Water: RO, Distilled, Rain, or Tap?

I was looking for a way to control my water quality but I don't have the bucks to shell out for an expensive $300 RO system.

This made me think, what do you guys use? RO, distilled, rain, or tap water? Why? Any pros and cons to using any of these sources of water?

Also what are some good options for me to cheaply get good water.

How would you use RO water without an RO system? I use tap water that I let sit out for a few days and I haven't seen any problems doing so

I have been useing well water and have had terrible results with my grow. i am converting to distilled and hope it works better.

I've used distilled and tap that sat out for minimum 48 hours. Good results with both

Can anyone provide any advice whether to invest in RO or a distiller? I use soil but want to try DWC at some point. I don't want to spend a fortune on my water either.

I also use tap water. I leave it set for 2 days with an airstone in it. My city water has so much chlorine that you can smell it. After 2 days the smell is gone so I take the stone out and use it with in 2 -3 days.

i use it straight out of the tap, it sits long enough for me to mix the ferts and ph it out. i did use ro water my first 2 grows. imo anything other than tap water is over kill.

cph said:

I also use tap water. I leave it set for 2 days with an airstone in it. My city water has so much chlorine that you can smell it. After 2 days the smell is gone so I take the stone out and use it with in 2 -3 days.

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good call with the airstones. I bet the roots like that well oxygenated water.

I can't say if it helps for sure or not. Since I don't drink the tap water because of the chemicals they put in it, I didn't think my plants would appriciate it.

i use RO water... but i am wondering should i be adding any additives to the water like calcium or mag. or any other vits? also if you cant afford the RO system right away or you are on a well like me and an RO system still isnt going to help your shitty water you can go to your local petshop/Aquarium shop and they should sell RO water by the gallon fairly cheap.... thats what i have to do for the time being and so far seems to be working quite well.