why use tap water instead of distilled water?

[bombdotcom]

I hear people all the time telling me to start adding some tap water to my distilled water, what is the reason for this and how do i know if i add to much tap water?

 

[Cruzin]

interesting, i only use RO water. They probably suggest that to get some base nutrients. Couldnt tell you how much to add its all about how hard your water is.

 

[TryComb]

I'm no pro but im pretty sure its because, tap water tends to have calcium in it and your distiled water does not. Someone tell me if im worng.
Good luck

TC

 

[pray4pistils]

Distilled water is chemically inert in that it contains no nutrients at all. Tap water holds various levels of minerals -the most important ones being calcium and magnesium. Mixing distilled and tap will move the levels closer to ideal if you get the ratios right. Invest in an EC/PPM/TDS measuring device so thatg you know what your levels are.

Of course, you can alternately keep using distilled water and add supplements. The only issue there, though, is expense. Unless what runs out your faucet is contaminated or extremely hard, you'd do well to use that.

 

[XIII]

Also in the case of cloning, tap water contains chlorine, which can kill bad bacteria!

 

[Moldy Dreads]

Also in the case of cloning, tap water contains chlorine, which can kill bad bacteria!

NO, chlorine is not good in super doses like tap water has, tap water needs to sit for 24 hours before using. Tap water is great for soil grows if you let the chlorine evaporate, because the salts and extra minerals don't hurt the roots and the soil can buffer them but for hydroponics, I prefer clean water because you are feeding delicate roots directly, and that needs to be controlled.

Chlorine in tap water kills fish it's so strong, not a good idea for any type of growing, it needs to sit out, the small amounts left over are good, but not in fresh tap water, that's poison..if you want a way to sterilize water, then use hydrogen peroxide or similar cleaners they sell at the hydro store. You could always mix in a small percentage of tap water into a majority of clean water, but not necessary..I've been cloning for years with bottled water and R/O water with 100% success