Using Condensation water

How are the BluMat watering systems?

  • Never used them

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Heard they are terrible

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I have used them, they are terrible

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • All you need

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Good for base nutrient feeding only

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    2

Doogan

Well-Known Member
For a while now Ive been using condensation water from A/C runoff. It is collected in drums near each room and pumped around as needed. Almost never do I use city/R.O. water. I don't have any mold/fungi issues. The water is less than 20 ppm.

Is filtration a good idea or a "Just in case" type thing.

I have heard of fungi and mold issues with some people. I also have read that there is a potential for heavy metals to be present in the condensation water from A/C units. Metals like copper, zinc, aluminum...

HydroLogic makes a unit called the ARCS (Automated Reclaimed Condensate System). ~$1,300
ARCS product water can then be used for any application requiring pure water and is ideal for horticulture.
  • Perfectly PH Balanced Product Water
  • Ultra-Pure and Contaminant Free
  • Zero Pathogens and Bacteria
  • 2,880 GPD Capacity @ 2 GPM
 

Richard Drysift

Well-Known Member
I've been using condensate water from my dehumidifier in my grow for years with out any issues. It can grow bacteria in it if you let it sit but if you keep your sump clean and use it up right away it's fine for your plants. 20ppm is ok mine is like 12ppm but I augment my water supply with rain that I collect in buckets. Much cheaper than any filtration though I do need to run my RO unit when it's very dry. Condensate is basically distilled water; you might need to add back macros like calmag. I think a unit like that is a total waste of money.
Blumats watering systems are simply a gravity feed reservoir. It doesn't pull moisture from the air; you have to keep the reservoir bucket full to wet your plants but I hear it works well. It's just a ceramic sensor that metes out water to the soil. Guess it would work well for outdoor plants in containers that need constant water supply.
 

MisterBlah

Well-Known Member
So, using condensation water comes with one danger. Legionella bacteria. But if the water is properly draining from the A/C equipment and it is not spending a long time sitting around, then you won't have much to worry about. Regardless, I would still treat the water with a low dose of chlorine. 5mg/L of sodium hypochlorite or about 0.5mL per 10L of a generic household bleach, like 6% or 12%.

While there is a chance of copper, zinc, or aluminum, just remember that those are actually necessary trace nutrients that your plant does need. You might consider sending off a water sample to a lab to get it tested for metals like that, if you're worried. It should cost you like $40.

After that, it's smooth sailing and you don't need any extra equipment. You don't need any filtration. Nothing.
 

Doogan

Well-Known Member
I just set up a BluMat system. I just have heard great things about them. Especially for hard to get to spots or even with high plants numbers. They feed each plant individually so they get hat they need. *Once you dial it in.

Legionella bacteria... How does this effect the plants?
 

Dr. Who

Well-Known Member
I just set up a BluMat system. I just have heard great things about them. Especially for hard to get to spots or even with high plants numbers. They feed each plant individually so they get hat they need. *Once you dial it in.

Legionella bacteria... How does this effect the plants?
Doesn't but, it can kill YOU!

It can become a problem if the condensate is allowed to sit, undisturbed, for periods of time longer then we most likely let it.

If you have a large recovery system, and you let amounts of the water set for some days - aerate it! (bubbler) Potential problem solved!

I have used condensate recovery for years!
 

Doogan

Well-Known Member
Doesn't but, it can kill YOU!

It can become a problem if the condensate is allowed to sit, undisturbed, for periods of time longer then we most likely let it.

If you have a large recovery system, and you let amounts of the water set for some days - aerate it! (bubbler) Potential problem solved!

I have used condensate recovery for years!
Thanks. I use it all the time. Perpetually. I was reading and found some article to stand out. I got a little nervous. The longest it sits for is a few days.

So filtration eliminates just about any chances of microbial/fungal/spore or even metals (which I doubt with using new AC units) from entering your feeding system.

Thanks again.
 

MeJuana

Well-Known Member
I don't collect it from my a/c drip pan but if my dehumidifier has been running so the water has been dripping out steadily I disconnect the drainage hose then drop it right into my feed reservoir. For the humid months here it keeps my reservoir full enough and I mix in Cal Mag Plus until I get 100-200ppm and that's what I do. Times like now I have to let my RO tank filllup then I run it to my feed reservoir and do the same adjust to 100-200ppm. I tasted it first, very scientific method used in cannabis cultivation. I taste my run off too but I am not recommending that on any of the threads I participate on either lol

What's it taste like when it needs a flush you wonder? Extra mineral salty with a metalic ring to it, like a lot more than when you normally taste your run off. mmm strange water, could be verrrry dangerous! hold on i'm going to swish some in my mouth.
 
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