TDS Meter and Ro/di levels?

[mlovelace]

Hello forum, I was curious to what level the ro/di level should be from my LFS? I have purchased a TDS meter and plan on testing my current well water and the water I receive from LFS. I currently don't have the funds to purchase a RO/DI unit with booster, so will go this route until the funds come in. I am really close to having everything I need to start my tank up and water is a concern of mine. My well water goes through several filter processes already, but I don't think it will live up to the standards of ro/di? I just don't want my LFS charging me .60 per gallon for tap water......if you know what I mean!

Thank you, Mike

[gregr]

It's supposed to be zero ppm if it's ro/di.

[mlovelace]

Thanks Greg. I also wanted to let you know how awesome your reef tank and photos are on your site. You can tell they are professional. You should submit them to a magazine or contest! Excellent photos!

[gregr]

Thanks- I appreciate that.

[mlovelace]

Hey Greg, I checked my water and received the following results.

Water from kitchen sink=.083
Water from Brita container (using same water from kitchen sink through Brita filter)=.036

Two weeks ago, I cleaned the tank, sump area, and pumps. I just purchased this tank used and it had been sitting about 4 months. There was still salt residue and a little sand in the bottom (not much). I filled the tank up and have it running through a filter and sponge. This is kind of like a dry run, not wanting to mess up my hard wood floors in my house (testing in my basement). I tested the water in this tank (same water used through kitchen) and the level is .152 Would the debris of sand and left over salt cause this increase from the .083? I would think the filter and sponge would cut this down pretty good. Remember this is just a dry run, I should receive my dry rock this week and will purchase my live rock the day I add the ro/di water I purchase from the LFS. Does anyone have a chart that gives levels of good quality drinking water? I have a filter system set up on my well water that I just changed today after the results. I believe I went a little long on changing it, it has been about 5 months.

I know from past experience with changing a hot water heater and pump, my neighborhood has a lot of iron and calcium in the water.

Thank you, Mike

[gregr]

I'd say you've got some mighty clean water there. The water from the street main where I live is 300ppm!

>>I tested the water in this tank (same water used through kitchen) and the level is .152 Would the debris >>of sand and left over salt cause this increase from the .083?

In my opinion yes, the debris left in the water would easily account for the rise in TDS. If the water going into your ro/di unit gives a TDS reading of 83 ppm (is that right? I'm not sure if it's possible to have a reading of .083ppm...) you'll be in good shape and your ro filter and di membrane should last you a good while. Before I added a giant carbon filter before my ro/di unit it was only a month and a half before they were dead
If you're setting up a reef get zero ppm water, for a fish only I guess it's not so important though I'd expect algae issues somewhere down the line.
I've never seen a chart listing ideal drinking water levels but your water supply agency probably publishes an annual water quality report. I looked online for mine and found it. Lotsa chlorine... that's what kills my filters.

[mlovelace]

Hey Greg, I rechecked it again and you are right, I was adding a period at the front. I checked it again, after I changed the two filters on the water line and it actually went up (?) to 85. It may need to settle down a bit before I check it again. I have well water and it does taste pretty good.

Do you or others think I could get away with using my well water versus RO/DI water? I have NOT purchased a ro/di unit, planned on purchasing the ro/di water from my LFS, they charge .60 per gallon and I have a 75g tank. If everyone thinks I will be o.k. with the 83 to 85, I will give it a try? Once I add the sand to the tank, I am sure it will go up in the tank though. Am I wrong in thinking this?

Thanks to everyone for the advice!