New RO Filter Question

[MyClosetRocks]

I just hooked up my new RO system. The water tastes great, way better than the old tap water. I tested the pH of the RO water and it is at around 8.0 (jumps around a lot for some reason). I expected that the water would have a ph of 7.0 (neutral). What should the pH of RO water be?

I know I should be checking the TDS of the water, but my TDS meter is in the mail. Would this water be safe to feed to my plants if I was to bring the pH down to 5.5-6.5?

[JackdaWack]

yeah, actually its good for ur plants when pH'ed u dont have unwanted crap in ur water.

[caliorbust]

RO water is great, gives you a more acurate ppm reading, a cleaner final product, however the first deficiancy you will notice is calcium so make sure to suppliment it before damage occurs, calcium is a very crucial suppliment needed in cell development in plants, but for the most part RO water isnt necessary, good luck

[MyClosetRocks]

Yeah I'm using Cal-Mag to compensate for the Calcium. I refilled the reservoir with a new batch of nutrients using the RO water earlier, and they already seem to be loving it. Definately worth the money.

[weatherman06]

what r the symptos for ca diff

[GluteusMaximus]

When you first hook up your new RO system, you should be aware that there is a purging of the system that is necessary BEFORE you start drinking the water. Each RO membrane is packaged in food preservatives to protect it until installation. When you first hook up your system, or replace the RO membrane, you must purge the system to clean all that preservative out. My system recommended 6 full flushes of the system. That means allowing the reservoir to fill up, then drain it (times 6). The PPM dropped significantly each time I drained the reservoir.

Another note...The first filter removes cholorine and giant particles before the water reaches the RO membrane. Therefore, it is the first filter that takes the biggest punch. The recommended filter changes are every 6 months, however, I believe that the filters should be replaced in a different order. IMO the first filter should be replaced every 6 months and the last filter should be replaced every year. The RO membrane should be replaced every 1.5 years. Since the RO membrane is sensitive to cholorine, it must be protected by the first filter which is why it (the first filter) should be replaced every 6 months. The last filter is just to remove any residual taste from the water but since it is a typical carbon filter, conditioning already pure water, I believe it can last much longer but should be replaced every year. If the RO membrane is well protected by frequent changes of the first filter, then the RO membrane should last much much longer than the recommended life. All of this of course is dependant on how much crap is in your water to begin with. I base these assumptions on a beginning tap water TDS of around 140.

I found the PH of RO water from city tap with a .5 TDS, is around 6.7ph.

[latewood]

yeah...what he said. you must run new filter for a day or so down the drain, you ph should lower a bit after that.

ph for hydro 5.4-5.9 optimum is 5.8. run 5.8 through veg...then in week 2-3 of 12/12, after flower set...lower ph to 5.4 and raise .1 each week untill you are back to 5.8 and ready to flush. this will allow the uptake of elements more essential to flowering and back away from the uptake of nitrogen, which is consumed most efficiently around 6.2...peace

[turtle420]

Imagination @ Work


When you first hook up your new RO system, you should be aware that there is a purging of the system that is necessary BEFORE you start drinking the water. Each RO membrane is packaged in food preservatives to protect it until installation. When you first hook up your system, or replace the RO membrane, you must purge the system to clean all that preservative out.


I drank WHAT?!

hehehehe

[MyClosetRocks]

Thanks for all the info guys. I ran the RO filter down the sink for a day straight before i ever used the water. I have the pH at 5.5 - 5.6 because the Rockwool brings it up after a while. My TDS meter should be comming in soon, but for now I am just using half strength nutes. Seems to be doing alright. Here are a couple of pics of one of my Skunk #1 hopefulls.

[attachment=o96029]
[attachment=o96030]

[turtle420]

The look gorgeous! :)

You're not planning on having them for breakfast, are you?
:D

Peace

[latewood]

looking good. Take a hint from someone that has done a ton of experimentation using countless different products.

KISS...know what I mean.

Plants will let you know if they need something, no need to add everything out there on the market. You are on the right track. Can't wait until you get tds... peace

[MyClosetRocks]

I'll keep you updated. I'm trying to get ahold of a good camera so I can take some nice pictures.