TDS meter readings

[PeteGibbons]

Hi
I have got a new tank 6years after shutting down my first tank. I still had the old rock from the previous tank. I bought some new dry sand.
I am just filling the tank up and I have just checked the RO water with my TDS meter which is saying 0ppm. I thought I would check the water in the tank that I’ve just added and it’s coming out as 80ppm (I have not added salt yet). Is this normal? If not is it a problem?
To be honest I didn’t clean the old rock and the new sand was cleaned using the outside tap, I did leave it to dry for 4 days but it wasn’t bone dry.
Thanks in advance

 

[T-J]

The water in the tank is in contact with sand and rock...of course it's going to have stuff in it at that point. Are you mixing salt into the water after it's in the tank???

 

[Auquanut]

Perfectly normal and not a problem. Honestly, with the rock and sand, I'm surprised it's not higher.

 

[Miller535]

The water in the tank is in contact with sand and rock...of course it's going to have stuff in it at that point. Are you mixing salt into the water after it's in the tank???

Yeah, and it's not good for the TDS meter to be in anything but pure water. Don't put it in the tank.

 

[PeteGibbons]

The water in the tank is in contact with sand and rock...of course it's going to have stuff in it at that point. Are you mixing salt into the water after it's in the tank???

Hi I was going to mix the salt in the tank. There is nothing ‘live’ in there and thought the circulation would help dissolve the salt.

 

[PeteGibbons]

Yeah, and it's not good for the TDS meter to be in anything but pure water. Don't put it in the tank.

Ah okay, it’s RO water in the tank at the moment anyway

 

[PeteGibbons]

Perfectly normal and not a problem. Honestly, with the rock and sand, I'm surprised it's not higher.

Thanks

 

[T-J]

Hi I was going to mix the salt in the tank. There is nothing ‘live’ in there and thought the circulation would help dissolve the salt.

Generally mixing salt in a tank (unless it's a COMPLETELY empty tank, ie: not sand/rocks/anything) isn't a great idea. Salt can get trapped and the mixing may not get to every nook and cranny.
Best method: Put water in a bucket. Add salt. Turn on powerhead. Once mixed, measure salinity. Once proper salinity is achieved, add heater. Bring to temperature. Add to tank. Done!

 

[Miller535]

Ah okay, it’s RO water in the tank at the moment anyway

When you put RO water in the tank with aragonite sand and rock, minerals and salts and various other things dissolved into the water column. I am not getting on to you, just saying, it's not good for the TDS meter.