Do I need to add CalMag to tap water?

**TelecomJunkee** · 12-30-2010, 07:59 PM

I am using filtered tap water and the PH is a perfect 6.5-6.8 If the PH is right, does this make the CalMag content right? Will adding CalMag to tap water going by the recommended dosage hurt a plant if the water does not need it? Thanks in advance!!

**sparkabowl** · 12-30-2010, 08:05 PM

Just because pH is OK, doesn't mean your CalMag level is OK, especially in filtered water. Adding CalMag won't hurt unless you make your water too high in total dissolved solids, which you won't if using only CalMag at recommended doses in filtered water.

**wannaquickee** · 12-30-2010, 08:30 PM

to much cal/mag could cause a def of other nutrients! in most cases adding cal/mag to tap water is not needed. tap usually in most case has more than enough available for use.

what is your ppm levels of your water.

**TelecomJunkee** · 12-30-2010, 08:32 PM

Thanks Sparka! Should I be adding it to all of my H2o mixes, i.e. Fertilizer Mix, Supplemental Nutrient Mix, regular H2O? I haven't been using CalMag much since going back to tap water and everything has been growing great, but I want to do everything I can to ensure maximum fruits from labor. You know the drill, thanks again.

**TelecomJunkee** · 12-30-2010, 08:36 PM

Thats what I am afraid of Wanna, if it aint broke don't fix it right? PPM in reference to my tap water? I think that means parts per measure and I do not know what this is for the tap water. As previously stated the PH is 6.5-6.8

**wannaquickee** · 12-30-2010, 08:42 PM

parts per million for sure. but if its working for you then dont change it. but experimenting could help you in the future to increase your yield

..trial and error for sure...

you should always have a ppm/ec meter on hand to measure your nutrient content.

**DobermanGuy** · 12-30-2010, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by TelecomJunkee

Thats what I am afraid of Wanna, if it aint broke don't fix it right? PPM in reference to my tap water? I think that means parts per measure and I do not know what this is for the tap water. As previously stated the PH is 6.5-6.8

ppm (parts per million) is simple and essential if you want maximum yields. 10-20 ppm is R/O water. My tap water is around 500 ppm. This is the amount of stuff (everything from iron to calcium to potassium, EVERTHING) in relation to water. RO water would have 10-20 parts other than water (H2O) per million.

**woodsmaneh!** · 12-30-2010, 08:57 PM

Cal-mag is good stuff if used right. One of the first signs of too much Cal-mag is the leaves are a dark deep green, not good. I found that using 1/2 of what they say works best for me. On the whole if you are using it all the time I think you need to look at what your feeding them. Cal-mag is like aspirin you only use it when you have a headache.

**Snow Crash** · 12-30-2010, 11:23 PM

Using Cal-Mag Plus at 5ml per Gallon will add around 90ppm to 120ppm to your water. Around 40ppm of calcium, 30ppm of nitrates, and 20ppm of magnesium. Most nutrients are designed for tap water with 150ppm to 200ppm, usually containing a variety of minerals in low concentration with a good deal of Cal-Mag already.

Personally, my tap water is soft, coming in around 60ppm. When it gets broken down, it is really very little calcium. This requires that I add about 5ml per gallon EVERY time I add water so I can get my tap water up to a level that my nutrient brand is designed for, and to prevent deficiency.

Without knowing what is in your water already you're really blind. The fact that your water is acidic (while most are more alkaline) actually indicates that it may not be the highest quality. Perhaps with very high levels of chloramines.

Your water company should be able to provide you with a report of your water quality free of charge. These usually contain readings in ppm that should let you know, even without a meter, about what your water has in it. Then you can adjust your Cal-Mag usage based on that.