Using Rain Water when Possible

[Tox]

It's pouring so hard here right now i couldnt pass up the oppurtunity to get some fresh rain water for my plant

Tox Reviewed by Tox on 09-04-2007. Using Rain Water when Possible It's pouring so hard here right now i couldnt pass up the oppurtunity to get some fresh rain water for my plant :D Rating: 5

[stinkyattic]

Don't forget your calmag plus!!!
And test it for pH- rainwater often contains sulfuric and nitric acid in concentarions high enough to register low pH. This comes from combustion of fossil fuels in the area where your local weather systems originate. For example, upstate New York suffers acid rain from factories and city smog originating in the 'rust belt' on the south shores of the Great Lakes.

[Tox]

I live in idaho so i dont think i have to worry about acid rain too much

[rhizome]

Umm- a fair amount of the smog in LA originated in China, and the smog where I live originates 500-1500 miles away.

Idaho's not a differant planet.

[Tox]

everytime i check the weather channel the air condition is excellent here.

[the image reaper]

DON'T use rainwater ... simple ... rainwater is distilled water, condensed in the clouds, and picking up pollutants on the way down ... since it is distilled water, it has no calcium, no magnesium, or any other necessary minerals ... :smokin:

[Tox]

i have to let my tap water sit for 3 days before i use it anyway, which makes it pretty much distilled anyway

[stinkyattic]

No it doesn't.
Tap water carries dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, along with most commonly nitrate, phosphate, bromate, and other ions. Allowing it to rest doesn't remove the minerals.
These are at levels safe for human consumption but my interfere with a hydroponic system.

[rhizome]

mmm... fair amount of crap is never going to precipitate/offgas/oxidize, no matter how long it sits.

Is your tap water supply really bad?

[twoguysupnorth]

i just about responded the other night. rain water it self is clean, it doesnt absorb minerals and such till it goes through the ground. i almost got pissy with rhizome because he lives in a heavily polluted valley on the other side of the mountains. then you have dessert climate.?