Conductivity, TDS and salinity meters beyond the basic TDS pen
By Sadguru Research & Analysis Laboratory · 23 October 2026
A basic TDS pen estimates dissolved solids from conductivity using a fixed factor and often cannot be calibrated properly. RO plant operators, aquaculture farms and food processors handling brine need something more reliable.
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Conductivity is the real measurement
TDS meters actually measure electrical conductivity (EC) and convert it to ppm. A proper EC meter with automatic temperature compensation and calibration against a standard solution gives repeatable numbers you can log.
Apera EC60 Conductivity / TDS / Salinity Pocket Tester
A step up from basic TDS pens: true conductivity with temperature compensation and calibration.
Lab note: Calibrate with a standard conductivity solution; TDS is calculated from conductivity.
Imported listing: check the plug type and voltage (India uses 230 V) before ordering.
Check price on AmazonSalinity for brine and aquaculture
Fish and prawn ponds, pickle brines and coastal borewells affected by seawater need salinity readings in ppt. A dedicated salinity tester is calibrated for that range.
Hanna HI98319 Salinity Tester
For aquaculture, brine, pickles and seawater intrusion checks in coastal borewells.
Lab note: Rinse after every use; salt crystals damage the probe.
Check price on AmazonGood practice
Calibrate weekly, rinse after each use, and record readings with date and sample point. Cross-check against a laboratory result every few months.
Common questions
Why do two TDS meters give different readings?
They may use different conversion factors and may not be calibrated. Compare EC values instead, after calibrating both.
What conductivity is normal for drinking water?
Roughly 50–800 µS/cm for most potable water; the IS 10500 limit is set for TDS (500 mg/l acceptable).
Test before you spend
A laboratory report tells you exactly what your water or food needs, so you buy the right equipment once. We test water to IS 10500 and food to FSSAI standards, with sample pickup across Kolkata.