Please help: Chalky buildup on my hydroponic system!

I've looked everywhere to find some info on this. I'm using a top-feed drip hydroponic system, and there is a white chalky stuff that builds up all over the pots, growing medium, and a small amount on my stems. I used distilled water in the system, so I know I don't have a hard water problem. I tasted it, and it is not salty in the slightest. The only thing I can think of is that it's built up calcium, but I haven't been able to find any info on whether or not that is harmful to the plants. If anyone knows anything about this, please help. Thanks!

 

there is that white powder on the leaf hairs that may be why it runs down and builds up places. but dont listen to me i dont konow what im talking about, peace

 

sounds like maybe fungi to me.

 

i know one thing and that is DON'T put mystery substances in you mouth

 

I have a drip system I just started up about a week ago. I started noticing a white chalky build up where ever any of the water had evaporated. So far the plants seem to be do very well. I used PH adjusted tap water in my system and thought that was more than likely the reason for this build up. Apparently not if you are using distilled water and have the same problem. I even have build up on the floating thermometer in my reservoir.

 

change your resivour out. after rinsing off the root mass. be sure to use pH neutral nutrient solution and be sure to take care of her. also, wrap your res in thick black tape to prevent any light from reaching the solution (Which would cause fungus)

 

It sounds a lot like calcium in your water. If the original source of your water is from underground - a well - as opposed to a lake or reservoir then there is a good chance that your water filtered through a limestone substrata somewhere on its' way down and picked up a little calcium/limestone. A lot of bottled water is "spring fed" which usually means its' from a well.This might give you a little higher ph , so monitor your ph and adjust accordingly.
You could do a little test by slowly boiling down a few quarts and seeing if you have some white scale in the bottom of the pot. Or look at your plumbing fixtures if using tap water. If you see similar gunk on a showerhead, then you know what you have.
Other than making you watch your ph, calcified water isn't going to hurt anything.