Water quality and calmag

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Atomizer

Well-Known Member
The only hydro store one i know of for sure is dutch pro ph- grow which is 38%. Agricultural suppliers typically stock much stronger 60% at less than 1/3rd the price..it comes in a 20L drum ;)
 
5BY5LEC

5BY5LEC

Well-Known Member
Atomizer said:
You didnt read it correctly, i said there`s no problem ;)
Nitric acid will react positively with the tapwater, converting the carbonate into nitrate. Phosphoric acid isnt as useful because the reaction with carbonate forms insoluble phosphate.
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Since my last grow I have been suspicious of something like this but I never stopped to look up the chemistry of it. Tap is ok if the PPMs are good but you gotta know how to work with it. Good info!
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Atomizer said:
The only hydro store one i know of for sure is dutch pro ph- grow which is 38%. Agricultural suppliers typically stock much stronger 60% at less than 1/3rd the price..it comes in a 20L drum ;)
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So if my Water has carbonates ... which it does actually if I use phosphoric acid all of the calcium carbonate in solution will fall out of solution?

I’m interested in knowing more if you can explain.
Will nitric acid cause too much nitrogen in flower?

Also I understand phosphoric acid is supposed to hold ph more stable does nitric acid do the same?
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Would sulphuric acid not do the same and convert calcium carbonate to calcium sulphate? A bit extra sulphur may be more beneficial than nitrogen ?
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Well never mind about my last post anyway... bloody nanny state I can’t even buy sulphuric acid here as it was banned from sale even in low dilution last year... what a joke

Looks like I may be able to get 50% diluted sulphuric acid. Do you think sulphuric will be better than nitric?
 
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Atomizer

Well-Known Member
Use phosphoric acid for the bloom stage if you need to make adjustments. Ph generally falls in bloom due to the uptake of potassium (K+) and rises in veg due to uptake of nitrate (NO3-)..
Calcium sulphate is also called gypsum,which can play havoc with pumps and pipework. The solubility of calcium sulphate is around 2g/L at 20c
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Atomizer said:
Use phosphoric acid for the bloom stage if you need to make adjustments. Ph generally falls in bloom due to the uptake of potassium (K+) and rises in veg due to uptake of nitrate (NO3-)..
Calcium sulphate is also called gypsum,which can play havoc with pumps and pipework. The solubility of calcium sulphate is around 2g/L at 20c
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Is there much benefit to using nitric acid in veg instead of phosphoric acid if I’m going to be using phosphoric acid in bloom anyway?
 
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DangerDavez

Well-Known Member
You should be pretty ok without any added calcium. If Magnesium is an issue you can always add epsom salt since it's DWC. 180 is pretty low and I wouldn't worry about burning the plants even with the recommended CALMAG
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
DangerDavez said:
You should be pretty ok without any added calcium. If Magnesium is an issue you can always add epsom salt since it's DWC. 180 is pretty low and I wouldn't worry about burning the plants even with the recommended CALMAG
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If I get mag issues what dosage of Epsom salt do you recommend?
 
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Atomizer

Well-Known Member
Its better to use weight, some epsom salt crystals can be chunkier than others.
0.5g per litre will bump the Mg by about 50ppm.
Weighed 1 tablespoon (15ml) of epsom and its about 15.8g. With 5gal of water you`d bump the Mg by 82ppm. Botanicare calmag plus at 10ml/4L adds 31ppm ;)
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Atomizer said:
A frozen chicken could do some serious damage..better put them on the list ;)
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Frozen food will have its time on the list after knives are banned...

I see some Americans protesting for guns to be banned and I just think they must be absolutely stupid. If you ban guns this is what you will have next
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Atomizer said:
Its better to use weight, some epsom salt crystals can be chunkier than others.
0.5g per litre will bump the Mg by about 50ppm
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Cheers I’ll get some Epsom salt as a backup just incase on the next run around.

Is it beneficial to use nitric acid instead of phosphoric acid in veg or should I just stick to phophuric?
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
I can only buy 3% nitric acid here due to the law that’s way to dilute isn’t it? Wouldn’t I need like 100ml per litre?
 
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