Grow Mediums Garage RDWC Grow Questions

[Mañ'O'Green]

Yes, This is the information we need:

This level of Chloramines in soil is most likely not a problem. In hydroponics it needs to be removed or treated. Activated Carbon Block filters and/or ascorbic acid.

Chloramines Removal

You are looking for ascorbic acid - vitamin C. The store brand is usually the cheapest without other stuff added in. 50mg per gallon will treat water with 3.8 PPM of chloramines. The amount you would be using bulk powder might be cheaper.

This is soft water. So leaving the plant you would expect the PPM of the water on the Hanna scale to read <50 PPM. Now you are saying your getting 372 PPM out of your tap. This is not unheard of. If you live where there is old plumbing and far between you and the plant it can pick up a lot of dissolved solids.

Iron, Copper, Lead and Zinc are the things most likely to come from old pipes.

You do not know what the TDS consists of so you have two choices get the water tested or buy a Reverse Osmosis Filter system. A carbon block filter that you already need is part of an RO system. This is the way I would go. I just put one in my own grow space. This is not always an option though due to the high water usage. In that case there are a lot of water testing labs. You need to know what is in it to know how to dilute it.

The other thing is are you using that meter correctly and is it calibrated properly?

 

[Benji2018]

Yes, This is the information we need:

View attachment 1268280

This level of Chloramines in soil is most likely not a problem. In hydroponics it needs to be removed or treated. Activated Carbon Block filters and/or ascorbic acid.

Chloramines Removal

You are looking for ascorbic acid - vitamin C. The store brand is usually the cheapest without other stuff added in. 50mg per gallon will treat water with 3.8 PPM of chloramines. The amount you would be using bulk powder might be cheaper.


View attachment 1268281

This is soft water. So leaving the plant you would expect the PPM of the water on the Hanna scale to read <50 PPM. Now you are saying your getting 372 PPM out of your tap. This is not unheard of. If you live where there is old plumbing and far between you and the plant it can pick up a lot of dissolved solids.

Iron, Copper, Lead and Zinc are the things most likely to come from old pipes.

You do not know what the TDS consists of so you have two choices get the water tested or buy a Reverse Osmosis Filter system. A carbon block filter that you already need is part of an RO system. This is the way I would go. I just put one in my own grow space. This is not always an option though due to the high water usage. In that case there are a lot of water testing labs. You need to know what is in it to know how to dilute it.

You served up whole meal with all that information. I think there would be a bit more convenience with buying a RO Filter System. I've looked at a couple online and got few suggestions from elsewhere. Take a look at this system and tell me what you think.

The other thing is are you using that meter correctly and is it calibrated properly?

I have read the instructions a few times and calibrated it twice to be certain that I was getting accurate readings. I've done readings on my tap, distilled, and distilled/ tap 50/50. I got 3 different readings so I can only assume that I'm doing it correctly.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

I would recommend this one by the same company. It has 2 activated carbon block filters and you need that for the chloramine removal. Chloramines will damage the Osmosis membranes it they get through the pre-filters. It has a better capacity also. It is the one I bought myself.

 

[Benji2018]

Do you guys think that if I use a Brass Y Fitting on the cold inlet hose of my water heater to split with an RO Filter System. I don't have the space under my sink to install it. I will admit I am deathly afraid of (childhood experience) uncontrolled water and the leaks. Just typing about it raises my anxiety levels.

I like the fact that when I am ready to add water to the reservoir I can just turn the lever off and on.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

Do you guys think that if I use a Brass Y Fitting on the cold inlet hose of my water heater to split with an RO Filter System. I don't have the space under my sink to install it. I will admit I am deathly afraid of (childhood experience) uncontrolled water and the leaks. Just typing about it raises my anxiety levels.

I like the fact that when I am ready to add water to the reservoir I can just turn the lever off and on.

You can use any supply line materials in front of the RO system. The filtered RO water should be plastic or Stainless Steel lines and containers only.

You may want to think about hiring a plumber to install it for you?

 

[Benji2018]

I would recommend this one by the same company. It has 2 activated carbon block filters and you need that for the chloramine removal. Chloramines will damage the Osmosis membranes it they get through the pre-filters. It has a better capacity also. It is the one I bought myself.

View attachment 1268539

I purchased one of these around Christmas and it arrived with all kinds of issues. Hardware was missing and broken. Unfortunately they are not in stock for replacement.

 

[Benji2018]

I think I will be purchasing a Liquagen 5 Stage unit. Stay tuned...

 

[Benji2018]

I tried 190 ppm tap water and failed, so I got a cheap RO filter system for about $70.
Pure Water Club and RO Buddy have cheap units.

You can start seeds in hydro with 0 ppm in Rapid Rooters if you want.
I usually germinate mine in the dark, move them under a lamp for a day, then into hydro.

Sprouts can be burned by giving too much fertilizer too soon, so be careful.

Following the high humidity recommendations given by the Vapor Pressure Deficit chart will lead to profuse growth, but will require humidifier(s).
Top fill ultrasonic are by far the best.
Subtract 3-5 F from air temp to get leaf temp, then stay in the green. Better is to use an infrared "gun" thermometer.
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When I had seen my water was in the 370s I knew that wasn't going to work. I'm fortunate you guys recommended an RODI system. I've been knee deep in it since. I went with a Liquagen 5 Stage. Does what I need plus some. I went with this and this to control humidity.