TDS too high?

[SHRED]

My total dissolved solids test for my tap water and then my R/O water.

Big difference.

I think the tap water is too high to use for a soil grow?

 

[Bob's Auto's]

My total dissolved solids test for my tap water and then my R/O water.

Big difference.

I think the tap water is too high to use for a soil grow?

View attachment 1466421View attachment 1466422

Is your tds pen calibrated? R/0 water should measure closer to 0. A ppm from 0-250 in tapwater is ok.

 

[durbanpoisoner]

500 is really high and your RO isn’t RO if it isn’t 0 or 1, but will be sufficient for growing.

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

I have the same tds meter it was £3 on ebay. I also have had 3 yellow PH pens £6. Replaced the PH pen with a £60 unit, and although i rarely use it im resonably confident of my PH ranges.
That tds pen is only good for throwing at a wall or putting in the bin, sorry.

edit... A ph pen or tds meter is useless without the various fluids to store/test/clean the unit.

 

[SHRED]

I have the same tds meter it was £3 on ebay. I also have had 3 yellow PH pens £6. Replaced the PH pen with a £60 unit, and although i rarely use it im resonably confident of my PH ranges.
That tds pen is only good for throwing at a wall or putting in the bin, sorry.

edit... A ph pen or tds meter is useless without the various fluids to store/test/clean the unit.

I upgraded.

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

The shit pen was only 12 out but what will it read next week
500 is only a smidge on the high side for plain water. Whats the total ppm/tds when you have added a strong dose of nutes?

 

[SHRED]

The shit pen was only 12 out but what will it read next week
500 is only a smidge on the high side for plain water. Whats the total ppm/tds when you have added a strong dose of nutes?

Haven't done that yet. Just starting the grow soon.

I'll mainly be feeding tea.
EWC, molasses, Girl Flower Power and possibly some Recharge best the end of the brew.

https://www.natureslivingsoil.com/products/girl-flower-power

 

[SHRED]

I messed up.
Even on the new pen I didn't take cap off. DOH!

 

[Bob's Auto's]

500 is only a smidge on the high side for plain water.

250+ ppm is hard water. +500 ppm isn't recommended for drinking and thus so using it for cultivation...

I messed up.
Even on the new pen I didn't take cap off. DOH!

View attachment 1467323

So you have very hard water. That's for sure.
Did you calibrate the TDS meter? You need to do that, even if they are brand new...