Condensate

[MoFish]

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried using condensate from AC units/dehumidfiers? Feel like it could be a good option to bring down hardness.

I've not done any tests on water quality, just a thought that popped into my head.

 

[greenfib]

You would have to clean the collection bucket very very often and very thouroughly. It's technically distilled water (from condensation), but it must be full of dust, mold, bacteria and algae, even after a few days. And if it's created from condensation on cold metal pipes, as is often the case, I would ensure it doesn't contain heavy metals. So, I would say it's a bad idea.

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

This topic has been brought up before and the general consensus is that it’s a bad idea.
Collecting rainwater is a much better idea if you can.

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

I’ve chucked gallons of water from our Dehumidifier down the drain and never thought of actually checking the TDS. I must do this some time to see exactly what the readings are. Our Dehumidifier has a built in air filter so I don’t know how much dust gets in?
I’d still be worried about heavy metals though or I could use it for mixing up ferts.

Edit: I’ve just checked, one of my TDS meters read 28, the other 33. I also noticed the top of the reservoir is quite dusty.

 

[simon_the_plant_nerd]

I have a dehumidifier next to my shrimp tank and I’ve topped it up with dehumidifier condensate on a few occasions. I doubt it’s a good idea but I didn’t notice any negative effects (in case you have already done it and are worried!).

I top it up with rainwater from a butt in the garden usually.