good use for skimmer waste.

[philakapd]

Hello all,

I've been running an experiment outside of my tank for about three months now. I noticed my household plants were looking a little on the weak side, (limp looking brown leaves). I thought it was probably a nutrient problem. I've had the same soil in the pots for years. Before adding miracle gro or changing the soil, I thought about adding some skimate from my 135.

I was concerned about the salinity levels and fat content but decided to try the experiment anyhow. There has been a great response from the plant life. They have never looked better. I don't know how long this will last; they could all be dead in the morning. I added a couple of ounces in each pot on a weekly basis. I "washed" it in with some tap water to disperse the minerals evenly throughout the soil and to help with any odor which may occur. No odor or bug infestation has been noted.

Just wanted to share

Phil

 

[newreefman1]

heh,

I did the same thing and got more colorful plants but I think I OD'd them as they bloomed very quickly and then seemed to cycle themselves 10X too fast
LOL

J

 

[Jeff Hood]

I have heard over time if you use water with a high sodium contend that it will eventually cause the roots to be unable to absorb enough water. We were warned to not use our water softner for watering our plants for the same reason. Over time it may cause your plants to wilt even with water.

Please let me know if this is not true. It would be a lot easier to water my house plants with my softned water out of the tap.

Jeff

 

[tazdevil]

Jeff, not heard that one, when I had my softener installed, I had to have a plumber come out and make a new connection for the outside faucets. One bled off the washing machines cold supply, the other off the kitchen sink/dishwasher cold supply (guess it cheaper for the builder to do this :roll: ). I think the main reason they suggest against that is so your salt supply isn't wasted on something that doesn't need it (i.e.-watering the lawn and using up all your salt on it!). FWIW, HTH, just my 2 cents.

 

[Minh Nguyen]

Some plants tolerate salt better than other. Anyway, mineral build up is why we need to repot our plants or they will not do well.

 

[danmhippo]

Just "soak down" your house plant from time to time to dilute any salt buildup. You can also submerge the whole pot in buckets of water for an hour and drain it clean.