newbie question

[apisto manic]

ok i am new to apistos and am makeing mistakes but getting there! what i am unable to get my head around is TDS can someone explain to me exactly what it is how i can measure it and how i can alter it! i would be most grateful. oh nearly forgot what values for TDS should i be aiming for?
many many thanks
once i have discovered this mystery i will post details of my mistakes (should eigther make you laugh at the newbie or cringe in hororr!!)

 

[Zapisto]

TDS mean Total Dissolve Solid
The TDS concentration bears a close relationship to the conductivity of the water.
TDS measurement is therefore most commonly carrieds out using instruments which determine the conductivityand then display the result in terms of Total Dissolved Solids concentration.

to alter the TDS in water , you have to reduce the total dissolved solids in the water, usually using RO/DI water in the aquarist domain.

or you can use some resine to do the job.


by the way , we pass all by the newbie step before pretend to be experimented , even if myself i dont think i am experimented person

 

[Neil]

apisto manic,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

...how i can measure it...

Well Zapisto answered the other 2 parts to this, so I'll clear this one up. You will need a meter to measure TDS. There is no other way that I know of. Both conductivity and TDS (very similar measurements) require relatively inexpensive (to very expensive - but that is not necessary IMO) meters to get a value of your water.

...what values for TDS should i be aiming for?

That is a little tougher question. It would be helpful to know what you were trying to accomplish and what species you intend to work with. Some species require very low TDS to successful hatch eggs. Others require low TDS to probably even lay eggs. But many apisto species do not need such a rigorous control over TDS for simple husbandry.

We are all still learning here!

Neil