EC question

Summit · Feb 2, 2009

I recently read that it is important for soil growers to know the EC level of the tap water being used. Is this true? Why do I need to knows?

mace · Feb 3, 2009

EC is a way to read the dissolved solids in your water. It will let you know the base rate at which your ppm's for your feed will start. It can also let you know if you're going to be dealing with hard water.
All of those issues can lead to nutrient lockouts, it's less important for soil growers but still important to know.

FastForward · Feb 3, 2009

Knowing the EC of your tapwater allows you to know how much of your feed is actually nutrient, and how much is the dissolved crap in tapwater.

i.e. If you've got shitty tapwater like me @ EC0.6, if I'm feeding my plants a nutrient mix @ EC1.6 only 1.0 of that is nutrient...the rest is tapwater crud. If you've got softer water (e.g. EC0.2) that same mix will give EC1.4 to the plants.

It can mean the difference between burning/overfeeding and not....and so that's why knowing your background tapwater EC is a good idea. Not essential though imho. HTH.

Summit · Feb 3, 2009

Thanks for the info guys! Is there a way to find the Ec without buying one of those EC meters ($50-$75)

Rootbound · Feb 3, 2009

I think EC is pretty important with using tap water. I had all kinds of problems starting out with tap water and using the recomended fert. dosage. I then picked up a PPM or EC meter . My tap water is 1.3-1.4= 650-700ppm= :surprised!!!!! I use RO water now and fert. at half the recomended rate, The ladies couldnt be happier!!!!!!!!You can pick up a ppm meter for around $20-30 dollars on ebay. RB

LonDanZ · Feb 3, 2009

Rootbound said:
My tap water is 1.3-1.4= 650-700ppm= :surprised!!!!!

jeez is that even legal? there must be some shit in your drinking water

Rootbound · Feb 3, 2009

Yes its horrible. I think over 500ppm the epa recommends as to high. City tap water at its finest. RB

Limeygreen · Feb 3, 2009

pH is an issue too. My pH of tapwater is around 7.3-7.2 so it takes a slight bit to adjust it. IMO pH testing would be a better to judge then adjust your ferts according to what you see in the plants. If you're not sure look for pictures of defiencies etc or just put your pictures on the forums and see what people say. Lots of folks like to help if you're willing to put them up. Could help save some money or you might try some aquairum tests for nitrites (or nitrates can't remember which think its ites) and phosphates to see the levels but I think if you see yellow and purple you'd be good to know you're lacking something. Just MHO

Shack · Feb 3, 2009

I to have horrendus tap water , around 500 ppm. In my books a meter is essential for healthy growth. You can get a decent one for 75 - 100 bucks. I originally used a r/o unit but outgrew it with 2 fifty gallon reservoirs. If you are using a PPM meter for testing your nutients it's hard to do that without knowing your base ppm. Good luck and grow on !

astro · Feb 3, 2009

Solved the tap water problem a couple years ago with a $ 50.00 Water Maker Mini off e-bay. PPM of about 12 after was about 300 before. I clamp it on to the faucet at night and have about 4 gal. when I get up. Cheaper than the big set-ups and no cutting into pipes and no holding tanks.

tenacious · Feb 4, 2009

soil is an excelent buffer. which makes water quality less important when compared to hydro. IMO
i had to grow my last run 'on the cheap'.....i cut as many corners as i thought i could get away w/. i did not use any form of tds,ec,ph meter for the entire grow.

EC question

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EC question

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