Nute & Reverse Osmosis questions For Hydro

Incredible4Mr2E

Incredible4Mr2E

Well-Known Member
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 lol9B6116CA-1EB4-4DE6-B89E-7FE1182AC8B6.jpegD38C0E96-5BF6-48B9-AC0F-FDF9EDB7BE0E.jpeg
 
Johiem

Johiem

Well-Known Member
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.
 
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1212ham

Well-Known Member
Incredible4Mr2E said:
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
Click to expand...
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?
 
Incredible4Mr2E

Incredible4Mr2E

Well-Known Member
Johiem said:
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.
Click to expand...
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

Incredible4Mr2E

Well-Known Member
TintEastwood said:
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.
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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

Incredible4Mr2E

Well-Known Member
rkymtnman said:
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.
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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

Incredible4Mr2E

Well-Known Member
1212ham said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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