[tonylau]

Hi all,
I'm new to the hobby and would like to know precisely what' the use of a Conductivity Metre in planted freshwater aquarium? Can they be used to measure water hardness (if yes, KH or DH)?

Tony

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

hmmm.....i dont know.....i always thought they measured the ammount of salt in the water.

 

[Edward]

Hi,

a TDS meter is an electronic test equipment measuring water conductivity. TDS - Total Dissolved Solids. The standard calibration is in uS micro Siemens.

Conductivity in Siemens, 1 S = 1 / 1 Ohm
Resistance in Ohm, 1 Ohm = 1 / 1 S

Dissolved elements increase water conductivity. TDS meter detects how much is present.

Examples:
0.1 uS demineralized DI Kati and Ani Ion-Exchanger
1.0 uS distilled water
10 uS quality RO
30 uS cheap RO
300 uS tap 6 dGH (vary on location)
1000 uS water 16 dGH

TDS meter is for people who are dealing with RO and soft water aquariums. It is a nice tool for RO water preparation and aquarium water maintenance.

Edward

 

[tonylau]

Thank You Edward.
As such is it feasible to calibrate the conductivity measurement results to read hardness? I ask so because I see there seems to be an association between dissolved salt (hardness) and conductivity.

Tony

 

[Edward]

Hardness is made of Calcium and Magnesium.
TDS meter can not be used to test hardness because elements like Sodium and Potassium contribute to conductivity but not to hardness.