Nutrient questions to help me get started

15 years ago

The nutrient I bought for my Hydroponic ebb flow system is Jack's 20-20-20. I've been reading the threads for a while and initially thought that Jack's would be all I need. After reading more, I found that I may need to add certain compounds that are missing from the 20-20-20.

One of those was a certain brand of Epson Salt, but I couldn't find the particular brand mentioned.

I bought a liquid concentrated Palm tree nutritional supplement. It contains Magnesium 1.5% , Sulfur 3.5% , Iron 1 % Manganese 2.5%

Will this satisfy some of the missing compounds in the 20-20-20

The nutrient information I gleaned from the threads varies from people who use a three part system that has a formula for each stage of growing, and people who only used this 20-20-20, or some other single product.

The most important thing I read was to keep the solution at half strength, or less from whatever the label says.

Reading the FAQ, and rummaging through the threads on this subject yields very little, and in some cases way too much. What I mean by too much, is someone who is making their own fertilizer and has a background in chemistry.

So to start, I will use half strength of the 20-20-20, but will anyone comment on the addition of the Palm nutritional supplement? Is it going to be safe to use? How much to start? Thanks.

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Comments (3)

grizzman
15 years ago
It sounds like what you're using is not a hydroponic fertilizer. they don't normally come in a 20-20-20 balance like that.
Epsom salts are a generic product you can buy at the drug store. I believe you use 8g per gallon however it appears your palm tree supplement provides the magnesium and sulphur.

you need a source of calcium plus some other micronutrients.

1/2 strength is not what you want with what you're using. I used to have the amounts written down, but seem to have misplaced them. search this forum for grizzman and either miracle grow or MG. I'm sure I've posted here before about how to mix it.
If you'd like more clarification, let me know and I'll do the best I can to help you out.
massimj
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the reply. I canceled the order on the 20-20-20 and bought a three part system from a local dealer.
maybe you could comment on how important checking my PH is going to be? i have a bunch of plants started and growing with city water. i let the water sit for a few hours before using it, and it has been doing well. Today I added some fish based liquid fertilizer to the water, but only a tablespoon to 5 gallons. This is only to plants that are already growing, no seedlings got it.
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grizzman
15 years ago
pH is important because certain minerals are more or less available depending on it. Easiest thing to do is buy a pH test kit from an aquarium supplier. get one in the range of 4-7 and aim for a pH of around 6
you don't have to check it more than once a day. I would aim for every two or three days. the idea being you want to see how it fluctuates and adjust in back toward your target before any ill effects are seen in the plants.
As for the fish emulsion; I think, by it nature, it is an organic fertilizer and thus requires bacteria to convert it into a form usable by plants. since you'll be changing your nutrients every few weeks, you'll be starting a new bacteria bloom each time thus lessening its effects on the plants. SPeaking of its effects, Fish emulsion is primarily a source of nitrogen. generally speaking a hydroponic nutrient forumula won't need the additional fertilzer and it may produce excessive and/or unwanted leafy growth.