TDS – a misunderstood topic
Introduction:
The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a subject of confusion and misunderstanding in the fishkeeping hobby or profession. This article aims to clarify some of the common misconceptions about TDS and explain why it is essential for healthy aquatic life.
TDS in Aquariums:
TDS is the measurement of all dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, and other organic matter. It is essential to maintain a balanced level of TDS in aquariums to ensure the health and well-being of aquatic life.
Misconceptions about TDS:
One of the common misconceptions is that soft water will have low TDS. In reality, water softness is related to water pH, with alkaline water considered hard and acidic water considered soft. TDS is often misunderstood due to the focus on bottled or filtered water for human consumption, where many essential minerals are removed, which can have adverse effects on aquatic life.
Importance of TDS for aquatic life:
Observing nature, we can understand that TDS is necessary for healthy fish. When water flows over rocks and stones in rivers and streams, it gets mineralized, providing essential minerals for aquatic life. Different fish have different TDS requirements, and it is essential to maintain a balanced TDS in the aquarium.
Understanding balanced TDS for different fish:
For example, African Cichlids require higher TDS levels than Discus. Understanding the balanced TDS for different fish can help plan and maintain the aquarium accordingly, such as using RO water or mixing tap water with RO water.
Maintaining balanced TDS in aquariums:
Maintaining a balanced TDS is essential for healthy aquatic life. However, it is also essential to identify the cause of TDS, as the TDS meter cannot differentiate between essential minerals and harmful substances, such as excess calcium or pesticides.
Importance of identifying the cause of TDS:
Identifying the cause of TDS is more relevant than the TDS itself. High TDS in a fish tank is not always bad and can be beneficial if it is due to essential minerals and salts. Therefore, it is essential to identify the cause of TDS to ensure the health and well-being of aquatic life.
The benefits of using OZPOLISH H2O in aquariums:
OZPOLISH H2O can increase TDS by adding necessary minerals to the water, mimicking nature and promoting the growth of nitrifying bacteria in aquariums.
Conclusion:
TDS is an essential factor in maintaining a healthy aquarium. Understanding the balanced TDS for different fish and identifying the cause of TDS can help maintain a healthy and thriving aquatic environment.