TDS reading, table salt, and Discus

[ChienHsu]

Hi!

I just got my TDS from Randal. When I measure my tank water hardness, the reading shows 600ppm. I know it is very high. Since I always add 1 tbsp/10 gallon, I just wonder that the salt may cause the reading high because tape water is only about 100ppm. Can someone give me some comments.

Thanks

Chien

[ChienHsu]

I just run a test:

A bucket of water with one teaspoon of salt. Before adding the salt, the TDS reading is about 150ppm and after adding the salt, the TDS reading is over 1000ppm. To me, the salt does make water harder.

Chien

[korbi_doc]

:bounce2: :bounce2: Chien, that's exactly why I use r/o water, cuz after my water softener (exchange mg, ca, other ions for Na (sodium)), my TDS reads over 900ppm, due to the salt ions. My well water is lower before the softener, but not good quality for fish (or humans). My best choice has been to use 100% r/o & reconstitute the necessary minerals. lol, Dottie :o :o

[RandalB]

Chien,
Yep, that salt adds to the Gh of the water. I have been told by several discus breeders that the salt does not effect the fish as negatively as other ions such as magnesium and calcium will. My water goes from 178 to 450+ when I need to salt.

RandalB

PS aren't those Primo's neat? I love mine.

[ChienHsu]

Hi! Randal:

The Primo is great. I love it. Thanks also for confirming my test result about salt.

Thanks

Chien

[chlamydomonas]

Hello...

What minerals do you add to you RO water to reconstitute it?

Thanks,

Steve

[Ardan]

Hi,
I just mix RO + tap water to get the desired hardness I want.

Some people add calcium carbonate + epsom salt. Some use RO right (expensive).

hth