Epsom Salts for Mg Deficiency??

[Eternal_Ghost]

So I heard from my local hydro store that you can add epsom salts to your res to cheap remedy a Mg deficiency, Does anyone know how much? I heard 4 tsp per gallon for foliar spray but how much for res? I have 5 gal res and added 1/2 cup and now ppm's are through the roof (2000+)

 

[guest456mpy]

I've used 1/2 tsp per gallon successfully.

 

[Eternal_Ghost]

and still able to keep acceptable ppm in res?

 

[kstampy]

Just add enough so your ppm doesn't go too high just like any other nutrient. Check ppm without it then add a small amount then check ppm with it. I would suggest starting with 1/4 - 1/2 tsp per gallon.

 

[FreezerBoy]

MG deficiencies can be an indicator of improper pH. Unless you've stripped it out with RO or distilled, getting pH to the proper range will solve the problem with no change to EC.

 

[chuckyoufarley]

1/2 cup is a lot of epsom salt for 5 gals

 

[Sgt.Stedenko]

1/4 teaspoon per gallon for starters.
It will raise your EC, so go slow and easy.

 

[303hydro]

epsom salt is magnesium sulfate.

Its funny that Sweet from botanicare is really nothing more than this.

 

[guest456mpy]

MG deficiencies can be an indicator of improper pH. Unless you've stripped it out with RO or distilled, getting pH to the proper range will solve the problem with no change to EC.

Absolutely spot on.

I was assuming pH was already in range. We all know what happens to when we assume.

 

[Eternal_Ghost]

Thanks all for being most helpful, My second day being a member and you have solved all my problems.... lol, My ph has been at 5.8 with minimal fluctuation. I am using straight tap water as of now. (dont like the 2:1/3:1 ratio of RO and distilled is expensive) after changing my res i think im going to just mist my plants with epsom salts mix and see what happens, 1/2 tsp per gal to start.

About how long till i see improvements in the plants with the Mg deficiency? Leaves that are already showing signs will never get better? Should I remove them?

 

[Eternal_Ghost]

And the DIY RO filter posted by pipedream back in 2007 has been discontinued, ( I do my homework... bad dog)

 

[rives]

Some tap water is pure enough that you still need to supplement calcium and magnesium even if you aren't filtering it. My tap water tests out at 6 ppm calcium and 2 ppm magnesium, and my plants don't really enjoy it at that level. If you can get a copy of your water analysis from your utility, it should help you get a handle on things.

 

[FreezerBoy]

Rives makes an excellent point, however...

My ph has been at 5.8 with minimal fluctuation.

Define minimal. No one pH reading allows equal absorption of all nutes. A constant pH reading guarantees unbalanced feeding with 5.8 being the worst reading for MG.

Which way is EC moving? If EC is climbing, start with a pH of 6. If EC is dropping, start with a pH of5.5 or even lower.

 

[sman]

If you don't want to add it to your res you could also SPRAY them via foliage.

 

[Eternal_Ghost]

Thanks once again, Tried the foliage spray and already am seeing improvements

 

[prophecy]

How many epsom you use for foliar spray? You do it every day and do you use epsom in watering water too?

I use it 1 tbsp per gallon without any problem but never with nutes, always add epsom when I water them plain water. I can also say that if its like don't put epsom salt in water...plant still have Mg defiency.

 

[Eternal_Ghost]

I use same 1 Tbsp per gallon, I spray about 1hr before lights out, every other day with epsom/ph water. And just plain ph water on other days

 

[prophecy]

I use same 1 Tbsp per gallon, I spray about 1hr before lights out, every other day with epsom/ph water. And just plain ph water on other days

Ok you use the same receipe for root feeding and foliar feeding?!!?!?

Do you roots feed your plant with epsom AND foliar feed them with epsom in same time or you only foliar feed them?

Thank man!

 

[libby]

either will do, foliar is a little quicker to get results, you don't need both.

 

[Eternal_Ghost]

I only foliar feed epsom, not enough patience to see epsom work thru roots