FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

TrapsAndDews wrote: ↑Thu Apr 07, 2022 12:01 am I think it varies throughout the year, but the highest I've seen anywhere in the city was around 200.

Oh, ok. I guess you could occasionally test the water and just use it when the ppm is low enough. You would just need to have an extra jug of distilled water around in case the ppm is too high.

Our water ppm is 200 indoors and about 175 from the hose. Will using the water from the hose with my zero water filter work? Or will it make the filter go bad faster?

100s and 200s are fine. You just don't want the 600s like we have here.

TrapsAndDews wrote: ↑Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:38 am Our water ppm is 200 indoors and about 175 from the hose. Will using the water from the hose with my zero water filter work? Or will it make the filter go bad faster?

Most houses are plumbed with the same water on tap as comes out of the hose. The difference in PPM is likely due to the temperature difference.

For just a couple gallons a week, a solar still might do the trick. After spending a few dollars in material to make, it's free to operate.

MikeB wrote: ↑Fri Apr 29, 2022 3:03 am For just a couple gallons a week, a solar still might do the trick. After spending a few dollars in material to make, it's free to operate.

I tried that. Apparently they don't work too well. I only got a half a cup of water per day. 5 x 5 ft solar still.

thepitchergrower wrote: ↑Fri Apr 29, 2022 3:08 am I tried that. Apparently they don't work too well. I only got a half a cup of water per day. 5 x 5 ft solar still.

What color was the interior? Black is preferred because it absorbs a lot more heat.

thepitchergrower wrote: ↑Fri Apr 29, 2022 3:08 am I tried that. Apparently they don't work too well. I only got a half a cup of water per day. 5 x 5 ft solar still.

Post a pic of your setup. I have a 3x3 still that gets at least a pint a day, usually more, depending on the weather. I use translucent plastic drop cloth.

I did the make a hole in the ground method. Now that I've moved to a house with a nice (ish)lawn, instead of crab grass and weeds, I probably shouldn't be digging in the ground. So I'll probably have to build a proper setup. Could I see pictures of your setup?

You don’t need to dig a hole! Here’s the frame for one of mine. I made it out of broken pallets: And here’s one with the plastic. It’s clipped on the corners so the water drips down the middle. You can see all the condensation already collecting on the surface first thing in the morning. I think clear works better than black because you get greenhouse effect.