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How to test source water?


pyrokidd89

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ok guys i have some phosphates that I cant seem to get down. I think they might be coming in from my water. I have an RO/DI but still want to test the water. so my question is should test my RO/DI water with my salt mixed in or just the water straight out of the RO/DI?

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Test both just to be sure the salt mix doesnt have it

I wasn't sure because my API test kit says for saltwater. Didn't know if fresh water would throw it off?

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You can also take a sample of the water striaght from the tap and right out of the ro/di to your lfs, they should be able to test

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You can also take a sample of the water striaght from the tap and right out of the ro/di to your lfs, they should be able to test

ok. but do you think the fresh water will throw off my test?

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I wasn't sure because my API test kit says for saltwater. Didn't know if fresh water would throw it off?

Your API phosphate test kit shows results in 0.25ppm increments; however, the target value is 0.03ppm (so it's pretty worthless as a reef test kit).

 

The best way to test your RO/DI water is with a good handheld TDS meter. If your water coming out the DI stage shows anything but zero, you should change your DI resin.

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Your API phosphate test kit shows results in 0.25ppm increments; however, the target value is 0.03ppm (so it's pretty worthless as a reef test kit).

 

The best way to test your RO/DI water is with a good handheld TDS meter. If your water coming out the DI stage shows anything but zero, you should change your DI resin.

is there a test kit you recommend?

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frankdontsurf

Like seabass said test kits are useless for this. Its not nice but...order a TDs meter from Amazon check your tap check your RO check your DI check your RO/DI (maybe a membrane is done) once you know what you have wash it off and send it back to amazon and say it didn't work. :( Sorry some folks will frown on that.

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Yeah, stick with a TDS meter to test your RO/DI water.

 

is there a test kit you recommend?

For testing your tank water for phosphate:

I'm currently using the Hanna Phosphorus Checker. The results very slightly, but it gives you a decent idea where it's at.

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AZDesertRat

A good ATC temperature compensated handheld TDS meter is your best friend for testing your tap or RO/DI water. $20-$25 at most vendors for a HM Digital TDS-3,TDS-4TM or AP-1 and all are very good choices.

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