RL7836,
Nice overview of looking at the whole picture. It is one of the most important things to do, and yet the most common to overlook, mistakenly getting caught up into specific "rules" and "how-to's" and "answers". Only the most experienced (or wise) growers seem to understand the importance of looking at the entire eco-system that they are subjecting their plants to.
(Not in reference to this post, but...) It seems that a lot of times people don't even notice the nuances of the environment they have created, and sadly they don't understand its overwhelming effects that it has on their plants. Most people want a simple answer and don't want to be bothered with having to work to interpret what their plants are showing in response to it. Yet to me, understanding a plant's response is what makes the process of growing the most rewarding! Again, it is always nice to hear when others remind us to consider "everything" involved in the equation, and not focus on only one or two things!
Midnight...
Sounds like a difficult water situation. In N. Illinois (and elsewhere), water quality varies greatly. I am wondering, is using filtered rainwater a possibility for you in addition to R.O.? (I use rainwater for nearly everything now, but not for aquarium use necessarily.) As for my plants, it works out perfectly, and while not as convenient as going to an indoor tap (outdoor tap on my barrel!), I don't have to buy any membranes and filters and such. And again, the water quality has been great so far! In relation to your TDS readings, I agree to run it for a while before taking a reading.
And again, from what people are saying, the readings you are getting indicate the water is fine to use, and that is the most important thing.
Zero...You mentioned: "Don't use the R/O water for freshwater fish tanks. It causes the PH to fluctuate." I am curious as to why that would happen?
I haven't done nearly as much with the "real" fish hobby for a number of years (Just some common stuff now to have some life around the house) and so I am not up to date on things. I am just curious as to why the PH would fluctuate... (If the source doesn't change, and any treatment to the water is consistent, what would create variations of the minerals that are dissolving in the water source or otherwise affecting its PH?)
I know, I am probably overlooking something obvious, but this weekend has been a bit "active" and I am on about 3 hours sleep right now! But anyway, if you have a moment, tell me what you think!
Well, good luck to all with the water situation. I know rainwater is not the best sometimes (with pollution and such), however it is the closest thing to what the plants are getting in the wild, and it is free! Besides, lugging around containers of water is good exercise, and I don't need to go to some gym to get it! (The exercise, not the water!)
Paul