What Is Reverse Osmosis Water And How To Use It For Cannabis?
The advancements in marijuana cultivation are captivating. Breeders create exciting new strains, while growers fine-tune techniques in search of perfection. The method of using reverse osmosis water for cannabis cultivation is fascinating.
Are you a curious novice or an experienced cultivator seeking new ways to enhance your marijuana growing process? Reverse osmosis can boost the quality of your crop. Some claim it’s superior to tap water, while others are against the method.
Join us as we explore the pros and cons of growing cannabis with reverse osmosis water. Discover why this cultivation technique causes debate among marijuana farmers.
Let’s cut through the smoke!
What is reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a mechanism to purify water through a high-pressure filtration system. This process removes approximately 95–99% of dissolved solids, minerals, and contaminants.
RO water isn’t a natural occurrence in our environment. H2O collects elements from numerous sources on earth, from minerals in rivers to sea salts.
Most of the water on our planet isn’t safe for human consumption without some form of cleaning mechanism.
The RO filtration process removes microorganisms such as bacteria and other contaminants. Entire nations rely on this purification technique to provide safe drinking water for millions. Small-scale systems are also in many homes worldwide.
Using RO water for cannabis plants can be beneficial in various ways, but the method drives debate.
Many view the process as unnatural or too expensive, while others claim it’s the ultimate cannabis watering system.
How does an RO system for cannabis work?
Producing RO water for plants requires a reverse osmosis system. The mechanism scale varies, but the principle is the same.
An RO machine uses extreme pressure to push water through a semipermeable membrane, acting as a filter.
Most reverse osmosis systems for cannabis use a thin, three-layer film to trap about 99% of particles in water.
Unfortunately, the process is wasteful since it only produces one gallon of purified water for every four that pass through.
Reverse osmosis for growing weed is an investment, but the mechanism arguably provides the best water for cannabis cultivation.
The benefits of reverse osmosis water for cannabis
The advantages of RO for cultivating cannabis are vast. Weed plants have fundamental requirements, like nutrients and correct pH levels. Fine-tuning your medium to meet the exact needs of a specific strain improves the quality.
RO water contains none of these basic cannabis requirements, so how is it suitable for developing plants? Let’s look at the benefits of a reverse osmosis system for growing weed:
- Precision: RO water allows growers to add exact quantities of nutrients to suit individual strains.
- Purity: Cultivators don’t have to worry about contaminants or impurities with reverse osmosis. The filtration process also removes chlorine and other chemicals that tap water contains.
- Perfect pH: An essential part of cultivation is the acidity of your medium. The ideal pH level for cannabis in soil is usually around 6.5. RO water conveniently settles in the 6–6.5 range. Adding nutrients can change the conditions, so ensure to check frequently.
- Home use: Reverse osmosis is ideal for growing plants at home. A small-scale indoor setup requires much less water than an outdoor crop.
- Germinating: RO water is excellent for growing young crops. The lack of nutrients means you control the amount and negate harmful chemical exposure as sensitive seeds sprout.
An RO system for cannabis is especially useful in growing hydroponic weed. Reverse osmosis provides the perfect starting medium for the specific needs of marijuana developing entirely in water.
The primary appeal of RO is it allows growers to create the perfect medium with incredible accuracy. Using reverse osmosis for cannabis requires some experience, but fine-tuning plant production to this level produces phenomenal results.
Whether cultivating in soil, pellets, or a homemade hydroponic grow box, RO water offers enormous benefits.
The disadvantages of reverse osmosis for cannabis
The disadvantages of RO water for cannabis plants drive debate about its use. Some weed growers are passionately against reverse osmosis for various reasons, including:
- The unnatural aspect: Some cultivators desire only organic cannabis. They view reverse osmosis water for plants as an artificial way of growing marijuana.
- Waste: An RO system requires enormous quantities of regular water to produce a relatively small pure amount. Some see this as wasteful and unnecessary harm to the environment.
- Financial costs: The price of an RO system for cannabis often turns growers away. There’s no getting around how expensive the machine is. It’s possible to build a DIY version, but even the parts are costly.
- Extra effort: RO water alone lacks everything a cannabis plant needs to develop. To reap the benefits of reverse osmosis, precise knowledge of a strain’s chemical and nutritional requirements is necessary.
The debate around this method of growing weed is complex. There are valid arguments for and against reverse osmosis water for cannabis. Some aspects are subjective, though.
Cost is relative to the consumer, and the notion of “natural” water depends on personal definitions.
While reverse osmosis isn’t organic, counter-arguments include the metal pipes, recycling, and filtration around regular water. Is there a significant difference?
A negative perspective of RO water as unnatural for growing weed is subjective. Personal preference is the primary factor regarding reverse osmosis for cannabis.
Using nutrients with RO water for cannabis plants
Employing a reverse osmosis system for growing weed necessitates fertilizer for cannabis. RO water is useless without a precise supply of essential elements for marijuana growth.
All cannabis plants require potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Individual strains thrive with exact amounts of micronutrients and the correct pH level.
Reverse osmosis alone doesn’t feed cannabis plants as regular water can, but introducing precise substances can make RO superior. The results depend on your attention to detail, whether growing in soil or a hydroponic setup.
FAQs about reverse osmosis for cannabis
Here are some commonly asked questions about reverse osmosis for cannabis, with answers from our experts.
Reverse osmosis vs. distilled water: Which is better?
Whether you choose reverse osmosis or distilled water is dependent on various factors. RO liquid is free from impurities and contaminants. It also allows growers to fine-tune the plant’s nutrient uptake for optimal results.
The drawbacks of reverse osmosis include its environmental impact and high price.
Some growers also view reverse osmosis water for cannabis cultivation as unnatural.
There’s substantial debate surrounding the method. Choosing between RO and distilled H2O depends on personal preference and suitability.
How do you store reverse osmosis water?
Storing reverse osmosis water isn’t complicated, but the proper space is essential. RO H2O can last up to two years in the right conditions. Store it in a cool dark place, away from sunlight and oxygen.
Does reverse osmosis change pH, and why does it matter for cannabis?
Reverse osmosis systems for cannabis produce water with a pH level of 6–6.5. Weed plants, especially in soil, thrive in this slightly acidic condition. Individual strains have different needs. Using RO water is excellent for precisely adjusting pH levels.
Acidity can change as you add other nutrients. This aspect of cannabis maintenance is crucial for optimizing your plants’ potential and keeping them healthy. Keep checking the pH to maintain ideal conditions.
Reverse osmosis is a revelation
Reverse osmosis is among many fascinating methods cultivators employ to achieve the perfect harvest. Are you interested in cultivating cannabis? Dive into the experience with RO water and discover its incredible potential.
Check out our online seed store to see our premium range of high-quality products. Discover the best varieties to suit your preferences, and start growing weed today.
About the author: Parker Curtis
Parker Curtis has around a decade of cannabis-growing experience, specialising in soil-less and hydro grows. He’s mastering outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor grows.