FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

I want to get some sort of filtration system for my CPs. I don't want to constantly buy water from the store. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm looking for:
1. Inexpensive
2. Will Be Safe For My CPs
3. Gives Me At Least 2 Gallons Per Week

I believe zerowater is the cheapest. I got mine for $16.

i dont have any cheap suggestions, but ive found dehumififier water works well

thepitchergrower wrote: ↑Tue Apr 05, 2022 5:33 pm I believe zerowater is the cheapest. I got mine for $16.

What's the water TDS? How much does it filter, and how often do you need to change the filters?

Bill Phoenix wrote: ↑Tue Apr 05, 2022 5:34 pm i dont have any cheap suggestions, but ive found dehumififier water works well

The problem with that is we have low humidity indoors, and using a dehumidifier would make that even lower.

You're in Washington, but on the wrong side of the Cascades to get reliable rain water, otherwise I'd say just put a bucket outside.
The Zero water pitchers do get the water to zero PPM TDS, or very close to it. However, you need to test the water with a TDS meter regularly as the filters are known to shed the ions back into the water once they become saturated.
It is an inexpensive option, but one that will give you the two gallons per week for quite some time.

For 2 gallons/week I would also recommend the Zero Filter. It takes it down to 0 TDS and gradually builds up in time until you replace the filter. I don't have any info on how frequently this is. It would depend on what TDS your starting water is.

ChefDean wrote: ↑Tue Apr 05, 2022 6:06 pm You're in Washington, but on the wrong side of the Cascades to get reliable rain water, otherwise I'd say just put a bucket outside.

If I was on the Western side, I probably wouldn't even need to water my plants.

Panman wrote: ↑Tue Apr 05, 2022 6:06 pm For 2 gallons/week I would also recommend the Zero Filter. It takes it down to 0 TDS and gradually builds up in time until you replace the filter. I don't have any info on how frequently this is. It would depend on what TDS your starting water is.

Ok, I just didn't want to pay a fortune in filters.

I collect rain water and use a zero filter for back up for my inside plants. Also in the summer time i put floating plants in my water tubs, keeps the water clean and clear.

Ok. I think I'll go with the zero water filtration system.

TrapsAndDews wrote: ↑Wed Apr 06, 2022 4:41 am Ok. I think I'll go with the zero water filtration system.

Check your TDS first. If it is high (>300ppm) the zero water filters may last for only about 20 gals before they have to be replaced.

I don't have a TDS meter, but I checked the city's water quality reports. It appears our water here has a TDS around 54-90 ppm. (I hope that it is still accurate because it was published in 2020.)

If it's that low, you might just be able to water them with that. It's a touch more than ideal (50ppm or less), but I think that should still work for you.

I think it varies throughout the year, but the highest I've seen anywhere in the city was around 200.

A zero filter comes with a tds meter.