Lucas Formula

[MedScientist]

Whats your medium and feeding schedule?

I grow in 1 gallon bags of Turface with microfiber wicks, over a res. I just top off res by pouring through Turface.

Well, that's what I did this summer outdoor, and temp indoor, till I convert back to my vPPK. Top fed every 2 hours, with no res below plant (wicks used to drain PWT out of bucket only), then drains back to Master res to be pumped back on top for Explosive growth!

Both versions are Very low maintenance!

 

[•Moby•]

I tried various organics in dwc and regretted it every time. Snot, slimes, algaes and what not... no thanks!

I've tested my extract a few times in hydro now, most notably a several month (no dump) DWC bucket that let lots of light into the solution. Before I dumped it the water was still crystal clear, and I'd used the manure extract and KNF calcium acetate the whole time. I'll have to look around for the photos I took, 'cause I don't see them in my album. ;(

Fun fact, adding rabbit urine and rabbit manure to a pond will (to a point) increase the clarity of the water and the health of the pond. Especially useful for fish ponds. Go look it up!

Grow beginner here.

Been thinking about using the vinegar eggshell calcium for the plants.

Recently noticed that Sango coral does pretty much have 2:1 calcium to magnesium.
Do have it as supplement here in powder form, seems ideal to use for calmag.

Thoughts on that?

Is the KNF calcium made with molasses or vinegar?
maybe I mix up things.

Wasn't sure if/how well it's compatible with synthetic grows or if only usable in organic.

 

[•Moby•]

Send me a sample Doug!

Ive ran H3ad's modified Lucas formula 6 ml micro 9ml bloom per gallon for past 4ish years. I'm in coco, and haven't had the calming problems.
I've always wanted to try the original Lucas.
I do always add some sort of silica of some sort. Right now I'm using CalSil, I've only used it a couple weeks.

What's your opinion on diatomaceous earth as silica source?

Been looking around for a source for cheap silica here in germany, found this stuff but am hesitant to buy, not sure how well it would work and how to dilute it.

Am using diatomaceous earth as topdress in peat organic at the moment but want to switch to either coco or true hydro in the future for indoor and organic on the balcony.

Aspirin seems to be another option

 

[Douglas.Curtis]

KNF calcium acetate is eggshells soaked in vinegar till the vinegar changes to a neutral pH. Perfect for any grow without restriction.

Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) brings mag and a bit of useful sulfur at a stupidly low cost, for great results.

 

[anaconda6985497]

What's your opinion on diatomaceous earth as silica source?

Been looking around for a source for cheap silica here in germany, found this stuff but am hesitant to buy, not sure how well it would work and how to dilute it.

Am using diatomaceous earth as topdress in peat organic at the moment but want to switch to either coco or true hydro in the future for indoor and organic on the balcony.

Aspirin seems to be another option

"Interesting choice! Diatomaceous earth can be a pretty good source of silica. I use it as a soil additive—it helps strengthen plants, making them more resistant to stress and pests.

If you're planning to switch to coco or hydro, just keep in mind that silica doesn’t dissolve super easily, so you might need to watch the pH levels.

For dilution, you usually only need a small amount, but it’s best to check the instructions on your product. And yeah, aspirin can sometimes help trigger a plant’s natural defenses, but that's more of an extra experiment. Good luck!

 

[Orange's Greenhouse]

Grow beginner here.

Been thinking about using the vinegar eggshell calcium for the plants.

Recently noticed that Sango coral does pretty much have 2:1 calcium to magnesium.
Do have it as supplement here in powder form, seems ideal to use for calmag.

Thoughts on that?

Is the KNF calcium made with molasses or vinegar?
maybe I mix up things.

Wasn't sure if/how well it's compatible with synthetic grows or if only usable in organic.

Egg shell takes very long to dissolve and provide bioavailable calcium. At the same time you have rotting egg shells which are especially vile. Don't see the benefit here.

CalMag contains chelated iron. Just using Dolomite is not a replacement.

 

[Douglas.Curtis]

Egg shell takes very long to dissolve and provide bioavailable calcium. At the same time you have rotting egg shells which are especially vile. Don't see the benefit here.

CalMag contains chelated iron. Just using Dolomite is not a replacement.

Cal/Mag contains nitrogen and is a ripoff

KNF Calcium acetate.
Brown the egg shells, crush the shells, add 11 parts vinegar to 1 part shells. Wait a week or so till pH hits 7 then filter and bottle. SUPER available calcium in a very stable form.

 

[Orange's Greenhouse]

What's your opinion on diatomaceous earth as silica source?

Been looking around for a source for cheap silica here in germany, found this stuff but am hesitant to buy, not sure how well it would work and how to dilute it.

Am using diatomaceous earth as topdress in peat organic at the moment but want to switch to either coco or true hydro in the future for indoor and organic on the balcony.

Aspirin seems to be another option

Diatomaceous earth is as soluble as sand (not at all). Topdressing it helps with certain soil borne pests but does nothing to the plant. If you want a powder that provides bioavailable silicon get wollastonite (calcium silicate).

Using potassium water glas is possible. You have to dilute it first at high pH. After that pH can be lowered to the desired level (eg using fertilizer as acid).

Aspirin contains salicic acid. That is completely different than silicic acid (silicate). Aspirin contains no silicon.

 

[Orange's Greenhouse]

Cal/Mag contains nitrogen and is a ripoff

KNF Calcium acetate.
Brown the egg shells, crush the shells, add 11 parts vinegar to 1 part egg shells. Wait till pH hits 7 then filter and bottle. SUPER available calcium in a very stable form.

Why not buy calcium acetate directly and skip the hassle?

I don't see the connection between it containing nitrogen and being a ripoff. Or why either is relevant if you promote dissolving egg shell in vinegar. Both are expensive and result in a fertilizer that contains nitrogen.