Aqua Man
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1. Take the PPM reading after filling the system up. Write this down.
2. The first top off will be done with just water. After filling take the PPM reading. Then take your original res PPM from step 1 and minus the reading from step 2. This will give you a ppm difference that will show how many ppm of nutrients the plants have consumed.
Correct. Thank you.to add on for clarification
Step 2 if not using RO water, you want to add your water's ppm to that calculated ppm
Good catch!to add on for clarification
Step 2 if not using RO water, you want to add your water's ppm to that calculated ppm
Original res 500
Add water ~100
new ppm 545
545 - 500 = 45 + 100 = 145 ppm consumed
I dont bother because the ppm of the source water is already part of the starting make up but yes you can take into account the ppm of source water. Usually I take this into account with the starting ppm.to add on for clarification
Step 2 if not using RO water, you want to add your water's ppm to that calculated ppm
Original res 500
Add water ~100
new ppm 545
545 - 500 = 45 + 100 = 145 ppm consumed (or maybe it's 55? 500 (original) - 545 (new) = -45 + 100 = 55)
Wait, so even if the water is down to half and still not getting close to 20%? Im just wonderingI should probably add that I only top up with water until I'm about 20% lower than my target. So if I'm at 600ppm target I dont do nutrient tops ups until I'm about 480ppm. Usually every second day in my system.
Well my system is 4 site with 25gal res. Its never gets that low. In a smaller system you may need to every top upWait, so even if the water is down to half and still not getting close to 20%? Im just wondering
Gotcha.Well my system is 4 site with 25gal res. Its never gets that low.
As usually I would do daily top ups.
I edited to add in a smaller system you may need to every timeGotcha.
I dont bother because the ppm of the source water is already part of the starting make up but yes you can take into account the ppm of source water. Usually I take this into account with the starting ppm.
As we just want to be close I dont find it critical.
My tap water is 110ppm
why would I add 110ppm to the equation just to remove 110ppm later on?
is that what you’re saying?
I have to do daily top offs depending on how big the girls are. I am only using 4- 5 gallon buckets in a fallponic recirculating system with 2" returns and a 5 gallon res. If they are vegging strong, I need to add RO water daily (2=3 gallons). This works for my grows but I am interested in Aquamans method and may try it.Well my system is 4 site with 25gal res. Its never gets that low. In a smaller system you may need to every top up
As usually I would do daily top ups.
Absolutely will reduce the need for frequency of top off and res changes. Also will provide a more stable ph and ppm. But will use more nutrients.Hi Aquaman, If I build a larger res (not a concern, I have some skills) for my next grow, is it possible will I need to do less top offs and water changes? I currently mix and change 25 gallons (the whole shebang) at one time once a week or so.
So 7 days later you throw your perfectly good nutrients out? How much do tiny seedling eat that you need to change it after 7 days?Wow! I been running RDWC for 10 plus years now......and NEVER do any of that! In fact it kinda confused me! LOL!
1. Change your tank every seven days.....
2. Don't use cal/mag
3. Use RO water
Done.
There is no "top up" needed or used in RDWC. You have a epicenter, and a res tank, with a proper system. Your not "topping off" anything.
Until I adopted this method, after YEARS of system design changes trying to fight the problems.....everything fell into place.
It amazes me to see people reinvented the wheel over and over with these attempts at detailed instructions and explaining..... When nothing could be easier really......
Good luck with your topping off and what not.......
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