• Is a cheap TDS meter for the sea sufficient, or is a refractometer needed?

  • Richard

Is a cheap TDS meter for the sea sufficient, or is a refractometer needed? I am interested in your opinion and experience.

Caroline1599

The TDS meter does not measure salinity... So a refractometer is necessary.

Jeffrey496

TDS meter and refractometer measure completely different parameters. Both are necessary for a marine aquarium.

Thomas1044

In simple terms, a TDS meter is needed to check water quality, especially after osmosis, to understand if the water coming out after the membrane is normal or if more resin needs to be added to achieve readings of 0-2. Sometimes, after the osmotic membrane, the values can be 12-17, which is a lot! (I experienced this with water from Kharkiv). A refractometer is needed to measure the salinity of the water. (If you decide to buy one, make sure you don't end up with a refractometer for beekeepers or winemakers, as that also happens.)