Using water from a dehumidifier?

[Carthoris]

I was considering getting a RO system(100 bucks maybe). Then I realized all it is really doing is removing everything from water. Distilling water does more or less the same thing. I have a big dehumidifier that can produce more than enough water for my grow. I can easily hook it up to a 50 gallon drum, the dehumidifier even has a water hose out line and float valve built in. I would just raise the dehumidifier to the level I want to barrel to fill at. I realize I would have to clean and sanitize it prior to use. Would I have any other issues using this water? The dehumidifier would only cost me a barrel and some fittings since it already runs 24/7. The RO system would be 75 or so for the system, then the barrel and fittings. Then I would need to run water to the room.

What does everyone think?

 

[comed]

the water from the dehumidifier would include dust, mold, spores, etc... that float in the air. most dehumidifiers are basically a contained ac unit that collects condensation from the cooled coils then mixes the cooled air with the warm air so as to not change the temp - just collects moisture from the air. the problem is that it also collects the contaminants from the air.(depending on how your particular dehumidifier works). what you need for water really depends on your local water type - but an RO unit will work anywhere with any water and you know you are getting the cleanest water you can. one less thing to worry about.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5255040_can-use-dehumidifier-water.html

 

[Carthoris]

the water from the dehumidifier would include dust, mold, spores, etc... that float in the air. most dehumidifiers are basically a contained ac unit that collects condensation from the cooled coils then mixes the cooled air with the warm air so as to not change the temp - just collects moisture from the air. the problem is that it also collects the contaminants from the air.(depending on how your particular dehumidifier works). what you need for water really depends on your local water type - but an RO unit will work anywhere with any water and you know you are getting the cleanest water you can. one less thing to worry about.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5255040_can-use-dehumidifier-water.html

I have been using tap water for about 3 years. My tap water is 100-150ppm generally. My grow is getting to be a major hobby that I really enjoy doing so I am looking to take it to the next level. I am already air cooled 600w, dehumidified, I have an AC ducted directly into the grow tent. I generally use the Lucas Formula but I am considering going to something more complex/controllable. The thought with the dehumidifier was more to use the waste water for something and not have to dump the water from it all the time. I am split between RO, CO2, bigger light, or a blue lab guardian controller(I already have a SMS120 ph meter). Of course, there are probably other things too that I could consider.

 

[powerslide]

on that list i would either go bigger light or CO2. I would continue dumping the water and not risk it

 

[bigv1976]

As stated above you do not want to use water from a dehumidifier. You will definately get sick plants. If you let your tap water sit in a container for 12 hours or so with no lid on it it will be fine for soil grows. Even better than that would be to put a rain barrell outside to collect rain. That is great water to use unless you live in an industrial area.

 

[Toolage 87]

Like everyone else said don't use water from that. was watching a show where they use recycled stuff to build things with and they built a water purification unit and they used Ozone to clean the water with. I have no idea how well that works and if its good to use but might be worth looking into it.

 

[Carthoris]

As stated above you do not want to use water from a dehumidifier. You will definately get sick plants. If you let your tap water sit in a container for 12 hours or so with no lid on it it will be fine for soil grows. Even better than that would be to put a rain barrell outside to collect rain. That is great water to use unless you live in an industrial area.

This is a picture of my setup.

I have never used anything but tap water straight from the tap, chlorine(Chloramine) and all. I think this is a major reason why I don't get root rot actually. I have never noticed any issues with using the city water. I was just thinking to expand to having complete control over the water supply. My tent (DR120 Secret Jardin) is a 4x4 so I could run a 1000w in there with CO2.

 

[mrduke]

i've been draining my dehu. into my res for years with never a problem. it keeps the res topped off and the ph is almost spot on. plus where do you think the water comes from???? it water vapor from your plants and off your res/medium. recycle,reuse, and reep the rewards.