Im running an aeroponics system and I bought me a TDS meter today. After I calibrated it I checked my reservoir & it read 993. I've been reading up on what exactly is a good reading but Im having trouble understanding some of it. Could someone tell me if thats a good reading? Any info will be greatly appreciated!
Hi PDeeezy... TDS meters come in two varities. A .5 conversion and a .7 conversion. The meter reads the EC (electrical conductivity) and then multiplies it by the conversion factor. Example - a 2000 EC reading on a .5 meter will read 1000 ppm (2000 * .5) while a .7 meter will read 1400 ppm. On the back of your meter it should tell you what conversion factor it is using. Or you can check the manufactors website. The PPM reading you want will depend on what nutrient 'formula' you are using. I do the Lucas Formula with HID lights so I want my PPM to read around 1300 - 1700 (using a .7 conversion) If I were using CFL's or flourescents, then I woould want a PPM reading of around 800. I hope this helps.... TDS and EC can be confusing. Good Luck
Will this give me what I'm looking for? It's also using the .5 conversion factor if that helps. Im also using a 400 watt MH & Holland's Secret nutes. Hope that helps. Thanks!
I don't have any experience with Holland's Secret... but at a .5 conversion... a ppm reading of around 1000 would be perfect with your HID lights. How old are your girls? You shouldn't give them any nutes for the first 2 or 3 weeks and then build up to the 1000 ppm over a couple of weeks. Sounds like your on the right track! Good Luck!