Question
is total dissolved minerals the same thing as water hardness? I have aquarium test strips that test hardness would those work for testing water?

Answer
Hi Dillon,

Generally speaking it is, but more specifically hardness refers to Carbonate (Calcium carbonate)hardness which is often represented separately on test strips and kits.  It makes more of a difference for aquarium keepers since hard water minerals buffer the water from being too acid.  For carnivorous plant owners, we want the water to be as pure as possible, so total dissolved solids (TDS) is the most useful measurement.  Your test strips should give you a really good idea of how hard your water is.  What your looking for is 50ppm or less.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com