Optimum TDS?

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axowattyl

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I've done some searching but can't find a solid answer for this question...

Does anyone know the sweet spot TDS (total dissolved solids) reading in PPM (parts per million) for axolotls?

I've used these meters extensively through work, and would like to get one to check my tank, as my API master kit does everything but that.

It would certainly remove any last guesswork.
 
I don't think there is an official answer or even a correct one.

I use my TDS meter for three things really. First, it measures the functionality of my RO/DI unit. Second, it gives me a good idea of how much water was evaporated from cooling since my last check (~5% over two days). Third, when doing a water change, I try to make sure the difference of measure between my tank water and the new water isn't too far off as this has caused a bit of stress for my axolotl in the past. I don't look at TDS as a water parameter like ph, temperature, and hardness are. It does correlate to hardness and because of that it's a nice, quick way to check on things.

All city tap water should be below 500 TDS in both the United States and Canada. Above that and water can start having aesthetic changes. (Source1 Source 2).

If it helps, when I remineralize my ro/di water for my desired hardness I get around 360-390 TDS and my axolotl is as right as rain. Though again, I believe hardness is much more important than TDS. Also, API makes a hardness test kit which is very good.
 
Last edited:
Elise said:
I don't think there is an official answer or even a correct one.

I use my TDS meter for three things really. First, it measures the functionality of my RO/DI unit. Second, it gives me a good idea of how much water was evaporated from cooling since my last check (~5% over two days). Third, when doing a water change, I try to make sure the difference of measure between my tank water and the new water isn't too far off as this has caused a bit of stress for my axolotl in the past. I don't look at TDS as a water parameter like ph, temperature, and hardness are. It does correlate to hardness and because of that it's a nice, quick way to check on things.

All city tap water should be below 500 TDS in both the United States and Canada. Above that and water can start having aesthetic changes. (Source1 Source 2).

If it helps, when I remineralize my ro/di water for my desired hardness I get around 360-390 TDS and my axolotl is as right as rain. Though again, I believe hardness is much more important than TDS. Also, API makes a hardness test kit which is very good.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that.

Yes, we have the same kind of guidelines for TDS in Australia, although I have encountered higher than 500ppm in remote Queensland where they draw the supply from bores.

I actually thought that hardness and TDS where the same thing??

I had come to the conclusion myself that 300-400 ppm would be a good number for species that like harder water.

In the cichlid world it's often joked that you should give them the drain water from your RO unit.
 
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