Handheld TDS Recommendation?

[ChrisRD]

I'd like to get a handheld TDS meter. Recommendations on what brand and where to buy? Thanks!

 

[SPC]

http://www.aquaticreefsystems.com/TDS_Meters.htm
Steve

 

[Marcosreef]

Yep, that's the one I got at Inland Reef. They stock them there from Aquatic Reef Systems. A very fine unit measures up to 1999 ppm and comes with one calibration fluid packet for $40.

Marco

 

[ChrisRD]

Well, that figures. I was out that way this weekend and never thought to ask the guys at Inland if they had them in stock

Thanks for the responses guys.

 

[danmhippo]

http://www.hannainst.com/products/testers/combo.htm

I have this one, with ph and temp combo. Got mine at a local hydroponics shop.

 

[ChrisRD]

Hey Dan:

Mind if I ask how much you paid for that thing? It would be great to have the pH and Temp feature...

 

[danmhippo]

I believe it was around $50 range. Can't remember now, but I think it's in that ball park. Check your local hydroponics stores, many stores carries it. It is a necessary piece of equipment in hydroponics as they need to test the TDS to know if enough fertilizers have been added.

 

[Starmstr]

Before you purchase online check your local Sears. Mine has the hanna meter for 24 bucks.

 

[ChrisRD]

Thanks a lot for the feedback guys!!

 

[reefland]

I believe it was around $50 range. Can't remember now, but I think it's in that ball park. Check your local hydroponics stores, many stores carries it. It is a necessary piece of equipment in hydroponics as they need to test the TDS to know if enough fertilizers have been added.

Do you find the pH and temp accurate?

 

[danmhippo]

the ph is fairly accurate. I tested it against my RO, always registered at 6.9-7.0. I often use 3 test kits to test ph, fast test strip, salifert, and the hand held. The handheld always conforms with Salifert, where as the test strip always about .5 off.

Temp is accurate as well, as far as I can see it.

 

[danmhippo]

Hanna also carries replacement electrode replacement for the handheld, if your electrode ever went bad.........

 

[EmilyB]

HELP. 8O

I am having nothing but trouble with my RO/DI. I just changed out ALL the cartridges, got a TDS meter, and it read zero at the DI and 98% rejection out of the RO. (Membrane is about six months old)

Two weeks later, after I had run the flush valve unknowingly for too long, :roll: my TDS read 3 out of the DI and now it reads 7. I just got the meter.

So I went and got calibration fluid from the hydroponics (1000ppm). My TDS meter reads to 999. So the calibration fluid reads 212 on my meter. HUH? I tried putting that screwdriver in that hole and it just slips around in there mostly. (Hanna handheld).

The DI has only changed color halfway, which is pretty serious anyway, considering I just changed it and the first one was here six months.

If I have to replace the membrane and cartridges, I seriously think I can buy a whole new unit - I'm getting very frustrated...

 

[reefland]

I don't see how the flush kit would afffect your DI cart. The flow restrictor should make water shoot out your waste line not product line (it bypasses the flow restrictor). I'd be surprised if any water makes it out of the DI cart without the back pressure of the flow restrictor.

Can't help ya with the TDS meter, I have a different one.

 

[EmilyB]

Thanks Rich,

Could the flushing have affected the membrane ? And then consequently affected the DI? Or did I maybe just get a crappy DI......does that happen ? :?

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry you are having troubles Em, and I really don't know how to help you. You could call Bryan at aquaticreefsystems. He is very helpful.

I do, however, have a great story. My Primo TDS meter went on the fritz yesterday, so today I trucked over to Sears to get a new one - thanks to this thread. The salesman couldn't find them, and was embarassed that he couldn't. Someone got rid of them, or moved them someplace without telling him. So rather than let me go home empty handed, he just GAVE me one they use as for demos. How freakin' cool.

RR

 

[EmilyB]

Thanks RR

8) That salesman must have really liked you a lot..... :?

 

[SPC]

Posted by Em:

Two weeks later, after I had run the flush valve unknowingly for too long,

-There are two ways the membrane can fail:
1. clogs up
or
2. holes are enlarged

I don't know if running the flush too long can cause the membrane to fail due to enlarging the holes and possibly tearing it in someway, but it is possible. Did you happen to notice if the readings on your pressure guage changed?
Steve

 

[EmilyB]

I don't have any kind of booster pump, the pressure has always been at about 42, and appears not to have changed. I guess I'll try to get someone locally to calibrate my meter, and change out the carbon and DI again.