Mixing Nutrients & PPM Questions

[wavedash]

I can't figure out how to mix my nutrients correctly. I recently got a oakton tds tester set at .7 factor. I have pretty hard water, right at 440ppm. Am I supposed to ignore this number when I add nutes? I think I remember reading it somewhere but couldn't find anything while searching. I use two different kinds of nutes. I've been using fox farm nutes in the ebb/flow and recently been experimenting with lucas formula with hardwater micro in the DWC bucket. After mixing the nutes I adjust the ph with GH dry concentrate ph down. I normally dilute the ph down in a gallon carton with water before adding it to the res. I've seen that shit settle at the bottom before. Then I measure the tds again and this shit makes it go up like 100-200ppm.

I've run out of time for now. Will be back soon to finish.





















and a little root porn

 

[Greyskull]

I am not sure what the correct procedure either but I DO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT the starting PPM of the water, though I also have a target PPM range I try to fit into each time I am mixing nutes.

My base water's PPM is 385. I run my nutes at just about 50% (maybe 5-10% more) of the recommended dosage on the bottles and hit may target range.

I hope my experience helps.
Good luck

 

[Deft]

I'm wondering what the correct procedure is to get the right ppm. I assume you do additives and ph correction after ppm measurement but I've never read anything to support that.

 

[Pirate]

I can't figure out how to mix my nutrients correctly. I recently got a oakton tds tester set at .7 factor. I have pretty hard water, right at 440ppm. Am I supposed to ignore this number when I add nutes? I think I remember reading it somewhere but couldn't find anything while searching. I use two different kinds of nutes. I've been using fox farm nutes in the ebb/flow and recently been experimenting with lucas formula with hardwater micro in the DWC bucket. After mixing the nutes I adjust the ph with GH dry concentrate ph down. I normally dilute the ph down in a gallon carton with water before adding it to the res. I've seen that shit settle at the bottom before. Then I measure the tds again and this shit makes it go up like 100-200ppm.

I've run out of time for now. Will be back soon to finish.

Wavedash,
You need to include the starting 440ppm in your final solution level. Your right. That is pretty hard. Think about a filter. Even a hose mount would help.
The reason you need to include the tap waters PPMs is the fact that its the minerals in the water that's giving you that reading. Your plants are uptaking those minerals.

I don't know how to do an actual mathematical calculation on how to figure what NPK you should add to the stating ppms to arrive at your ending PPMs. You would also need to know whats in the tap water to do that correctly. I personally would start at a 1/2 strength solution and gradually increase it from there. Trial and experiment and testing the TDS as you go. Keep notes and you'll end up with your correct amounts.

Beware that MICRO HARD will lower your PH over the course of a day or so.

Hope that helped a little,

Pirate

 

[wavedash]

I'm wondering what the correct procedure is to get the right ppm. I assume you do additives and ph correction after ppm measurement but I've never read anything to support that.

same here

 

[Deft]

Anyone help us hydro noobs out? I have two seedlings in dwc at 340 ppm with 90ppm tap and GH 3 part flora nutes.

 

[OGsimpson]

RO systems are a must!