Nute & Reverse Osmosis questions For Hydro

[Incredible4Mr2E]

When I grew in the past I always used Fox Farm nutes. I was looking at Jacks nute line, as I’ve heard nothing but good things. I’m also shopping around trying to figure out what RO system to even get for my city water. I dry ran my setup to check for leaks and all I can smell in the control bucket is chlorine, BAD! I didn’t know if it’s really necessary to get a 8 plus stage RO system with UV. I’ve read if I use RO water I might have to add cal/mag. At the same time I also see if using the correct nutes I wouldn’t need to supplement with cal/mag. If I use Jacks with their recommendation on feeding would I need to add cal/mag to the RO water? I’ve tried researching and can’t seem to find the proper answer for my situation. This is the setup so far, I’ll be using 2 - 250w led QB’s - 4 boards total and dialed down to 200w for 400w total in the tent. Yes, it’s in a kiddie pool lol

 

[Johiem]

Good idea with the kiddie pool, I know people who use pond liner.
I don't know that I would shell it out for an R.O. system, a simple dechlorinator should handle it.
Yes on the cal-mag, especially if using R.O. Some companies claim they have enough mixed in, claiming it to be a micro nutrient when, imo, calcium is your 4th macro nute. I ran my DWC with 4-5 ml cal-mag per gallon.

 

[TintEastwood]

Using Jacks 321 you should not need additional cal/mg. Unless you are in coco, then maybe.


This portable RO unit worked great for 2 years. Then I upgraded to a $bigger unit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00204CQF6/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00204CQF6p13NParams

 

[rkymtnman]

when i first started, i learned that if you use RO, you must use cal/mg.

now that i've done this for a bit, i believe you should use your base nutes and then see if you need Ca or Mg. there is no need to use calmag for a mg deficiency: just use epsom.

 

[1212ham]

When I grew in the past I always used Fox Farm nutes. I was looking at Jacks nute line, as I’ve heard nothing but good things. I’m also shopping around trying to figure out what RO system to even get for my city water. I dry ran my setup to check for leaks and all I can smell in the control bucket is chlorine, BAD! I didn’t know if it’s really necessary to get a 8 plus stage RO system with UV. I’ve read if I use RO water I might have to add cal/mag. At the same time I also see if using the correct nutes I wouldn’t need to supplement with cal/mag. If I use Jacks with their recommendation on feeding would I need to add cal/mag to the RO water? I’ve tried researching and can’t seem to find the proper answer for my situation. This is the setup so far, I’ll be using 2 - 250w led QB’s - 4 boards total and dialed down to 200w for 400w total in the tent. Yes, it’s in a kiddie pool lolView attachment 4955854View attachment 4955853

It's quite possible you don't need RO. I'd say the first step is to determine the hardness of your tap water with a EC/TDS meter. Do you have a water softener?

 

[rkymtnman]

It's quite possible you don't need RO. I'd say the first step is to determine the hardness of your tap water with a EC/TDS meter. Do you have a water softener?

he/she should also be able to get a free water analysis from the city/county/etc.

 

[curious2garden]

he/she should also be able to get a free water analysis from the city/county/etc.

It's often posted on the water company's website.

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

Good idea with the kiddie pool, I know people who use pond liner.
I don't know that I would shell it out for an R.O. system, a simple dechlorinator should handle it.
Yes on the cal-mag, especially if using R.O. Some companies claim they have enough mixed in, claiming it to be a micro nutrient when, imo, calcium is your 4th macro nute. I ran my DWC with 4-5 ml cal-mag per gallon.

I needed to figure something out. My landlord gave me the okay, but needed something to leave my house and not constantly worry about flooding the house. I’ve been looking into one and got the latest report for my town on water. New one should be coming out in a month or two, seems like they test in September. Another member said to add my nutes, check and add cal/mag if needed after, thoughts?

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

Using Jacks 321 you should not need additional cal/mg. Unless you are in coco, then maybe.


This portable RO unit worked great for 2 years. Then I upgraded to a $bigger unit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00204CQF6/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00204CQF6p13NParams

Not coco, I’m going to do clay. That’s good to know, thank you.
I just read a little about that RO system, not problems at all with fittings or leaks? How often did you change your filters and membrane?

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

when i first started, i learned that if you use RO, you must use cal/mg.

now that i've done this for a bit, i believe you should use your base nutes and then see if you need Ca or Mg. there is no need to use calmag for a mg deficiency: just use epsom.

Thank you for the advice. Honestly, I’ll probably follow your instructions on feeding. I’ve seen people talk about using epsom, just couldn’t figure out why. Thank you for that information as well!

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

It's quite possible you don't need RO. I'd say the first step is to determine the hardness of your tap water with a EC/TDS meter. Do you have a water softener?

I don’t think the building is hooked up with one. I’m going to order a EC/TDS meter tonight. I my buddy has one, he’s also on the same village water system. I’m waiting for a reply to see what his says.

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

he/she should also be able to get a free water analysis from the city/county/etc.

It's often posted on the water company's website.

This is the latest report I could find on the villages website.

 

[rkymtnman]

Thank you for the advice. Honestly, I’ll probably follow your instructions on feeding. I’ve seen people talk about using epsom, just couldn’t figure out why. Thank you for that information as well!

that's what nice about hydro: you can fix issues very quickly versus soil.
if you did well in dirt, you'll be amazed by hydro growth too.

 

[rkymtnman]

This is the latest report I could find on the villages website. View attachment 4956781

are you sure it has chlorine and not chloramine?? chlorine actually is a nute for cannabis, chloramine is not. and harder to get rid of.

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

are you sure it has chlorine and not chloramine?? chlorine actually is a nute for cannabis, chloramine is not. and harder to get rid of.

How would I be able to tell? Take a water sample to a testing site?

 

[rkymtnman]

How would I be able to tell? Take a water sample to a testing site?

i would call that village facility. tell them you are raising fish or something and want to know if there is chlorine or chloramine.

 

[rkymtnman]

and what ppm it is too.

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

and what ppm it is too.

My buddy just told me it ranges right around 800 give or take 20 he said. I’ll have to call the village tomorrow and ask. Thank you for the advice.

 

[Incredible4Mr2E]

[/QUOTE]
Are you using an RO system?

 

[rkymtnman]

i bought RO when i started. from walmart. as a noob to hydro, knowing that your water is not a problem is worth the money . you'll have other issues to deal with .

i slowly went to 1/2 ro, 1/2 well to all well water now.