A Simple Guide to TDS Testing
Index 1. What is TDS? 2. TDS Levels of water 3. Why is TDS important? 4. TDS and tap water 5. How to test the TDS of tap water 6. How to test bottled water 7. TDS and hydroponics 8. How to test TDS in hydroponics 9. TDS and aquariums 10. Ideal TDS range for aquarium fish, ornamental pond fish and gamefish 11. Testing TDS in aquarium water 12. TDS and pools & spas 13. Testing TDS in pool and spa water 14.
What is TDS? TDS is short for Total Dissolved Solids. We measure TDS in liquids like drinking water, streams, lakes, pools and spas. TDS is not a pollutant. It is a general indicator of water quality and the level of dissolved substances in water. TDS is measured with a TDS meter. The TDS meter provides a digital readout in PPM, which is parts per million. A TDS reading on 1 ppm is equal to one milligram of dissolved substance in one liter of liquid.
TDS and tap water Tap water contains a variety of minerals and salts like calcium, magnesium, chloride and potassium. The more minerals and salts in the water, the higher the TDS. The United States Environmental Protection Agency sets the standards for drinking water in the US. The maximum TDS in drinking water is 500 ppm. A high TDS usually indicates the water source contains a high level of calcium and magnesium (hard water) and other salts.
How to test TDS in hydroponics It is best to test the TDS in an area of the hydroponic system that has moving water. Place the TDS meter into the agitated nutrient solution and wait for the reading to stabilize. Rinse the probe end of the meter with distilled water after each use. TDS and aquariums Aquarium hobbyists keep and breed hundreds of kinds of tropical fish in their aquariums.
Testing TDS in pool and spa water Testing the TDS in swimming pools and spas is easy. Simply place the meter into the water, preferably near flowing water. Hold the meter until the TDS reading stabilizes. Thoroughly rinse the meter after each use. The water contains disinfectants and body oils that must be rinsed from the probe after each use. How to properly use and care for your TDS meter Your hand-held TDS meter uses the same technology as expensive laboratory TDS meters.
