted FW tanks, I decided to check a few of mine.
First I tested my tap water - it's 44
Then I tested 2 FW planted tanks they came in at 97 and 102..which in my opinion is just fine. They both had water changes done over the weekend and I am definitely NOT aiming for perfectly clean water as that is not necessry nor positive for those planted tanks.
Rodi water is not desireable for FW tanks. Tap water treated with a properly dosed chloramine/chlorine neutralizer is fine for FW planted or unplanted FW tanks. Obviously other parameters should be adjusted to the requirement of the breed/s of fish you own.
One other thing to keep in mind, the addition of Stress Coat dramatically changes the TDS readings. When I added 2 drops of SC to a 7 oz cup of tap water the TDS reading shot up to 121.

When dealing with a SW tank, ideally you want your Rodi water to at 0 as it comes out of the Rodi unit.

 

[32Bit_Fish]

Your question made me curious and since I also have planted FW tanks, I decided to check a few of mine.
First I tested my tap water - it's 44
Then I tested 2 FW planted tanks they came in at 97 and 102..which in my opinion is just fine. They both had water changes done over the weekend and I am definitely NOT aiming for perfectly clean water as that is not necessry nor positive for those planted tanks.
Rodi water is not desireable for FW tanks. Tap water treated with a properly dosed chloramine/chlorine neutralizer is fine for FW planted or unplanted FW tanks. Obviously other parameters should be adjusted to the requirement of the breed/s of fish you own.
One other thing to keep in mind, the addition of Stress Coat dramatically changes the TDS readings. When I added 2 drops of SC to a 7 oz cup of tap water the TDS reading shot up to 121.

When dealing with a SW tank, ideally you want your Rodi water to at 0 as it comes out of the Rodi unit.

oh. so my planted tank water is cleaner than yours. :Up_to_som
I dont use Stress coat and just store my tap for a week before a w/c.

So my tap water reading is 40PPM is not good enough for reef tank, right?
I've never used a R.O unit before. Hopefully the water come out of the R.O will be at 0 PPM. I also probably going to use it as my drinking water source.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

tap water for a reef is just a no no.

you'll end up w/ algae problems

 

[32Bit_Fish]

tap water for a reef is just a no no.

you'll end up w/ algae problems

Ok thanks. I just want to double check with you guys.

I got the R.O unit already. This thing is huge. 110g/d.. hehe..:lol2:

 

[KathyC]

Good for you! Enjoy that Rodi unit.
After you change the filters in it the first time you won't want to drink what's coming out of your tap anymore...

There is no need to store water for a FW water change. Stress Coat and other similar products work instantly to neutralize the chloramines/chlorine.
I do my water changes using a Python and simply pour the correct amount of Stress Coat into the tank while it is refilling...and poof, no hassle water change.:biggrin:
I have some very large FW fish, including Oscars, and their water might be considered 'dirty' by some immediately following the first meal after a water change...

 

[TimberTDI]

So my tap water reading is 40PPM is not good enough for reef tank, right?

I thought we covered this here:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/reefs-beginners/19394-new-member-here-question.html