So what is the acceptable ppm range we are shooting for?
I don't think there is really a definitive answer to that question. I can tell you that over 200ppm is not beneficial. PPM is telling you how much salts/minerals are in the water. Water that has a high ppm has a lot of Calcium and Magnesium in the water. High Levels of CA/MG in improper ratios can cause lock outs and deficiencies. If you have lower PPM you can control you CA/MG input to your desired levels through nutrients and supplements. You also have to take into account the ppm of your water when feeding your plants and the amounts you feed them. If you want to feed your plants 800 ppm of ferts and your water is 300 ppm base, you are only able to feed 500ppm worth of ferts for a total of 800ppm. I think it's comparable to putting 500 liters of good gas into your motor and 300liters of unknown crap.So what is the acceptable ppm range we are shooting for?
I would agree with that. My ppm is around 330, I feel I would benefit from RO water, but if I was sitting < 200 ppm I would probably save my money.Whether the use of RO is cost justified is debatable, maybe diminishing returns apply here ??
Well I guess I am lucky because my PPM meter just arrived and I tested my water straight from the tap and it registered at 87. I am going to assume that this means I should be able to use tap water instead of distilled in my next and future grows.I don't think there is really a definitive answer to that question. I can tell you that over 200ppm is not beneficial. PPM is telling you how much salts/minerals are in the water. Water that has a high ppm has a lot of Calcium and Magnesium in the water. High Levels of CA/MG in improper ratios can cause lock outs and deficiencies. If you have lower PPM you can control you CA/MG input to your desired levels through nutrients and supplements. You also have to take into account the ppm of your water when feeding your plants and the amounts you feed them. If you want to feed your plants 800 ppm of ferts and your water is 300 ppm base, you are only able to feed 500ppm worth of ferts for a total of 800ppm. I think it's comparable to putting 500 liters of good gas into your motor and 300liters of unknown crap.
That is sort of my understanding of it all. I'm in the process of learning it all as well. So anyone pls feel free to correct me or add anything I missed.
Do you have any recommends on a RO unit ? I have really hard water at 350ppm