Spending some money...

[denwhite16]

So In the last week I've ordered all this...

Zero 0 ppm Reef 6st Reverse Osmosis RO+DI Water Filters - eBay (item 110614330211 end time Apr-19-11 16:04:32 PDT)

New Digital TDS Meter Tester Water PPM Filter Purity - eBay (item 290551421904 end time Apr-30-11 23:59:16 PDT)

Sea Water Salinity Refractometer 4 Aquarium Hydrometer - eBay (item 220443924056 end time Apr-18-11 21:59:30 PDT)

Amazon.com: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Liquid Master Test Kit: Kitchen & Dining

Hopefully that will keep me happy for a while.

Anyone have any opinions on any of these items?

 

[ccCapt]

Looks good. The API test kits aren't the most accurate around, but they work. A more accurate, but also more costly test kit is a Salifert kit.

 

[denwhite16]

Oh, ok. How much do they run?

 

[Henry405]

I did a quick search on google and I dont think they have a master test kit like API, just individual tests. Everything was $14+

 

[denwhite16]

Hmmm, ok. I'll just go with this one for now. Should work good enough.

 

[Jmlorfam]

OK, heres the dumb question for the day. What does the TDS test for and why do I want one? Ebay says "water quality"??? Nitrates? Ammonia? For $13 I'll buy 2 but I don't understand what it actually does?

 

[hackteck]

OK, heres the dumb question for the day. What does the TDS test for and why do I want one? Ebay says "water quality"??? Nitrates? Ammonia? For $13 I'll buy 2 but I don't understand what it actually does?

Well it measures the total desolved solids in water you want a number close to 0ppm otherwise you might have algae problems for instance my tap water is 240ppm avg my ro unit brings it down to 1ppm

 

[Jmlorfam]

Now that I understand, thanks! that's a deal at $13. I may have to order one from ebay, free shipping too!

 

[uscamaro]

What does the TDS test for and why do I want one?

It's best for testing the quality of your RO/DI and also letting you know when to change filters. The water going into my unit is 500+, and on it's way out it's 0ppm. Once I start seeing the number go from "0" to anything else, I'll know it's time to get a new filter.

 

[amdninjaboy]

I just got my TDS meter a couple weeks ago.. Same thing, my tap water is about 450 and I have a 4 stage RO and it brings it down to 4... I didnt go with the DI stage as Im doing FOWLR.. Dont need it at 0 as with a reef you do want it at 0ppm.

Shane.