(SN Aquarium test strips) Understanding what PPM means

[h.s.p.]

I noticed some aquarium test strips use the PPM measurement unit and this had me quite confused, so I'm sharing what I've learned.



PPM (parts per million) is a unit used to describe very small concentrations of a substance in a larger solution. 1 PPM means 1 part per every 1,000,000 (or 1/1,000,000).
Example: 1g / 1L = 1,000mg / 1,000ml
If we divide it by 1,000 we have 1,000mg/1,000,000ml or, better: 1mg / 1,000ml
1mg / 1L equals 1 PPM. So, for instance, a value of 10 (ppm) in the strip above would equal 10mg / 1L

See the following threads to learn how to prepare mixtures with a desired SN amount (many thanks to the original posters):
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/testing-my-sn-using-the-aquarium-testing-strips.31522/ (very straightforward)
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/sn-aquarium-purity-testing.34630/ (more math involved but worth a read)

Sources for PPM explanation:
Study.com
PDF (see "Concentrations in water")

 

[Guy_Smiley]

If you're mathematically challenged (like me), this is helpful:

Convert Milligram/liter to Part/million (ppm)

Instant free online tool for milligram/liter to part/million (ppm) conversion or vice versa. The milligram/liter [mg/L] to part/million (ppm) conversion table and conversion steps are also listed. Also, explore tools to convert milligram/liter or part/million (ppm) to other concentration -...

www.unitconverters.net

 

[h.s.p.]

If you're mathematically challenged (like me), this is helpful:

Convert Milligram/liter to Part/million (ppm)

Instant free online tool for milligram/liter to part/million (ppm) conversion or vice versa. The milligram/liter [mg/L] to part/million (ppm) conversion table and conversion steps are also listed. Also, explore tools to convert milligram/liter or part/million (ppm) to other concentration -...

www.unitconverters.net

A very accurate online conversion tool, but I wanted to understand the concept behind ppm so I had to do some math