Hi Charles: I use a system like you describe. I decided to get my RO unit from a local hydroponics supplier. I chose this route because I get local, hands on support and parts, they were also competitive on price.
I use a 100 gal per day unit which fills a 30 gallon plastic garbage can in about 8 hours. I use a submersible sump pump, from Home Depot; it comes with a garden hose discharge fitting. I burned out a few cheapo pumps so this is not a component I recommend you skimp on. My reservoir is in the growing area, I don't use a heater I simply let the water sit for a few days. I'm in western NY so my winter tap water temperature is fairly cold in the winter. I've had no water temperature related problems in the two years I've used this system and some of my plants are sensitive to cold water. One chemical used for chlorine removal is sodium thiosulphate. I wouldn't recommend this to remove chlorine. BTW, good water quality is a relative term. Hard water can be considered good by your local water authority but bad by your orchids. Hope this helps. Gary -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charles Ufford Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 4:51 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [OGD] r/o units in U.S. Hello all, Question for North American members: I am looking to purchase a small reverse-osmosis system to be shipped to Upstate NY and am wondering where you have seen and purchased units, best units and best prices. It won't have to be a large capacity system as I am not a greenhouse grower. I'll probably store in a large garbage can, and will also need info about a submersible pump that I can hook a garden hose to, or at least has that size fitting. Will most likely use a submersible water-heater aquarium type to keep temps up in Winter. I have had some problems with a few species that probably didn't like the chlorine in the municipal water supply, so bought a water filter that is supposed to remove 'virtually all chlorine'. Problem is that I've seen discoloration and plant death and other negative results that lead me to believe that my filter is of the type discussed on this forum months ago, and the water has less chlorine but now more sodium and such in it. Things looked better before the filter........ This area is supposed to have good water quality but the chlorine bothers things. I the water were r/o, then I know that would be one problem eliminated. Along other lines, there are chemicals in the aquarium trade that remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water that is going to be used for fish/plants in an aquarium setting. Is there anybody out there that knows about these chemicals and that if the treated water were used on orchids, it wouldn't hurt them? I know that they are supposed to be safe for the fish and water plants, but then of course my orchids cost alot more than the fish I have bought in the past, and I don't feel like making an assumption that could jeopardize my collection! (of course reef systems are much more expensive so a chemical would have to be safe for them as well) thanks for your help, charles -- Charles Ufford Oriskany, NY USA IPA, Central NY and Southern Tier Orchid Societies www.cnyos.org www.geocities.com/charlesufford _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
