{"product_id":"digital-tds-meter","title":"Digital TDS Meter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs my reverse osmosis system still working? Is my filter doing anything? What is actually in my tap water?\u003c\/strong\u003e A TDS meter gives you a first answer in about ten seconds. Dip it in a glass and it shows total dissolved solids (TDS): the minerals, salts and metals dissolved in your water, in parts per million (ppm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe use TDS meters constantly to check that an RO membrane is still doing its job. This is the same quick check, in your pocket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReads TDS in ppm\u003c\/strong\u003e in seconds, with no strips or reagents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShows water temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e on both models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHOLD button\u003c\/strong\u003e freezes the reading so you can lift the meter out and read it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtective cap\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps the probes clean between tests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo models:\u003c\/strong\u003e the TDS-3, or the TDS \u0026amp; EC that adds electrical conductivity in µS\/cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich model is right for you?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTDS-3 (TDS + Temp):\u003c\/strong\u003e the simple one. Three buttons (HOLD, TEMP, ON\/OFF) for TDS and water temperature. Right for checking tap, filtered and RO water at home.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTDS \u0026amp; EC (TDS, EC + Temp):\u003c\/strong\u003e adds an EC reading in microsiemens per centimeter (µS\/cm) and switches between readings with the SHIFT button. Reads TDS from 0 to 9,999 ppm and EC from 0 to 9,999 µS\/cm, accurate to ±5%, with automatic temperature compensation, a titanium alloy electrode and auto shut-off after 5 minutes. A good pick for hydroponics and aquariums, where EC is the usual unit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to check your RO system\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun cold water from your kitchen tap for a few seconds and read a cupful.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead a cupful from your RO faucet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare. Reverse osmosis removes most dissolved solids, so the RO reading should be far lower than the tap reading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite the numbers down and repeat every month or two. When the RO reading starts to climb, it is time to look at your membrane and pre-filters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat a TDS reading cannot tell you\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA TDS meter measures how easily water carries a small electrical current, then converts that to an estimate in ppm. It counts everything dissolved together, healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium included, and it does not say what any of it is. A low number is not a safety verdict: a TDS meter cannot detect lead, PFAS, bacteria, nitrate or pesticides. For those, a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/water-tests\"\u003ecertified water test\u003c\/a\u003e is the answer. Learn more in our guide, \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/contaminants\/how-to-use-a-tds-meter\"\u003eHow to Use a TDS Meter (and What It Can't Tell You)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions? We are here\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot sure what your reading means for your water or your system? Our water specialists have helped customers since 1994. Reach us by phone, email or chat.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Crystal Quest®","offers":[{"title":"TDS-3 (TDS + Temp)","offer_id":67864050565213,"sku":null,"price":27.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"TDS \u0026 EC (TDS, EC + Temp)","offer_id":67864050597981,"sku":null,"price":24.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1286\/9985\/files\/tds-3-tds-temp-digital-tds-meter-crystal-quest-water-test-kit-1265098540.png?v=1793225436","url":"https:\/\/crystolquest.shop\/products\/digital-tds-meter","provider":"Crystal Quest Water Filters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}