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The Top 5 TDS Meters Under $250AU

The Top 5 TDS Meters Under $250AU

Are you after a budget-friendly TDS meter? You're in luck! Your team of scientists at Instrument Choice have systematically researched and curated a list of cheap TDS meters - all under $250AU. Each listing includes all the important details you need to know about each meter (such as the key specifications) to help you find the best meter for your budget.

What is TDS?

Total dissolved solids (TDS) is the metric of the combined content of organic and inorganic substances present in a liquid. The measurement excludes pure water or suspended solids. You express TDS measurements as an amount in a given volume of water, and you will see results displayed as either milligram per litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).

For a true TDS measurement, you need to completely evaporate moisture from your sample and then weigh the solid residue. As this is often impractical, the most common and practical way to measure TDS is with a specialised conductivity meter.

TDS meters measure conductivity, then apply a conversion factor to approximate TDS. TDS-only meters do not display conductivity but still use electrical conductivity with a conversion factor to calculate results.

Reasons to Measure TDS

Budget-friendly, cheap TDS meters are great for:

  1. Water and wastewater treatment
  2. Assessing agricultural and urban runoff
  3. Hydroponics
  4. Aquaculture
  5. Boiler blowdown/ maintenance
  6. Cooling towers
  7. Aquariums; and
  8. Swimming pools and spas.

The Top 5 Cheap TDS Meters 

1. HI98302, DiST 2 TDS Tester
Product Code: HI98302 

In a nutshell: The HI98302 is a rugged, reliable and the best-performing cheap TDS meter. 

Special features & capability:

  • This unit offers quick and accurate readings of TDS and conductivity.
  • When calibration is necessary, you need only submerge the electrode tip into a calibration solution and adjust the trimmer on the tester's side – that’s it! 

Specifications:

Range: 0.00-10.00 ppt

Resolution: 0.01 ppt (g/L)

Accuracy: ±2% F.S.

TDS Factor: 0.5

Calibration: Manual, 1 point

Temperature Compensation: Yes – Automatic

 

2. GroLine Waterproof EC/TDS (ppm) Tester
Product code: IC-HI98318 

In a nutshell: For precise measurements of hydroponic nutrient solutions (without breaking the bank), the IC-HI98318 is an unbeatable choice. 

Special features & capability: This meter measures TDS, conductivity and temperature. It boasts an impressive and reliable 250-hour battery life. 

Specifications:

Range: 0 to 3000 ppm (500 CF); 0 to 3999 ppm (700 CF)

Resolution: 10 ppm (mg/L)

Accuracy: ± 2% F.S.

TDS Factor: 0.5 (500 ppm) or 0.7 (700 ppm)

Calibration: Automatic (5.00 mS/cm in Quick Cal mode or 1.41 mS/cm in standard calibration mode)

Temperature Compensation: Yes – Automatic

 

3. TDS20 Value Pocket TDS Tester
Product code: IC-TDS20 

In a nutshell: A cheap all-rounder, the IC-TDS20 is a reliable TDS tester and provides excellent value for a range of routine TDS testing applications. 

Special features & capability: The IC-TDS20 us equipped with Apera’s unique platinum black conductivity probe technology, ensuring a wider measurement range without compromising accuracy and consistency. 

Specifications:

Range: 0 to 100.0 ppm/0 to 1000 ppm/0 to 10.00 ppt

Resolution: 0.1/1 ppm; 0.01 ppt

Accuracy: ± 1 % F.S

TDS Factor: Adjustable 0.40 to 1.00

Calibration:  Automatic 1 to 2 points

Temperature Compensation: Yes - Automatic

 

4. StarterPen TDS meter - IC-ST10T-A
Product code: IC-ST10T-A 

In a nutshell: Straightforward to use and backed by OHaus' reputation for quality, the IC-ST10T-A is a durable and cheap TDS meter guaranteed to provide years of accurate TDS measurements. 

Special features & capability: Compact and portable, users can take their Starter TDS Meter wherever it’s needed to measure any organic and inorganic substances' combined liquified content. 

Specifications:

Range: 0.0-100.0 mg/L

Resolution: 0.1 mg/L

Accuracy: ±2.5% FS

Calibration: No

Temperature Compensation: No

 

5. TDSTestr11 - Pocket Tester TDSTestr11 Dual range with ATC and Temperature display
Product code: TDSTestr11 

In a nutshell: The IP67 rated waterproof TDSTestr11 offers dual or auto-ranging measuring options. 

Special features & capability:

  • The IP67 TDSTestr11 allows you to measure more media using a single tester.
  • The meter has a long-lasting sensor with a sensing element made of SS316 stainless steel. If the sensor becomes damaged, it’s user-replaceable at a fraction of a new meter’s price. These features amount to a meter that is robust and long-lasting and offers years of fuss-free service. 

Specifications:

Range: 0 to 2000.00 ppm, 0 to 10.00 ppt

Resolution: 10 ppm, 0.10 ppt

Accuracy: ± 1% of Full scale

TDS Factor: Adjustable from 0.4 to 1.0

Calibration: 1-point

Temperature Compensation: Yes

 

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BONUS MULTIPARAMETER TESTER:
Expert CTS Pocket Tester
Product code: IC-EXPERTCTS

In a nutshell: The expert CTS is designed for on-the-go multi-parameter measurements of Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, and Temperature.

Special features & capability:

  • Pocket tester floats and meets Waterproof IP67 rating
  • Automatic temperature compensation: adjusts readings according to temperature change for greater accuracy
  • Easy to operate and intuitive user interface with power, calibration, menu, and enter keys

Specifications:

Range: 0.00 to 20.00 ppt

Resolution: 10 ppm < 2.00ppt, 0.10 ppt > 2.00ppt

Accuracy: ± 2 % ± 1 LSD

TDS Factor: Adjustable from 0.4 to 1.0

Calibration: Automatic or Manual single point

Temperature Compensation: Yes

 

Conclusion

The top 5 cheap TDS meters listed above offer outstanding value. They are an excellent choice for any task requiring quick and accurate TDS measurements.

Browse the full range of cheap TDS meters here

After more information on TDS meters? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist; Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].

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