Grow Mediums Distilled Water

[eggmansky]

Unfortunately, i've been using distilled water exclusively in my drip/recycler system. My PH problems were MONUMENTAL! I've gone back to tap water and I have experienced more stable results.

Following is a short dissertation from Ed Rosenthals' growing guide:

Page 143 WATER ALKALINITY

The PH of pure distilled water is very unstable and has no buffering ability. The addition of a tiny amount of an acid makes it very acidic and a small amount of a base makes it very alkaline.

If you're attempting a hydroponic grow, you MUST possess a EC meter and a digital PH meter (lotsa guys are color-blind).

I can't wait til I begin my NEXT grow.

Basically add your Cal/Mag to tap water then adjust your PH. Then add Nutrients. Adjust Ph again. Good to go.

I was doing it all backwards. Using this method, I've brought an auto back from the garbage. Even if I get a small yield using this fundamentally sound practice mom will be a happy camper!

 

[Groff]

You really dont need to add Cal Mag to tap water, only in case of real need. Cal Mag (and silicon) is used for RO systems to buffer it. You could do the same with distilled water. RO is basically equal to distilled water. After a very good mix, pH should behave like tap water, only better.

 

[KsjAuto]

You really dont need to add Cal Mag to tap water, only in case of real need. Cal Mag (and silicon) is used for RO systems to buffer it. You could do the same with distilled water. RO is basically equal to distilled water. After a very good mix, pH should behave like tap water, only better.

I agree completely with the above :thumbs:
"List"

 

[uptosumpn]

most def:clap:

 

[greenjeans]

It seems that I typically see two "camps" on this issue. The one that says "Use RO water!" and will tell you that it is very important to have total control over what is in your water, and the camp that says "Why would I pay to take stuff out of the water, and then pay again to put it back in?!"..

Personally, I think it should depend on what your tap water is like. Looking at the local water report should give you this answer. If the ppms are above 250-300, then RO is probably a better choice, but in my area, the water is 150-240, and I have no problem with my tap water. I don't bubble it overnight, or any of that nonsense, either. As far as ph buffering, I typically adjust after adding the nutes, and then 4-5 hours after I add it to the res it needs another adjustment. After that it stays pretty stable, and only needs to be messed with every few days, or when I add water.

I disagree that you shouldn't add calmag, though. I have had a couple of calcium issues, and believe that because the PH "sweet spot" offers only a small uptake of these nutrients, adding in more increases the plant's ability to get enough. I just add it at a lower level than what it says on the bottle, and pay attention to my ph. It's more of a "better safe than sorry" approach.

 

[pop22]

Unfortunately, i've been using distilled water exclusively in my drip/recycler system. My PH problems were MONUMENTAL! I've gone back to tap water and I have experienced more stable results.

Following is a short dissertation from Ed Rosenthals' growing guide:

Page 143 WATER ALKALINITY

The PH of pure distilled water is very unstable and has no buffering ability. The addition of a tiny amount of an acid makes it very acidic and a small amount of a base makes it very alkaline.

If you're attempting a hydroponic grow, you MUST possess a EC meter and a digital PH meter (lotsa guys are color-blind).

I can't wait til I begin my NEXT grow.

Basically add your Cal/Mag to tap water then adjust your PH. Then add Nutrients. Adjust Ph again. Good to go.

I was doing it all backwards. Using this method, I've brought an auto back from the garbage. Even if I get a small yield using this fundamentally sound practice mom will be a happy camper!

The problem with your idea is that your tap water can KILL your plants, especially well water! I'm living proof of that. My war=ter went from being fine for growing to suddenly killing my plants. Also, I use RO water, pretty close to distolled and I've never had a problem, even in hydro. Yes, I use a meter to check it. Its usually around 6.7 seen as low as 6.3 highest was 7.0. No need to adjust at those levels. ( EDIT: in soil... ) Were you buying your water? I've heard of problems with store bought water so it pays to test it on occassion. Best bet is to buy an RO filter system and keep the filters changed on a regular basis. My organic grows have been very nice since I went to RO. I'd never risk my plants to tap/well water again!

I suspect it was your nutes, not your water. When I ran a DWC tank, using RO water, I ph'd my water to 5.9 and it would stay that way for a week most of the time. The most drift I every had was about .2. I used baking soda for PH up, added AFTER the nutes were in the water and had set for 15 minutes. Never ph in the res and test the res water about an hour after a res change, as nutes on the roots and sides of the tank will affect the ph a small amount. Rarely was ph down needed as most nutes lower ph.

 

[greenjeans]

The problem with your idea is that your tap water can KILL your plants, especially well water! I'm living proof of that. My war=ter went from being fine for growing to suddenly killing my plants. Also, I use RO water, pretty close to distolled and I've never had a problem, even in hydro. Yes, I use a meter to check it. Its usually around 6.7 seen as low as 6.3 highest was 7.0. No need to adjust at those levels. ( EDIT: in soil... ) Were you buying your water? I've heard of problems with store bought water so it pays to test it on occassion. Best bet is to buy an RO filter system and keep the filters changed on a regular basis. My organic grows have been very nice since I went to RO. I'd never risk my plants to tap/well water again!

I suspect it was your nutes, not your water. When I ran a DWC tank, using RO water, I ph'd my water to 5.9 and it would stay that way for a week most of the time. The most drift I every had was about .2. I used baking soda for PH up, added AFTER the nutes were in the water and had set for 15 minutes. Never ph in the res and test the res water about an hour after a res change, as nutes on the roots and sides of the tank will affect the ph a small amount. Rarely was ph down needed as most nutes lower ph.

Or, it can NOT kill your plants.. Just like everything else. It depends on the tap water. Everything is case specific. No need to scare people by insisting that it is dangerous. People just need to pay attention and be informed and they will be fine.

All anyone has to do is look at their local water report and make an informed decision about what their local tap water contains. Yes, if you have hard water, and it is coming out of the tap at 600ppm, it's probably gonna give you major problems. I would NEVER suggest using well-water, as it is impure by its very nature, and is typically always HARD. But that's not the same as treated tap water, and LOTS of places have tap water that is just fine for growing.

 

[eggmansky]

Great debate!

After switching from distilled water to treated tap water, everything CALMED down.

Hey Pop...
Have you ever tried 'flea collars' for your organic grows? cut into pieces and fastened to the pot? My first grow was a success...my SECOND, organic, is proving to be a war against bugs...I'm itching to use the Sevin Dust! advice? recommendations? suggestions?

 

[faded187]

Do you live in your grow area.if not hot shot no pest strips kick ass.if so I just spray around my grow area 2 times a year with home defense max.never got any bug problems.only sweeping up the flies and ladybugs that landed on the surfaces that was sprayed with home defense.maybe that help you out

 

[pop22]

Do you live in your grow area.if not hot shot no pest strips kick ass.if so I just spray around my grow area 2 times a year with home defense max.never got any bug problems.only sweeping up the flies and ladybugs that landed on the surfaces that was sprayed with home defense.maybe that help you out

I hope you guys don't smoke that weed after that! That some bad shit! I’ve been very lucky up to this point, haven't had a pest problem yet. I keep my RH low and my room as clean as I can, that's not always easy, and I never over water. I think that's part of why I haven't had bugs................yet..........

But I'll find an organic way to control them if I need to, can't take chances with the meds I give my lady!