PH and TDS testing

[Fatts]

I have read all the posts and topics as far as both PH and TDS. I understand most of what y'all have said, but I still have two very big questions.
(1) The lowest I have seen any PH test kit is about 5.6. That is all well and good for most dwarf ACARAs but I am interested in breeding some T. candidi that I aquired. Everything that I have read states you need a PH < 5. I am not going to have a problem getting the PH that low (I think), but is there a test kit that I can get that will tell me how close I am to the magic number?
Next question, (2) How do I test for TDS? I have aquarium pharm's GH and KH (and all the other ones that are important) test kits. Again everything that I have read to date says I need a nice low TDS and refers to GH numbers. Is there a correlation between the two? Ans how do I test my TDS?

Thanks for the help.

 

[tjudy]

I suggest that you consider purchasing a Hanna combo TDS/pH meter. IT will measure both TDS adn pH to any level you want quickly, precisely and accurately. The meter sould cost about $150 with calibration solutions. hanna also makes less expensive models of both TDS adn pH meters. The combo meter is their top of the line hand-held model though.

 

[Fatts]

Thanks. Do you know where I can find it?

 

[tjudy]

THere are several dealers who sell them on the internet. Try a search for the 'Hanna combo meter'.

Here is a link to a place... this is the meter I am talking about:

http://www.groworganic.com/a/item_TM250_HannaComboMeter.html

 

[Gary W.]

ph tds

Hey Fatts

try spectra pure on the net. They make RO units and they have a great

ph & tds meters. Very good products and easy to use . Meters around

50$ each...plus Great RO units ..... Thanks TJUDY (i bought a RO unit)

from Spectra Pure after he recommended them. Gary W.

 

[tjudy]

My Spectrapure 100 gpd RO/DI is still producing 0 mS water with the same 2 year old membrane. I make about 100 gallons a week. I change the prefilters and DI resins once a month, or as needed. I also back flush the membrane for 2 minutes once a week. Granted, my tap water is only 250 mS with very little KH... but the unit ran for a year with 950 mS and a KH of 10.

Thanks for reminding me to order more DI resin!

 

[Neil]

Fatts,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

I currently do not have any of the combo meters, but I do have a couple of the individual pH and TDS meters that I picked up from Ted. If you choose to go that route, PM or email me. Those too are very good meters.

Neil