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Post by gatorgirl7563 on Apr 21, 2010 18:03:03 GMT
I live on a lake -- not a pond, or ditch, or puddle.
There's multiple turtle species, dozens of fish species, mallards, wood ducks, cranes, salamanders, etc. The water is crystal[/b] clear.
Every decent source I have read says to use distilled, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater because of minerals and chemicals in the water.
Surely my lake, with so many different sensitive creatures, has suitably clean water. Right?
I can't think of a way for anyone to know for sure short of some laboratory test, but if I wanted to try lake water, how would I know if it was harming my CP (preferably well-before my plant got to the turning black stage).
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williamg
Full Member
D. roseana
Posts: 129
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Post by williamg on Apr 21, 2010 18:46:49 GMT
Most CPs find "hard" water harmful due to its mineral levels, or chemicals found in the water. Lake water maybe ok, but I would first take a sample and boil it all the water away. This may sound strange, but I've found it can be a quick and dirty indication of how much disolved minerals are in the water. If their is little to no bulidup on the bottom of the pan, the water would probably be ok to use but could have pesticides or other harmful chemicals in it. If their is a large build up, I wouldn't use it. Also, some species of plants are more sensitive to water then other, and I have found the flytrap not horribly senstive. This is my two cents, and I would take this advice at face value. William
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Post by Aidan on Apr 21, 2010 18:47:41 GMT
There's multiple turtle species, dozens of fish species, mallards, wood ducks, cranes, salamanders, etc. The water is crystal[/b] clear.[/quote] Which indicates that the water quality is suitable for those particular organisms.Surely my lake, with so many different sensitive creatures, has suitably clean water. Right? Not necessarily. Without testing or unless you can find carnivorous plants growing around the margins of the lake, there is no way of knowing.
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Post by gatorgirl7563 on Apr 21, 2010 19:35:50 GMT
Thank you.
I guess I figured that so many thriving species was an indicator of unpolluted water.
I will try the boiling thing (and pray).
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williamg
Full Member
D. roseana
Posts: 129
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Post by williamg on Apr 21, 2010 21:14:09 GMT
i wouldn't be too worried about killing the plant with just one or two waterings. It is only when it is done long term that it can damage a plant.
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Post by peterhewitt on Apr 22, 2010 9:37:53 GMT
Its not only the level of pollution, in the water you should be concerned about, but the level of dissolved solids in the water. The water could be Crystal clear and still contain high levels of dissolved solids. Just take a sample of water to your nearest pool care shop. they can test it for you.
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Post by Alexis on Apr 23, 2010 9:54:35 GMT
Chances are it will be perfectly safe, but it's worth trying it gingerly on one plant at first.
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