Question
Hi Jeff and Jacob,

Based on your recommendations I use a Zero Water filter for watering my carnivorous plants. I'm wondering if you have enough experience with Zero Water filters to give me some insight. The manufacturer says to replace the filter after the filtered water reaches 6ppm or more. As far as I know, carnivorous plants should be happy with anything under 70ppm or around there. My question is, is there any danger in continuing to use the filter until the water reads 70ppm?

I'm not going to ask the manufacturer whether their filtered water is safe for carnivorous plants after it exceeds their recommended ppm amount. But I thought I'd take a shot in the dark to see if you guys have experimented with this. Thanks either way, and thanks for consistently taking the time to answer so many questions online.

Answer
Hi Mark,

Not sure I have a good answer for you on this one.  We use a ZeroWater twin filter, water dispenser type filter in our home for drinking water, and then water our cp houseplants with the water.  We replace the filters when they get to about 10-20ppm.  The water starts to get a distinctly "fishy" smell when the filters are shot.  What I don't know is what compounds are being left behind, and what isn't when the filters are full.  I do know that the TDS rises sharply once the filters expire, so even when you reach 70ppm, it won't be long before the TDS is much higher than that.  You might get a gallon or two extra, but not much more than that before the water isn't safe anymore.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com