Why EC is better than TDS for shrimp tanks
The amount of minerals dissolved in the water is crucial for shrimps to molt properly and keep a proper osmoregulation. Having an inadequate amount of minerals can be detrimental to the shrimp. They need just the right amount in order to properly molt. Definitely when keeping Caridina species that prefer soft water.
When it comes to measuring these minerals, there are two commonly used methods:
- Electrical Conductivity (EC)
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
While both methods provide a measure of the amount of minerals present in the water, I’m going to explain why you better use EC.
[ez-toc]
What is TDS?
TDS measures the total amount of dissolved solids in the water, including minerals, salts, and other substances. However, since TDS measures ALL dissolved solids it also includes organic and inorganic substances. This includes dust that fell into your tank, leftover food, medication you might have add. Hence, it doesn’t measure the actual amount of dissolved minerals, but rather estimates it based on a conversion factor. This conversion factor is based on the assumption that all dissolved solids in the water are minerals. This can lead to inaccuracies in the measurement of the actual mineral content of the water. The only way to get a correct TDS measurement is to carry out an evaporation and weighing technique in a laboratory.
What is EC?
EC is the international standard unit to measure dissolved minerals. EC measures the water’s ability to conduct electricity. This conductivity is directly related to the concentration of dissolved ions in the water. Salts and minerals that dissolve in water will separate into ions (electrically charged atoms). Meaning that EC provides a direct measurement of the dissolved minerals in the water, rather than an estimate based on a conversion factor, as is the case with TDS. Another advantage of measuring in EC is that it can provide information about the specific types of ions present in the water. By using a conductivity meter with multiple probes, it is possible to measure the conductivity of different ions individually. This can be useful in identifying and addressing specific mineral imbalances in the water, which is important for maintaining the health and well-being of shrimp. It does is worth noting that conductivity increases with higher temperatures which leads to a slightly higher EC. So try to do all your measurements at the same temperature.
EC vs TDS
- TDS is an only an estimate and dust provide you with the correct amount of dissolved minerals
- TDS measures all organic and inorganic dissolved solids which will give you an inaccurate measurement
- EC gives you exactly how many minerals are dissolved
- EC varies slightly with temperature
- It is possible to find out how much of a specific mineral there is with EC with multiple probes
So, if you want accurate measurements of the amount of mineral in your water it’s better to switch over to EC measurements.
In general, shrimp prefer water with an EC between 200-400 µS/cm. However, the ideal EC levels can vary depending on the specific species of shrimp, so it’s important to research the requirements of your particular shrimp species and adjust the EC levels accordingly. Monitoring EC levels in a shrimp tank can help ensure that the water quality is suitable for the shrimp’s needs and can help prevent stress, disease, and other health issues. Regular water testing is an important part of maintaining a healthy and thriving shrimp tank.
