http://www.amazon.com/HM-Digital-TDS...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
found this also , best seller should be safe .
But UA what should we be looking out for it a TDS meter as in specs or anything?
Will it need calibration frequently?
The TDS-EZ model doesn't have auto temperature compensation (TDS is different at different temperatures), so its not as accurate as the TDS-3 model (which has auto temperature compensation). Better to get the TDS-3 model instead.Originally Posted by skytan
TDS meters don't need to be calibrated (unless the probe contacts somehow got damaged). The unit i have has been working well for almost 2 years. They are generally very easy to maintain and use.
I just got my TDS pen from Y618. Testen my TDS, it show 455ppm. What is the way to reduce TDS?
Last edited by Dscheng; 14th May 2015 at 13:25.
You'll have to do a series of water changes to gradually reduce the TDS levels.
If your current livestock are still doing okay in the tank, it means they have adapted to the higher TDS conditions over time, therefore you should only lower the TDS progressively in stages, this is so that they have enough time to transition back to the lower TDS levels... this is especially so for shrimps as they take more time to adapt and will usually need to molt as part of the transition process.
Make sure the new water you use for water changes has a lower TDS (test the source water to check), otherwise the TDS redution effect wouldn't be as effective.
Its best to only reduce the tank's TDS levels by max. 20% each time you do a water change (spread out the water changes over a few days)... so you'll have to calculate the rate of TDS reduction based on the TDS of the new water vs existing tank water in order to work out the ideal volume of water to change each time.
Ok usually I use distilled water and I tested it show 3ppm. So I have to do WC gradually right. So what is the idea PPM reading?
Okay, since you will be using distilled water for the water changes, then its much easier to calculate.
Lets just assume the distilled water is 0 TDS (easier to calculate that way).... therefore if you do a 20% water change with that distilled water, the tank water TDS should drop 20% too. This is basically the process of diluting water. To further reduce the possibility of shock in sensitive livestock, it may be better to do only 10% water changes initially, then move on to 20% water changes as the TDS goes lower.
Most people generally try to maintain their tank water TDS between 100-200, its a good range for most softwater fishes and shrimps that are commonly kept in aquariums (unless you are keeping specific hardwater fishes and shrimps which require high TDS). Its okay if TDS is slightly higher or lower (most hardy livestock can adapt to varying TDS), the most important thing is its stable and any changes are slow and gradual.
Thanks UA ! I managed to bring the TDS down from 455 to 230ppm !! Like what you say, gradually do a WC. Seem like my shrimp happier ! Hope to bring the TDS down 150++.
Wa your photo of the TDS is so clear and sharp. What camera you used to take it, did you use any flash, can tell?
LIFE IS UNBEARABLE WITHOUT A FISH TANK!!!
Erm no la, maybe strong lighting from my dinner table. I am using just a Iphone 6 camera.
Wa then maybe I must go and buy a iPhone 6. My Samsung Note is getting old.
Update on my 5 month old tank.
Nana and hair grass plant is growing well. CAn see that is a increase of shrimp, might need to take some RCS in case of over crowded.
Wa very good. I like.
No overlaod lah, as long as your bacteria are healthy and growing.
The back of the tank if put a piece of plain black or plants background sheet will be very impressive to watch.
Also will hide the wall and all those electrical wires and sockets. Will make it look neat and uncluttered.
Background sheet is very cheap only, but the great effect makes it worth doing it.
You can also use a sheet of cut corrugated plastic sheet from Popular book store (any colour you like). It's water proof and easy to clean too.
But no need to clean if not wetted. And you will also get a large plastic bag from Popular to carry it when you buy it.
Last edited by tetrakid; 25th May 2015 at 17:46.
Nice idea ! I plan to paste oyama background paper but kinda lazy to do it. It is not easy to paste a good one too, haha.Wa very good. I like.
No overlaod lah, as long as your bacteria are healthy and growing.
The back of the tank if put a piece of plain black or plants background sheet will be very impressive to watch.
Also will hide the wall and all those electrical wires and sockets. Will make it look neat and uncluttered.
Background sheet is very cheap only, but the great effect makes it worth doing it.
You can also use a sheet of cut corrugated plastic sheet from Popular book store (any colour you like). It's water proof and easy to clean too.
But no need to clean if not wetted. And you will also get a large plastic bag from Popular to carry it when you buy it.
UA, as for TDS.
Shrimp tank= 200ppm
Planted tank= 230ppm
Cichilds tank= 215ppm
My TDS reading should be ok right? I do a test with Tap water (109ppm), added prime, the TDS shoot up to 200ppm !
I am still trying to down my shrimp tank to 150++ppm, but once i added in mosura mineral plus, it shoot up again.
I don't advise pasting Oyama because next time if you want to remove it or change colour, it is not easy to do alone and very laychay.
If you use coagulated plastic, it is very convenient and you can change the colour in a few secondz anytime without help.
It is also extremely light and easy to cut with scissors. You can buy a few colours then cut them to the same size so you can swop whenever you like it.
This is what it looks like:
I second this idea as I do this too (dark grey one) haha. You can buy that plastic from popular.I don't advise pasting Oyama because next time if you want to remove it or change colour, it is not easy to do alone and very laychay.
If you use coagulated plastic, it is very convenient and you can change the colour in a few secondz anytime without help.
It is also extremely light and easy to cut with scissors. You can buy a few colours then cut them to the same size so you can swop whenever you like it.
This is what it looks like:
Oh.. so that is plastic! I know for art and craft one ahah. Very good idea !! Thanks for the suggestion ! Popular got sell right?
Thanks Tetra kid for this brillant idea ! Now cannot see the behind cable.
I managed to bring down the TDS to 170ppm. Think should be stable PPM at the moment.
Yeah! Your tank looks so professional now! That's great!Thanks Tetra kid for this brillant idea ! Now cannot see the behind cable.
I managed to bring down the TDS to 170ppm. Think should be stable PPM at the moment.
You should also get a black and a white one to test the effect. I just luv it!
Not professional la.. Dont make me paiseh le. Just an amateur setup. I have one black on my 2FT tank. Very brilliant idea !
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