Can I add new nutrients to my res? (RDWC)

ddeck96

Well-Known Member
So, let me be more specific here...
Can I add nutrients to my solution in the reservoir if the nutrient solution that is currently in the reservoir does not already contain that specific nutrient?
For example: I started out with the “week 1” nutrient mix; it did not call for silica for the first week. However, it’s winter and it’s getting cold in my tent, so I would like to add some silica. Can I mix up some silica in a couple gallons of water and add it to the mix even though there is currently no silica in the solution? If so, can you do this with other nutrients? (I.e.: base nutrients, additives, etc.)
 

Red Eyed

Well-Known Member
You could but why not just wait til you get a new res so you get a better mix when you do add it and the nutrients are more proportioned.
 

manfredo

Well-Known Member
So, let me be more specific here...
Can I add nutrients to my solution in the reservoir if the nutrient solution that is currently in the reservoir does not already contain that specific nutrient?
For example: I started out with the “week 1” nutrient mix; it did not call for silica for the first week. However, it’s winter and it’s getting cold in my tent, so I would like to add some silica. Can I mix up some silica in a couple gallons of water and add it to the mix even though there is currently no silica in the solution? If so, can you do this with other nutrients? (I.e.: base nutrients, additives, etc.)
I'll tell you what happened to me in my aero setup when I did this....I came in the next morning to find all 8 nozzles plugged, then the pump failed, and it turned into a huge mess. But I know nothing about your type of system specifically.
 

ddeck96

Well-Known Member
I'll tell you what happened to me in my aero setup when I did this....I came in the next morning to find all 8 nozzles plugged, then the pump failed, and it turned into a huge mess. But I know nothing about your type of system specifically.
damn that’s crazy. I’m running a 4 site RDWC waterfall.
 

ddeck96

Well-Known Member
You could but why not just wait til you get a new res so you get a better mix when you do add it and the nutrients are more proportioned.
I could do that. I just filled it tho so I’d rather not drain it and mix 30+ gallons of nutes before I have to tho.
 

ddeck96

Well-Known Member
I'll tell you what happened to me in my aero setup when I did this....I came in the next morning to find all 8 nozzles plugged, then the pump failed, and it turned into a huge mess. But I know nothing about your type of system specifically.
what do you think caused this in your system?
Like what about adding the new nutrient do you think did it?
 

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
i would dilute the Silica ALOT before adding to res. sounds like that guy had it precipitate and clog up the works.

but if you can wait, do it right at your next res change and add the Si first.
 

ddeck96

Well-Known Member
i would dilute the Silica ALOT before adding to res. sounds like that guy had it precipitate and clog up the works.

but if you can wait, do it right at your next res change and add the Si first.
word thanks man. What about nutes that are already in the solution? Like, say I had a N deficiency or something, could I add more nutrients high in N? (I would dilute whatever nutrient I add in some water first before adding.)
 
Top