Defining zero TDS

[Biochembob]

New to reef keeping but I see dozens of posts about zero TDS but I am a biochemist by trade and I know that is almost impossible. What is the standard zero TDS in ppm? I have access to water that runs between 0.40 and 0.50 ppm TDS (tested on a calibrated TDS meter daily) and on a really good day might get to 0.35 and I doubt most people at home can get that low consistently.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It means that it is closer to 0 ppm TDS than to 1 ppm TDS.

very few devices reefers use have a capability to read tenths or hundredths of a ppm TDS.

 

[Biochembob]

It means that it is closer to 0 ppm TDS than to 1 ppm TDS.

very few devices reefers use have a capability to read tenths or hundredths of a ppm TDS.

Thanks. So I should be fine then? I am eliminated almost everything but a very very small amount of silicates and chlorides (chlorides doesn't matter because the salt will have alot).

 

[Zach B]

Very good question with a great answer

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Probably. What device are you using?

even CO2 from the air can add back as much as you are measuring

 

[Biochembob]

Probably. What device are you using?

even CO2 from the air can add back as much as you are measuring

We make 20,000 gallons of RO/DI water a day. We have a 40 foot membrane and still have to regen it every night.

 

[Biochembob]

Probably. What device are you using?

even CO2 from the air can add back as much as you are measuring

0.28 after boiling off the CO2.