New to Reverse Osmosis

[orchidlover69]

I purchased an R/O system in the last month and have been watering with it exclusively. My plants are experiencing a white chalky looking substance building up on the media. Is this the salts that have built up leeching out?

[johnblagg]

just bumping this ...I want to hear the answer as well....

[vmax3000]

That seems odd. Are you using a fertilizer? Is the RO system working adequately (as in the filters and pressure seals seated properly)? I, too, look forward to hearing what others with experience might say.

[orchidlover69]

I suppose I could have the water tested. The filter is an under counter model that comes preassembled, short of pressure fittings for the tubing.

I have fertilized once, weakly. Also have used superthrive.

Originally Posted by vmax3000

That seems odd. Are you using a fertilizer? Is the RO system working adequately (as in the filters and pressure seals seated properly)? I, too, look forward to hearing what others with experience might say.

[Ray]

If it's assembled and installed properly, and you allowed it to run for an hour or two after installation to flush the preservatives out of it,you should be seeing nothing attributed to the water.

[DavidCampen]

I use this Hanna Instruments handheld TDS meter:
http://www.hannainst.com/usa/prods2....ProdCode=TDS 1
You can buy one for about $15.

Originally Posted by orchidlover69

I suppose I could have the water tested. The filter is an under counter model that comes preassembled, short of pressure fittings for the tubing.

I have fertilized once, weakly. Also have used superthrive.

[orchidlover69]

Status update:
So I think I have tracked down the problem. The water going into the RO filter comes from our softener as we are on well water. The softener is a mechanical kinetico unit. Apparently the gearset that keeps track of usage for the regeneration cycle had kicked the bucket. As the cold water was presenting 450 grains of hardness, I am guessing that the filter has not been able to keep itself clean. I am planning on ordering more filters, to keep in inventory regardless. Anyone have thoughts on this theory?

[DavidCampen]

When you order new filters (do you mean RO membranes?) you should also get an inexpensive handheld TDS meter.

If an RO membrane fails because of high water hardness I would expect it to clog and stop producing. It would be really usefull for you to have a handheld TDS meter.

[orchidlover69]

I'll add that tds meter to my next eBay run.

[Discus]

I expect (I am no expert) that it would be better to take the RO water feed off before your softener.