What is RO water?

[Vanessa]

When you refer to it in S/H.

[cb977]

Hi Vanessa

RO stands for Reverse Osmosis...
for an explanation of what that is, we'll have to wait for somebody else to answer

I have an RO system set up on my kitchen sink but wouldn't know how to explain the details...mainly because I don't know them

[Ross]

Let me take a crack at it (I sort of understand how it works, but will bow to those much more knowledgeable). RO water is called "pure water" because units that produce RO water remove all dissolved solids and bacteria and other matter down to a "pure" state. Depending on how well maintained all the filters, etc. are, it is feasible to achieve purity of 99%+ H2O with no additives. This is, essentially, distilled water. In a very simplistic description water is forced through a membrane with microscopic pores to remove floating (non-disolved) solids. Then it is passed through a variety of filters that further remove dissolved solid material like calcium or salts. I am skipping lots of stuff and taking liberties with the description of the process.

A few things to consider. While RO units are inexpensive to install and maintain, they must be maintained. This means regular replacement of all the filters. The better ones can have 4-5 filters of various sorts and duties. It can mean replacement of the semi-permiable membrane (rare, but does happen). These units are very efficient at reducing the impurities in most water. You can purchase the same water from many grocery stores at water stations maintain by Culligen by bringing in your own jugs. I've seen it as low as 30 cents a gallon with your own jug. I pay a bit over $19 per month to rent one from Culligen, but they maintain the unit and replace filters, etc. Hope this helps.

[Vanessa]

Thank you both. I think I made a boo boo. I ordered a starter kit from FirstRays for s/h to try for a couple of my orchids. The water option I checked was for RO water...not knowing what it was (not bright I know) and it's already shipped. What can I substitute for RO water. I should have read up on it more.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

Thank you both. I think I made a boo boo. I ordered a starter kit from FirstRays for s/h to try for a couple of my orchids. The water option I checked was for RO water...not knowing what it was (not bright I know) and it's already shipped. What can I substitute for RO water. I should have read up on it more.

No problem. Just go to grocery store and purchase RO or distilled water or, better yet, collect rainwater. That will work too. Unless you have a greenhouse, for a few plants purchasing RO or distilled water is not unreasonable. It's still a better option that attempting to grow with water that might have high dissolved solids (in my opinion).

[Vanessa]

Music to my ears, Ross. thanks!

[cb977]

In case you were wondering...the rainwater Ross mentioned is clear liquid stuff that I'm told falls from the sky! Can you imagine such a thing!!!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by cb977

In case you were wondering...the rainwater Ross mentioned is clear liquid stuff that I'm told falls from the sky! Can you imagine such a thing!!!

That we get a lot of up here in the north (Yankee Country)

[Vanessa]

Yes, I vaguely remember rain water. We are still in high drought conditions so no rain water...........Yet! Soon the rainy season (I hope, it's late this year) will be upon me and I'll have more than enough....I can even send everyone else some in case you don't have enough...

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

Yes, I vaguely remember rain water. We are still in high drought conditions so no rain water...........Yet! Soon the rainy season (I hope, it's late this year) will be upon me and I'll have more than enough....I can even send everyone else some in case you don't have enough...

Vanessa, are you by any chance in Cape Coral or Ft Myers? If so, the RO water supply they provide there will be death on orchids. Buy the Culligen stuff. Much safer.