Tds meter advice

[Sib]

I havent used one since school, but would like to pick one up I'm considering the following, any thoughts? I'd like to smtest the tds for cp water, but also would like to test ph for other garden applications.

Digital PH Meter and TDS Meter 3 in 1 Water Quality Tester Auto Calibration Ideal kit for Aquarium Swimming Pool Drinking water KULED https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07CPM8TY9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3aBzEbYTVXPNW

TDS Meter Pen, Digital Water Quality Tester, 3-in-1 TDS, Temperature and EC Meter,0-9999 ppm Meter for Drinking Water Purity Test, Swimming Pools, Aquariums, Hydroponics https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MZ47MGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_onBzEb3YJ5TDS

 

[WillyCKH]

I'd go with the first one.

 

[Lloyd Gordon]

The pH is probably not too useful. Just a TDS is fine.

https://m.gearbest.com/home-gear/pp_009144325841.html?wid=1433363

No battery included.

 

[WillyCKH]

Checking if the water is acidic is helpful too! When the pH is offsetted, the plants grow much slowly.

 

[Sib]

Yeah and I'd like to be able to check for other gardening areas... I grow veggies berries and nut trees

 

[Hal]

You can get a TDS meter in the Walmart automotive department. People use them for testing water for their RVs.
Probably a much better choice online, though.

 

[Sib]

Didnt know that hmm I do have a gift certificate for amazon that I've been trying to use up and prime membership lol. Not gonna lie primes making me lazy haha.

 

[Sib]

So I ordered the first one it arrived... guess I should read the description better didnt realize I was getting 2 meters lol.

Tested my rain water, tap water and the water in the tray. Tds puts rain at 8, tray at 13 and tap at 134. Ph puts rain at 10 something and both tap and tray at 8 something... didnt expect that lol.

 

[Lloyd Gordon]

Measuring pH of almost pure water isn't very meaningful because there's almost zero buffering capacity.
If the "TDS" (really conductance) is less than say 25, don't bother checking pH.

 

[Sib]

Good to know, I never bothered before, I just got it and felt the need to mess around lol

 

[Jonathan]

Is TDS same as PPM?

 

[Lloyd Gordon]

TDS is measured in PPM (parts per million).