Leave 'em in dere, no gotta replace 'em!


Quote Originally Posted by WashougalWonder
I am learning over the last 2 years that RO water is not a good idea for our plants. RO is so efficient that it removes good nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and many others. Plants become micronutrient defficient.

I now feel that if a person uses RO water they need to replace ALL micronutrients.

Yeah that!

And because mixes and ferts expect those micronutrients to be present in the water supply, the plants can show many different forms of stress, the most prevelent one causing an appearance of Rust Fungus. Treatment of rust fungus involves expense......... Treatment of RO micronutrient shortages is simple ONCE IDENTIFIED, tap water.

I suspect that distilled water may also cause issues, I don't know if the micronutes follow the water in distillation, I think not tho.

Also noted, is that this really does not show until in flower.

SO thumbs down to RO in my garden and tumbs up to tap water that has evaporated the chloramines.
You'd think common sense would suffice about too pure water.
You are quite correct.
Distilled water is actually a tad worse than R/O.

I did a side by side with cuttings.
The "fresh outta the tap" water side rooted and flourished.
On the others, the distilled water sucked the life out of them and they shriveled and died.


Let me address that second myth.
Chloramines are compounds. they do not "evaporate".
Organic decomposition will degrade Chloramine to Halomethanes that are also harmless at that concentration.


My tap water contains Chloramine.
If it did not, I would add some to control pathogens.
(Keeps fungus and mold out of my DWC)

The tiny amount used, while toxic to fish, is harmless to cannabis, in fact, it's beneficial.
Same goes for Chlorine gas.

Though Chlorine gas does dissipate on standing the wise grower takes advantage of it and used the water straight from the tap.
(After tweaking the PH, of course.)

Ordinarily, I just ignore misguided guidance if it does no harm.
However, telling folks to "let their water sit" for whatever reason, is counter productive.
Here's why.

Roots breathe.
Sitting water loses oxygen and goes stagnant.
Stagnant water drowns plants, allows pathogens to flourish, and rots roots.
You want it sparkly fresh from an aerated faucet.

Been following this advice for years and it has served me very well.

Other than that, your advice is excellent .:thumbsup:

Aloha,
Weezard