how do YOU save RO reject water?

[Gary Majchrzak]

so let's assume skimmate is 1.026

so let's assume skimmate is 1.026

I add a cup of it to 55 gallons of reject water and SG is going to be insignificant to most plants. Even the amount of organic fertilizer is going to be insignificant. This really isn't going to be worth my bother.

Saving the reject water could be worth my bother, though.
I'm wasting a lot of water to make 55 gallons of RO.

 

[skidoctor]

I figured it was salty, although I've never tasted it. I did see the video of the girl chugging a cup of it- maybe I'll ask her. But I agree with Gary that if it is diluted to to the point were the salinity won't kill plants, I don't think the organics will actually fertilize either. seems like a lot of work for nothing when i can just go buy miracle-gro. But then again what is fish emulsion? I know that is a great fertilizer.

 

[ibmgeek]

Washing machine, I trained wife she knows when top off low she make more Ro, done it for years.

 

[talon4x4]

I can't imaging the salt would hurt the plants too much. My tank is right near my from door. So, when I do a watch change that water goes right into the front garden (40 or so gallons). I've been doing it that way for 5+ years now. Absolutely no dead plants and great growth from the stuff that does live there.

As for waste water, used to water plants with it. Kind of got sick of lugging the water upstairs and outside though, so down the drain it goes now. I was thinking about adding a booster pump to the waste water line and running it outside.

 

[softieatheart]

Skimmate is pure fertilizer. Think about what's in there...

I doubt that a cup of it added to 35 gallons would do much harm due to salinity. I'm not even sure if it would have any salinity? Time for an experiment, Doctor...

I don't think this is a good idea. It would be fine at first probably, maybe even for a few weeks, but eventually the salt level in the soil would build up and be too much for the plant.

 

[softieatheart]

I can't imaging the salt would hurt the plants too much. My tank is right near my from door. So, when I do a watch change that water goes right into the front garden (40 or so gallons). I've been doing it that way for 5+ years now. Absolutely no dead plants and great growth from the stuff that does live there.

Yeah, but an outdoor garden has the benefit of rain and also potentially, the hose. Fresh water would help wash away accumulated salts in between water changes. Also there is a big difference between a garden and a restrictive pot.

 

[SquidwardTentacles]

Interesting thread. Someone actually drank skimate on TV? At my worst in college... not a chance.

Interesting on the salinity test of it though. I wouldn't have guessed that but can't argue with real data!