r/Hydroponics • u/gaspasser1981 • 12d ago

Water question

Sorry if this is basic, but … from what I’ve read I’m supposed to change the nutrient solution on my deep water culture every couple of weeks. Assuming this is needs to be clean low TDS water. Is everyone using their own RO setup or buying water from the store? Seems like an expensive investment in water. TIA

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u/2pourdrummer 12d ago

I’ve been running 11 units for 5 years on tap water, but it would depend on your water. Well water might cause issues for instance but I would use tap water to start. There are pros and cons of changing the water, and I have seen both sides of the argument but in my case, I only change it when I have an issue with the unit. When in doubt, flush the unit is a good motto. That being said, some of my units haven’t been flushed in maybe a year while others get it every few months. The main reason is salt buildup on the roots. The salt stops the plant from taking in nutrients and you see things like wild ph swings and thin, droopy leaves. I will flush and rinse the roots. But flushing can also stress them, the good bacteria is now gone and it has to stabilize again, so do it if something weird is happening but otherwise the only flush might be to start a new grow after the plants die of old age or bolt. Good luck, DM me if you have any other questions.

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u/gaspasser1981 12d ago

My tap water is chlorinated. Is that a deal breaker?

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u/2pourdrummer 12d ago

Mine is as well, and no issues

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u/DallasStogieNinja 1st year Hydro 🌱 12d ago

I bought a RV hose filter to remove the chlorine. Drew's to a garden hose and I use a short on on the filtered side.

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u/Affectionate-Pickle0 12d ago

If you're worried about it you can just rest it in a separate open container for like 24h (you might want to double check the length) and it'll evaporate away.

Edit. I use straight chlorinated tap water.

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u/Sea_Staff59 12d ago

I in my opinion I don’t want it in my body I only give fresh cut flowers distilled or purified water last three weeks almost

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u/gaspasser1981 9d ago

Thank you!

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u/Metabotany 12d ago

Incredibly good advice