Quote:
Originally Posted by RenettaHogan
I was wondering if everyone out there uses distilled water when setting up their hydroponics systems? If you use tap or filtered water, what type of changes need to be made when it comes to TDS. I checked my tap water and the TDS level is quite high already. Do I add the TDS nutrient levels to the tap water TDS to get accurate levels of nutrient? For example, if the tap water TDS is 2010, do I add 1700 (nutrient) to that number to get the correct levels of nutrient for the plants? Also, which would be better tap or filtered? I don't always have access to distilled water and am looking for a more user friendly way to help keep my system running efficiently and effectively. I'm quite new at this and want to get it all down correctly before taking it into my classroom. I'd appreciate any info on the matter. |
That is a good question. As I understand it, there are some trace elements that are found in water that are necessary for plant growth and health that are not in the hydroponic
nutrients because they are already found in the water, so even though distilled is the most pure I don't think it is the best choice. As for tap water it really depends on where you live and where your tap water comes from. Do you live in the mountains and does your water come from a well in those mountains or do you live in a large city and the water comes from the main city line? The water purity is different depending on many factors. I live in a small town and the city water here is mainly from the lake here in Lake Havasu, but it is very hard water due to all the minerals in the ground especially Iron. We have a water softener but I think the water from the reverse osmosis is the best choice for me. I don't have a ppm,tds,ec meter but just change the solution more often as well as keep up with the pH level. I don't know what nutrients you are using but I think if you e-mail General Hydroponics tech support at:
tech@genhydro.com They would be able to give you the best and most accurate answer to your questions. I don't know about weekends but they usualy get back to you within 24 hr.