is there a cutoff level for ppm of tap water where it shouldnt be used? i use distilled and am wondering if i even have to.
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is there a cutoff level for ppm of tap water where it shouldnt be used? i use distilled and am wondering if i even have to.
It really depends on the contents of the water more than the actual TDS levels; however, I would say the 250-300PPM area for tops. I have used it higher (400PPM) with no problems though, so...
Some people say 200. But I use RO water so I can't tell you for sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. VanNostrin
General Hydro recomends hardwater micro after 200- or 220 ppm .
I'd say anything over 220 ppm is good reason to use distilled / r/o .
Peace
Crispi :jointsmile:
if my tap water is in the 400s, could i just dilute it with distilled instead of using just distilled and adding cal-mag? my goal is to not have to buy tons of distilled water and not to have to add cal-mag
You absolutely can, that keeps a good level of the nutrients you're missing in distilled alone.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. VanNostrin
Is there anyway you can put in an RO system? A good one should cost between $150 and $200. Either way you won't need a lot of CalMag. I use a half a teaspoon per gallon now (2.5 ml).
how do ro systems work? i dont mean how do they purify the water, i mean how do they hook up to your water system? i thought i saw something about it taking time for the ro system to produce the water. is that right?
I am still trying to figure out PPM of what?? Chlorine?? Bromine?? Sodium Chloride?? Fecal Solids?? what?? I don't understand "TDS levels".Quote:
Originally Posted by gainesvillegreen
They generally use a saddle clamp to connect the 1/4" supply line, then they have a line to the drain and a line to a tank or rez.
Pretty simple. Yes, they do produce water slowly, generally 25 gallons per day. The faster the production, the more expensive, although I saw a 90 gallon per day system for $200.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. VanNostrin
Not sure if that was a question or just rhetorical. Yup, you're right. PPM of tap water doesn't mean shit. Doesn't have sticker on the water with "Guaranteed Analysis".Quote:
Originally Posted by Mississippi Steve
Actually it was a question...having a little chemistry background, and playing around with my own grow, I would like to know what they are talking about.Quote:
Originally Posted by herbie the love bud
BTW there are test strips that are available for aquarium water that will give you levels of a dozen chemicals and minerals for just a couple of bucks.
Wikipedia - T.D.S.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mississippi Steve
TDS is Total Dissolved Solids, or the measurement of ions and some other substances dissolved in the water. This is a measurement of the ions/salts in a soution. In your setup, this is basically measuring the amount of fertilizer/material in your water that your plant can/will absorb.
Quote from wiki: "The most common chemical constituents are calcium, phosphates, nitrates, sodium, potassium and chloride."
See the most common constituents? Notice the nitrates for N supply, phosphates for P, and potassium for K? Calcium and magnesium are also fairly common in this application, especially in 'harder' waters.