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Total Dissolved Solids = TDS Tester * Power : 4 x 1.4V batteries (not included) * Battery life: Mercury: 675H or equivalent 200 * Dimensions: 147mm (L) x 32mm (W) x 15mm (H) * Temperature Compensation: Automatic between 30 - 120 'F * Electrode Sensor: Alloy Steel Ideal for all water purification applications, wastewater regulation, aquaculture, hydroponics, and colloidal silver. Perfect for both consumer or commercial use. Carry one in your pocket or toolbox at all times! What Are Total Dissolved Solids? Total Dissolved Solids are the total weight of all solids that are dissolved in a given volume of water, expressed in units of mg per unit volume of water (mg/L), also referred to as parts per million (PPM). 1. "Dissolved solids" refer to any minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions dissolved in water. This includes anything present in water other than the pure water (H20) molecule and suspended solids. (Suspended solids are any particles/substances that are neither dissolved nor settled in the water, such as wood pulp.) 2. In general, the total dissolved solids concentration is the sum of the cations (positively charged) and anions (negatively charged) ions in the water. 3. Parts per Million (ppm) is the weight-to-weight ratio of any ion to water. 4. Conductivity is usually about 100 times the total cations or anions expressed as equivalents. Total dissolved solids (TDS) in ppm usually ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 times the electrical conductivity. Where do Dissolved Solids come from? 1. Some dissolved solids come from organic sources such as leaves, silt, plankton, and industrial waste and sewage. Other sources come from runoff from urban areas, road salts used on street during the winter, and fertilizers and pesticides used on lawns and farms. 2. Dissolved solids also come from inorganic materials such as rocks and air that may contain calcium bicarbonate, nitrogen, iron phosphorous, sulfur, and other minerals. Many of these materials form salts, which are compounds that contain both a metal and a nonmetal. Salts usually dissolve in water forming ions. Ions are particles that have a positive or negative charge. 3. Water may also pick up metals such as lead or copper as they travel through pipes used to distribute water to consumers. Why Should You Measure the TDS level in your Water? The EPA Secondary Regulations advise a maximum contamination level(MCL) of 500mg/liter (500 parts per million (ppm)) for TDS. Numerous water supplies exceed this level. When TDS levels exceed 1000mg/L it is generally considered unfit for human consumption. A high level of TDS is an indicator of potential concerns, and warrants further investigation. Most often, high levels of TDS are caused by the presence of potassium, chlorides and sodium. These ions have little or no short-term effects, but toxic ions (lead arsenic, cadmium, nitrate and others) may also be dissolved in the water. The following are reasons why it is helpful to constantly test for TDS: High TDS results in undesirable taste which could be salty, bitter, or metallic. It could also indicate the presence of toxic minerals. The EPA's rescommended maximum of TDS in water is 500mg/L (500ppm). Test your water to make sure the filter system has a high rejection rate and know when to change your fiter(or membrane) cartridges. High TDS indicates Hard water, which causes scale buildup in pipes and valves, inhibiting performance. A constant level of minerals is necessary for aquatic life. The water in an aquarium should have the same levels of TDS and pH as the fish and reef's original habitat. TDS is the best measurement of the nutrient concentration in a hydroponic solution. TDS levels must be monitored to prevent maintenance problems. High TDS levels could impede the functions of certain applications. (Micro tds water tester pool spa hydroponic ph ppm ec hi was posted and is owned by: Ricardo Hoover) |
Ricardo_Hoover@chicagopartsnetwork.com (Ricardo Hoover) for more information.
