Coconut Chips from Ray

[MT-Phal]

Originally Posted by Ray

Even though I could view this as a criticism of me and my products, I think it's funny, as the "issue" is based upon an erroneous assumption that color coming from CHC is due to salt content.

In the first place, salt in water is totally clear, so you'd never know if it's present by a visual inspection anyway.

As has been stated, the color comes from tannins, which are present in all CHC and bark, are totally harmless, and in some opinions, actually help stabilize the medium pH in the correct, slightly acidic range.

For the record, the stuff I sell is the same Crystal Company CHC carried by many sellers. It states on the label that it is prewashed, but my personal experience with it and other brands is to be conservative and treat it as if it was not, as salt content can be toxic to plants if it's too high. Hence, I recommend a presoak with calcium nitrate and/or Epsom salts to be safe.

MT-Phal, go to a drug store or grocery store and pick up some Epsom Salts. it's a great fertilizer supplement, and used when pretreating any medium, will give you great peace-of-mind.

And please, in the future, if you have an issue with one of my products, how about approaching me first?

Ray, this was no criticism of you or your products so you shouldn't take offense. I asked this in the forum because I was just curious about other's experience with the same product, in the same way that I tend to read amazon customer reviews of things I've already bought. There's often things to learn about the experience of others. I can't remember where I read of how to prepare CHC, but it stated that the water should be clear. CHS I've used in the past didn't produce "tannis," and this is the first time I've ever seen the term. If this was misinformation it wasn't my fault.

That being said, I must say that I'm very appreciative of this board and everything that I've learned from it in the years I've been a part of the community. It's been an invaluable help. However I have to say that I'm leaving this board as it seems there four types of posters - beginners seeking fundamental information, those who some experience and offer help where they can, those who ask to see pictures then have nothing to offer, and older, experienced growers who can be quite arrogant in their replies and / or don't often bother to read an entire post before sending a reply. It's quite maddening to have to repeat questions or statements b/c someone just couldn't be bothered to read, or feel belittled. Only on the rare occasion have I seen members come and go for the latter reason, and seems it's my time.

I think I've learned enough to feel that this board really doesn't have much more education to offer me, and I no longer feel comfortable within this forum.

So peace out, Orchid Board.