Is there any plants liquid fertilizer that won't affect the TDS?

[Lajos_Detari]

Does anyone know of any liquid fertilizer that has minimal effect on the TDS?

I am currently using a brand called ISTA fertilizer but it seems to increase the TDS quite high.

Can someone recommend any other brand?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Colin_T]

TDS meters read everything that is dissolved in the water. This includes minerals in plant fertilisers.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

TDS meters read everything that is dissolved in the water. This includes minerals in plant fertilisers.

Yes, correct.
I was reading about the Cherry shrimps TDS requirements of 80-200.

Currently, the TDS in my shrimps tank is about 166-186 and I am suspecting the high TDS is due to the plants fertilizer.

My Discus tank that doesn't have fertilizer is only at 94 (TDS).
When I tested my tap water, its about 88-90. But the moment I added the fertilizer, it increased to 200+ TDS.

Hence, I am thinking of changing the fertilizer or not to use it.

Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Byron]

Any and all substances added to the tank water increase TDS. Conditioner, plant additives, fish food, medications, additives, etc. I have never seen a breakdown of TDS for various plant fertilizers, but obviously do not use more of them than you actually need. Better for the fish too.

 

[seangee]

I don't usually test in my tanks as I only use TDS to confirm my RO filter is working correctly. Just stuck the pen in my shrimp tank and the TDS read 256. 3 days after a 75% water change and I have added minerals and ferts. Don't worry about it! My shrimps breed like flies.

 

[Colin_T]

TDS meters aren't really worth using in freshwater aquariums any way. You are better off knowing the GH, KH and pH and using that as a guide to have suitable water for the species you keep.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Thanks Colin, Byron and Seangee for the fast response!

I greatly appreciate it.

I guess I will focus on the GH, KH, pH as Colin mentioned.
It's too bad that we don't have a meter that can measure them immediately.
The API test kits will take more time to use them.

I saw a pH meter at a LFS last week. Probably I may buy it.

Also, I will cut down on the plants fertilizer as Byron suggested.

And its good to know from Seangee that your shrimps are breeding well with TDS of 256.
I was afraid of molting problems as some website mentioned that high TDS can cause the shrimps not being able to molt.

Last night I saw one shrimplet jumping on top of my plants. It was so cute.
When I bought my shrimps, it came with a few shrimplets and some very tiny fish fry.

 

[Colin_T]

If you get a digital pH meter, get some calibrating solution and calibrate the meter regularly otherwise you can get inaccurate readings.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Ok, will take note of this.
Thanks

 

[seangee]

Its probably worth mentioning that GH and KH are unlikely to change over time so you really just need to know what they are. KH may go down in your tank if you neglect your weekly water changes, but as long as you do these it should remain fairly constant. pH is similar. This does fluctuate during the course of the day but over time should remain fairly constant if tested at the same time of day. Again subject to regular water changes.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Thanks for the information.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Its probably worth mentioning that GH and KH are unlikely to change over time so you really just need to know what they are. KH may go down in your tank if you neglect your weekly water changes, but as long as you do these it should remain fairly constant. pH is similar. This does fluctuate during the course of the day but over time should remain fairly constant if tested at the same time of day. Again subject to regular water changes.

Does your TDS change much after water change?
I read a forum where someone mentioned that a swing of more than 50 TDS is dangerous for the shrimps.
I wonder is that true.
I changed 30% of water each week for my shrimps. I may have to monitor the change in TDS.