Using tap water

IS using tap water ok for my plants, i know i have to let it sit for about 2 days so the chlorine can evaporate. And it will give my plants micro nutes correct? cal/mag right?

Distilled tap water & ph up down kit.

If you put your water in something that has a wide mouth/opening it does not take long for the chlorine to off gas. For example a pail of water 3 or 4 gallons will off gas in about 30 minutes. If you mix it even faster. You would need a water analyst to find whats in the water for micro nuts. Cal-mag I would us at 1/2 recommend.

hotdogtc90 said:

IS using tap water ok for my plants, i know i have to let it sit for about 2 days so the chlorine can evaporate. And it will give my plants micro nutes correct? cal/mag right?

Click to expand...

There is no easy answer to this question. Most tapwater is fine for growing. If it's ok for human consumption, it's generally ok for growing. However, some tapwater is extremely hard, meaning it contains a high amount of dissolved solids such as Calcium and Magnesium. These are both secondary nutrients used in relatively high quantities you say? Indeed, but too much of a good thing............you get the picture. Too much Calcium or Magnesium can lock out other nutrients causing an imbalance. Other elements that may be present in some tapwater include high amounts of iron or sulfur. Each of these is used by plants as well but too much is no good.

Letting tapwater sit out for a day or 2 will help the chlorine evaporate, however many municipal treatment facilities have switched to a chemical called chloramine (it's basically chlorine and ammonia). This stuff doesn't evaporate out and is tasteless and odorless, unlike Chlorine. It's a controversial topic as to whether Chlorine and Chloramine are harmful to plants or even beneficial microbes in organic grows. If you would like to learn more there is a link to my water thread in my signature. Happy growing.

Try spring watter that should have cal mag

i use straight from the tap..............and my plants are crap..............nah they rock

thanks for all the help guys

thanks doc111, had a look at it, Denver has been using it since 1918, more cities are switching to it. I live in the country so city water is a none starter for me. I do have hard water at the farm.