A very different watering question - Orchid Board

Ross · #1 10-12-2006, 12:33 PM

Has anyone tried collecting the condensate water from a high efficiency natural gas furnace and used that water (which I presume is soft) for watering orchids? Normally it goes down the drain, but I thought I could collect it in 5-gallon pail. Also, what about the water from a de-humidifier?

littlefrog · #2 10-12-2006, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsfrid

Has anyone tried collecting the condensate water from a high efficiency natural gas furnace and used that water (which I presume is soft) for watering orchids? Normally it goes down the drain, but I thought I could collect it in 5-gallon pail. Also, what about the water from a de-humidifier?

I used to collect water from the dehumidifier for orchids. Actually I'd add it into my RO water container, so I never actually used straight dehumidifier water... But it should work. Don't drink it. It is effectively distilled water, there shouldn't be much in it. Maybe a bit of copper from the coils and whatever dust and schmutz has collected there.

Tindomul · #3 10-12-2006, 01:28 PM

On what surface is it collecting on? Not paint I hope. Obviously not, or you would be freaking out over your paint job.

It should be fine as long as the water is not dissolving any nasty chemicals onto it where it condenses.

Ross · #4 10-12-2006, 03:41 PM

My de-humidifier is in thje basement (as, I suspect, most folks' are) and only collects (via ice) the ambient humidity and then thaws the ice into a little "jug" attached to the device. I just thought it might be a way to collect a bit of "free" water before I throw it away down the drain.

justatypn · #5 10-12-2006, 05:40 PM

Sounds like a great idea, should be free of contaminants if its in your basement...basement

whats that ...

Ross · #6 10-12-2006, 05:56 PM

That's what we NORTHERNERNERS have ! BTW, my Dad and Sister live in Lutz (Tampa) and I know the limitations (and oportunities) of Southern Livinging.

justatypn · #7 10-12-2006, 07:23 PM

I remember Lutz being a sleepy town, many years ago, Southern living, and no I am not a ya'll kinda person. From PA myself but only know the southern way. Honestly though if we had a basement my husband would have his breakfast nook set up accordingly

Ray · #8 10-14-2006, 09:35 AM

Air conditionar and dehumidifer water is just "lazy" distillation.

When we intentionally distill water, we heat it to cause vaporization of the water molecules, leaving behind the dissolved minerals, then cool the vapor and collect the pure liquid.

A/C units and dehumidifiers are merely the second half of that process, having relied on mother nature to do the evaporating.

Keep in mind that you're now working with pure water, so you cannot use your normal fertilizer as-is. They are formulated for use in water bearing dissolved minerals. Those minerals protect the solution from wild pH swings - buffering. Without those dissolved minerals, those fertilizers will push the pH to being way too acidic for your plants, so you'll have to adjust it upwards by using a "pH Up" from the local aquarium store, or an additive like Dyna-Gro Pro-teKt. ...or mix in some tapwater. It won't be as pure, but it may be sufficiently buffered.

Ross · #9 10-14-2006, 09:44 AM

Thanks Ray. I think I'll try just mixing the water I collect with tap water since the de-humidifier doesn't run much in winter and perhaps a bit of R.O. water (say 50/50) with city water. Hadn't thought about pH but since I have a garden pond I am pretty well set for plant-safe chemicals.