A simple hydro mix. gh 3-part base, calmag+, Liquid Karma, Hammerhead, Flora Kleen

latewood

Hey Stoners!

I am happy that I have lately found a need to post this successful hydro recipe, I have developed through trial and error, and have grown with successfully for the better part of a year-1/2.

I am revising my earlier article, as I have revised the formula for the better. I am sure this will answer many questions you have in relation to choosing and using a hydroponic formula successfully.

latewood

After experimenting for 2 years with Advanced Nutrients/additives...
Botanicare Pure blend Pro/additives...and GH3-part/additives.
I fond this formula works and yields the best; And leaves the roots healthy throughout grow. Goodluck

This should answer a lot of question's you newb's have, and It should save you some money in the long run.

Alot of you get caught up in the Lucas Method. I found this to yield more. However if you have space limitations, Use the Lucas Method (delete the grow part from the formula altogether) for smaller plants/yield.

<<<START>>>
Here is a higher yielding alternative to cut and dried lucas method...
Use grow part in veg 1-1-1 create high yield bushes = less plants = less trouble, same yield overall.

In flower...use squewed 3-part .25-1-2 for weeks 1-4f
weeks 4/5f revert to lucas 0-1-2*. Cutting the nitrogen back.

Hint: From 35 gallon rez I dip a 5g bucket and add nutes. I have a turkey baster syringe that sucks up exactly 40 ml if you fill it, So that works perfectly.

The following tables are based on 5 gallon formula...convert as necessary...

Starting with reverse-osmosis water & GH 3-part

Values:
1=8ml,
8ml per gallon
5g=40ml

Veg 1-1-1 = 40-40-40 ml

Flower .25-1-2 = 10-40-80 ml

Finish 0-1-2 = 0-40-80 ml
------------------------------------------------
Veg:40-40-40

add calmag+/3-5ml per gallon **ph5.8 water for topoff's in between nute change... I do not use calmag in nute change solution.

I use Liquid Karma/or Seablast/ or some type of Vit-b and sparingly (this stuff cause all kinds of foliage. (Especially under-foliage and I find the too much under growth can causes airflow, and pest problems) Use LK/Vit-b as I do Calmag+ for topoffs's in between nute change. Alternate topoff solutions each cycle; switching out LiquidKarma for Calmag+ every other week in between your weekly nute change (every 7-10 days).

Example: 3-part, topoff CM+, nute change 3-part, topoff LK, nute change 3-part, topoff CM+...etc, etc.
hope this makes sense.
------------------------------------------------
Flower stage:
Start off with all 3 parts
same value=8ml x's 5 G's=40ml=1 part

Campared to lucas 0-1-2/0-40-80 for flower...
Use .25-1-2/15-40-80 per 5 gallons. You get more mass using the nitrogen at this stage.

It is safe to say this is close to the Advanced Nutrients values, but I simplifiied the recipe by going to GH/lucas values
Actually, they are General Hydroponincs values...right off the bottle. tweak as you need.

In week *4/5 flower. I switch to 0-40-80, and continue alternating CM+/LK topoff process. I topoff at least every other day. this is PK boost time for 8 week finish, I just use clean 0-40-80 until PK transition. so for 9-12 week finish you would hold off on PK/Overdrive, ...
Use Hammerhead, or high p-k formula for a week or 2 prior to final flush.

Flush w/Florakleen.

*I now use 0-1-1, and add a dose/40ml AN Hammerhead
week 4/5 of flower. drop ph to 5.4 to make PK nutes more available to plants. increase the ph each week .1... i.e. wk4-ph5.4, wk5 ph5.5, wk6 ph5.6, wk7 ph5.7, wk 8 5.8 finish...Again; If you require longer finishing time, You hold off on this ph transition.

**most of the time, calmag+/LK will buffer the water's ph and you don't have to adjust.

So that is my take...I don't even write it down anymore. I just go with the flow. Sorry about rambling on, but I figured I could go ahead and copy/paste this explanation to my notepad for publication on my hydroponics website.

I invite You to come over to: Hygronomics.com post some hydro question's there, help me build traffic there, and everyone can benefit from the knowledge gained. We can discuss all the hydroponics you want and countless other topics.

Well that is the 1st post of the thread. Hope this helps you out. Peace

latewood

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueBear
Thank you very much for posting this LW. With this 3 part feeding sched along with the CM and the LQ how many res changes do you do??? How long are you veging when you grow fewer plants with this formula? What is a fair yield with this formula with a average yielding strain compared to the Lucas schedule with the same strain? Also, what is your current set up like, as far as buckets, I can't find any recent grow logs or posts where you break down your bucket and light set up.
Adieu

let me see...I don't count rez changes...I just follow regimen, until one day I decide to finish the plant and add Hammerhead, (I mix Hammerhead with the 3-part and delete LK or CM+ at this point; topping off with plain ph5.8 water.

From seed I veg* 2 months (normal veg length) vegging less than that is considered a shortened veg period.

You get away with 2-4 weeks of veg with clones, because they retain age of mother...Also finish time varies in conjunction with length of veg time...The longer you veg the longer it takes to mature and finish...

However, just remember that shorter veg periods cut down on yield considerably

*you don't count seedling/cutting rooting time for veg. veg should be implemented with nutrients when you get at least 4-5 alternating nodes and plant is well rooted.

I don't estimate yields, but I would say that I almost double the lucas method yield w/this formula, maybe??? (plants just get much bigger)...

Well last time I used the simple independent 5 gallon buckets. I use 5 gallon bucket bubblers...10, 18, and 35 gallon sterlite tubs. I have a couple aero/drip set-ups I built in the 10 and 18 gallon tubs.

I use 45w cfl's and 4' tubes for rooting and seedlings
I use a 400w MH and a 1000w MH for veg..sometimes the plants take off so much that I flower in week 5-6 to keep height down, but I lose some yield...It is a matter of timing my finish so I don't run out of Meds.

In Flower I use a 1000w EYE Hortilux hps
I also use a 250w hps to flower smaller potted plants (sweet)

Lastly...I stopped all grow logs at point of proving systems worked. I occasionally show a few piks here and there of plants close to harvest. but being a mod and being out in the open, so to speak, I have chosen the more cautious road...I don't post my rooms or set-ups anymore. (If I grow at all) ala Zandor...You have to brag in moderation due to the current political climate...know what I mean? Vern. Hope this helps you all out. peace

latewood

latewood
I don't estimate yields, but I would say that I almost double the lucas method yield w/this formula, maybe??? (plants just get much bigger)..
by Stuper Star
So if one is getting 1 1/2lb per 1K with a basic Lucas mix...your little tweak there should get them up to around 2 1/2ish...by your estimation...of something that is apparently proven...
I'm not trying to be a dick...but that claim seems pretty bold, that's all


latewood
What I can say...My plants are 2wice as big when introduced to flower. Using grow part definitely increases yield, and I would have to say yes, but basically I am telling you what I have seen by growing with 1-1-1...then using a tweaked advanced nutrient formula...trying lucas for 3-4 grows and coming back to this formula which is just what I came up with through a couple years of experimentation with 3-part. I don't see this as a small tweak either...I see adding grow to equal parts of micro and bloom squewes the formula a tremendous amount when you look at the difference in Nitrogen values throughout veg.

Every time I have used a 1-1-1 in veg with a value of 1=8ml per gallon, I experience another whole level of growth and harvest very large bushes. Of course growing methods and experience play a large part in any grow. I get 1/2-3/4lb easy out of 1-5 gallon bucket with an air stone.
This is with full veg time of at least 8 weeks. You don't get the bigger yields off of taking shortcuts, lol...folks

believe it or not. I am not bragging...I am trying to help. I have tried all kinds of grows both soil and hydro and combined side by sides...Using Lucas Formula, I could never get my yield anywhere near what I expected or wanted to achieve.

by Stuper Star
Baby Geebuzz....did I ever stick my foot down my throat...especially being a noob here
My apologies Latewood I was tired and kinda bitchy when I seemed to fixate on your yield claim. And the kicker is that I was thinking I have seen decent yields with ONLY a 0-1-2ratio mix...but that is not true as I now recollect better. Because the veg was in fact done with 3-2-1. Only the flower stage was done with 0-1-2 (varying between 0-6ml-12ml and 0-8ml-16ml per gal)



Latewood: Hey It's OK No worries...

Anyway...I tried 3-2-1...1-2-3 my 1st grow...I got too much early stretching, and foliage with that formula, and I found that using more nutes...like, 3-2-1 pretty much adds too much foliage...after many trials I have come to the conclusion that more foliage, DOES NOT=more buddage. So try 1-1-1 next time you grow Stuperstar.

Now for the record... The 1st cut from 1 plant (mostly tops...), under 1000w horti...in a 5 g bubbler with 1 air stone...using the recipe above...yielded me 4-1/2 Oz. I still have the lower 1/2 of the plant finishing... I might be persuaded to post a couple piks later...You have the right idea, I would just recommend adding nitrogen (G) a little longer.

peace

latewood

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuper Star
So if one is getting 1 1/2lb per 1K with a basic Lucas mix...your little tweak there should get them up to around 2 1/2ish...by your estimation...of something that is apparently proven...
I'm not trying to be a dick...but that claim seems pretty bold, that's all

Just for fun...
I figured out my estimated grams per watt on this last grow...
Keep in mind that I could've added 2 more 1/2-3/4lb bushes in the same space...

I already harvested Misty Blue clones in room 1/4lb = 4oz = (4x28.4 (1.6+32+80=) 113.6grams

I have partially harvested Fantasma(AK-47x) that will yield an estimated 1/2lb...1/2lb = 8oz =8x28.4 (3.2+64+160=) 227.2grams

Last plant NYCD will go at least 3/4lb...So 3/4lb+12oz= 12x28.4 (4.8+96+240=) 340.8grams...

113.6 + 227.2 + 340.8 = 681.6grams. So I got .6816 grams per watt.
Now 1 gram per watt is unbelievable, but attainable and 1/2 gram per watt is commendable...So I am very happy with .6816 grams per watt.

Another note: No co2 was used...No ventilation system was used. Grows are in a room with ac and de-humidifier, (I think this de-humid...raised my yield about 2x's) I was having trouble with humidity in the 70%'s and now with humidity ranging around 39-49%. I got much heavier buds.

Once again...I will say that I could've grown 2-4 more plants, equalling a larger yield, but Growing less plants has shown me healthier and much bigger undergrowth, as well as larger yields per plant...

Most would be happy if they grew 1-1/2 lbs? I am. thanks for the excitment...peace Latewood

latewood

Hey LW,
Q) In the last 3/4 weeks of flower when a PK boost comes in do you still use the 0-1-2, and CalMag?
Also, have your yields in dirt been close to your bucket yields??
Thanks for any answers.
Adieu

A) I assume you mean last 3-4 weeks...I don't use booster. that's the point of thread. I do like and will use until I run out; Hammerhead until final flush week.

My last 4-5 weeks:
every 5 gallons 40ml micro-40ml bloom-15ml calmag+.
when plants start to finish, and I see amber color trichs, I now add Hammerhead to mix from middle of flower and flush a week

In a side by side comparison between dirt and hydro bucket. Yeah right! lol. Not even close enough to compare. Maybe if you had the ability to grow outside in the sun, but not indoors. No way. Not in the same time frame.

Recent note. I am having great results using Miracle Gro "organic choice" potting soil. I generally would not recommend MG products, (except for leaf shine, as a anti-wilt when cloning) But; I had to try it for $3.49 for 20 lbs. finishing plants have a great sweet smell.

HighSeeker

Thanks for all the great information Latewood. It is appreciated!

I would be curiuos if you know approximately the PPM you are running with that formula? My last grow, I think I had way too much nutes. I see how the plant uptakes the nute, stores it, then burns it. So maybe this switching off on the supplements would be best for my babies too. No worries if you dont know or cant guesstimate. I was just curious.

Thanks for all the good info!

Peace

HS

__________________

latewood

I thought you would like this. It works really well. If you read all the posts on original thread at Cdot; You will find that many growers tried it and boasted excellent results; Considering it the best formula they have used.

Well ppm vary from water to water. RO is almost 0, whereas my well water is 180ppm

I actually try to run around 1500-1600 ppm / EC 2.1 until Hammerhead TIME, then drop to 1200 ppm / EC 1.5-6

if you need to bring it up. add bloom 2 to 1 ration bloom part to micro part, until you reach 1500ppm

Bottom line, this is fool proof. Using the exact ingredients listed here without extra boosting will not fry your plants. Period.

Enjoy