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Post by Kia on Oct 4, 2021 22:53:37 GMT -5
Hello, I’m new hydroponics and your website. I have 3 Bountys, 1 Harvest and just recently purchased an Idoo 10 Pod (4.5 L) The Aerogardens are easy! Just top off the water as needed and add the liquid nutrients every 14 days, either 2 or 3 capfuls. Then at 30 days drain all water and start again.
I would like to use Maxigro in the Idoo instead of the 2 part liquid that came with the unit. Maxigro says 1-2 tsps per gallon of water. I was going to use 1 tsps per gallon. How do you stay in an Aerogarden schedule (every 14 days) and use dry nutrients? There will be some water with old nutrients in the system. Would I have to drain out all the water in the unit every 14 days and then add nutrients? Just topping off with plain water in between?
I’m so confused! I bought the Maxigro for Kratky jars since it is easy to mix. I would just keep adding the mixed nutrients of 1 tsp per gallon as needed in the Kratky jars.
Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Kia
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on Oct 5, 2021 4:37:37 GMT -5
Hi, Kia. The principle is the same, but Maxigtow is much stronger than AG nutrients.
I would start with a much lower dose than recommended and see how the plants respond and adjust accordingly. It will be easy to burn them if you are not careful. I don't know if the pH would stay stable. If yoú changed the reservoir every 2 weeks you would probably be safe. I add tiny amounts of Maxi Bloom sometimes to help with flowering. The key is tiny amounts.
I have also had léss than stellar results with Dyna Grow.
Aerogarden nutrients are pH buffered and are designed to feed a wider range of plants safely. Maxigrow is tailored more for non-blooming plants.
All I can advise you is to watch your plants carefully for leaf curl, overly gréen color, brown leaf tips and other signs of over fertilization if you go with Maxi Grow.
I hate the inflated prices AG charges for their nutrients. But they work for me better than any of the others I have tried.
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Post by peter001 on Oct 5, 2021 6:43:24 GMT -5
Hello Kia,
I'm also new to AeroGardens, so can't answer to the 'normal procedures' but hydroponics optimally require a maintained nutrient concentration and supply at the roots.
The simplest solution would be to drain and fill every 2 weeks to restore the nutrient concentration and 'balanced ratios' whether using the MaxiGro or AeroGarden Nutrients, they are almost the same whether mixed separately and added to the reservoir (MaxiGro) or mixed in the reservoir (AeroGarden)... Good luck.
Technically they are also close in NPK nutrient concentration with the "Absolute" apples to apples comparison of PPM (Parts per Million).
BTW, To maintain the nutrient concentration you would optimally top up with a nutrient solution not water, but water is recommended by AG probably because its simpler than recommending adding a premixed nutrient solution since users are not actually testing nutrient concentrations.
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Shawn
Administrator
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Post by Shawn on Oct 5, 2021 7:56:05 GMT -5
I wish I could help but I only use AG Nutes.
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airscapes
AGA Bounty
Lettuce eat Cake!
Posts: 642
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Post by airscapes on Oct 5, 2021 9:40:02 GMT -5
You must drain, optionally rinse, and refill with fresh solution. It is recommended to be done every week but can be extended to 2 weeks. The type of solution is not relevant, the plant removes what it needs from the solution and deposits what it does not need. So for best results, weekly drain, fill with clear water (run pump if you have one for a few minutes) drain and refill with fluid that is at the fertilizers manufactures recommended ratio for the plant you are growing.
There are other things that should be done like measuring and adjusting PH and monitoring EC. However to do this Accurately requires an large expenditure to purchase an quality accurate PH meter and time and money to maintain it. This has been eliminated in the Aerogarden world by using their fertilizer which is buffered to provide an a ph level that is in range using average tap water. It is also formulated to work well with all the plants they sell.
So using dry fertilizer in an aerogarden, following their feeding schedule, I would mix a gallon of water to normal strength and after a week, use that gallon to add water to the unit until it is gone or is time to flush and fill. It depending of course on how often it needs water, which depends on now many and how large the plants are.
For a non aerogarden example, I have a 8gallon system outside with a full sized tomato plant in it (8'tall) I premix 8 gallons of water on Friday night, Saturday I drain, refill with clear water, drain and fill with fresh full strength fluid. I have learned how much Down I need to add to the the water when I pre mix to get my PH to hit 6.20 which is optimal for tomatos. Ec is about 3.40 when first added. By Monday EC is down to 2.65 and Tuesday 2.25 and the plant has sucked up about 12 gallons of added water depending on the temp and amount of wind. So I mix 4 gallons of full strength food and add that to the auto fill bucket which will bring the EC back up to 2.8x and by Saturday we start over.. This is a much larger plant and system but the same principle.
Hope that helps.
In the end, if you can not accurately measure your PH and EC level, it is best to just change it every week and you plant will always have what it need, assuming the PH is in range and the fertilizer is correct for the particular plant.. what is best to tomatoes would not be best for lettuce. This is all science and is really lots of fun!!
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Post by Kia on Oct 5, 2021 11:41:47 GMT -5
Hello All, Many thanks for the helpful information! So this is what I did: 1. Added filtered water (no nutrients) to unit and adjusted the PH to @ 6.0. I’m in NYC and my PH meter ($15 from Amazon — will invest in a better one soon) reads between 8 - 9.5 PH. 2. Added the seeds (6) to the pods on Oct 3. I already see a little green dot on 5 of the seeds so it is looking good for now. If all goes well I will move 2-3 seedlings to 32 oz Kratky jars. These are micro dwarf seeds so I think 32 oz jars will be okay. 3. Idoo is on veggie mode. I plan to use veggie mode for @ 2 weeks then switch to fruit/flower mode. The light isn’t the best but I’ve seen videos of these systems with tomato success. Based on your recommendations: 1. After 2 weeks I will drain and add MaxiBloom at 1 tsp per gallon. Unit is 4.5 L but I think less is more at the beginning. GH recommends 1-2 tsp per gallon. 2. Instead of following AG of topping off with plain water and adding nutrients every 2 weeks, etc., I’ll treat it like a Kratky/DWC and add nutrients (1 tsp per gallon mix) each time I top off and change out water completely every 2 weeks. The Maxi products are supposed to be PH buffered but will check PH and adjust when I mix the nutrients, as needed. Will also check the leaves for issues. Will increase nutrients when I start seeing flowers. I’m trying to keep it very simple while learning. I’ll use AG nutrients in AGs (with distilled water) and want to use MaxiGro (green veggies) and MaxiBloom (fruits/flowers) in non-AG units and Kratky (with filtered water). I am in a nice size NYC co-op apartment in BUT space is still limited.  P.S. I really appreciate the support and quick responses from everyone and will be asking a lot of questions on the boards. I love to cook so growing my own ingredients is very appealing to me. I might have to upgrade to a house with a backyard! I tried to upload a picture with this post. Will upload a new photo at 14 days! Kia |
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on Oct 5, 2021 11:51:56 GMT -5
It sounds like you have planned this out very carefully, Kia. I would expect you to get great results. I will love following your progress! |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,219
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Post by Shawn on Oct 5, 2021 14:39:04 GMT -5
I agree with Sher. You do have a plan!
You can check the Photo Repository thread for information on how to post pictures since there are only so many you can attach at this time.  |
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Post by peter001 on Oct 5, 2021 20:30:49 GMT -5
... Based on your recommendations: 1. After 2 weeks I will drain and add MaxiBloom at 1 tsp per gallon. Unit is 4.5 L but I think less is more at the beginning. GH recommends 1-2 tsp per gallon. ... MaxiBloom is typically used after the plant has put on growth and started to produce buds, not in the early and vegetative growth stages, the NPK ratios are not usually adequate.
I've trialed both MaxiGro and MaxiBloom and have usually gotten much better growth and production using only MaxiGro by simply increasing the application rate to 1-1/2 tsp / gallon during the "Bloom Stage" of growth. Full disclosure, I will be trialing a 2-part Liquid Fertilizer Concentrate made from Masterblend Tomato Formula in all my grow boxes this winter.
MaxiGro 10-5-14 = 234 - 51 - 272 PPM NPK @ 1 - 1/2 tsp / gal. MaxiBloom 5-15-14 = 78 - 102 - 182 PPM NPK @ 1 tsp / gal
Compare those NPK numbers (PPM) to the "Commercial Tomato Recipes", page #3 in the attached link... Also the relatively high ratio of P (Phosphorus) are not required for Fruiting / Blooming of Tomatoes, all research and Hydroponic cultural practices have it at or below 50 ppm in most nutrient solutions. |
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Post by gajahduduk on Nov 7, 2022 16:09:02 GMT -5
How did your experiments work, Kia?
I'm just looking to use the MaxiGro 10-5-14 bag I bought some time ago in place of the AG liquid nutrients (which I ran out of) as simply as possible. I'd like to add a set amount every 2 weeks on the AG reminder cycle.
Can I make a solution and keep it indefinitely?
If so, how does 1.25 tsp / per gallon sound? (Splitting the difference between 1 tsp for growth and 1.5 for bloom?)
Then add the equivalent of 2 capfuls every 2 weeks?
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Post by darais211 on Nov 8, 2022 18:56:59 GMT -5
How did your experiments work, Kia? I'm just looking to use the MaxiGro 10-5-14 bag I bought some time ago in place of the AG liquid nutrients (which I ran out of) as simply as possible. I'd like to add a set amount every 2 weeks on the AG reminder cycle. Can I make a solution and keep it indefinitely? If so, how does 1.25 tsp / per gallon sound? (Splitting the difference between 1 tsp for growth and 1.5 for bloom?) Then add the equivalent of 2 capfuls every 2 weeks? Hydroponic nutrients dissolved in water can sit for 7 to 10 days. However, it is advisable to use mixed nutrients immediately. If you let your hydroponic nutrient sit for a long time, it will cause degradation since it is exposed to heat and air. |
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Post by akj on Feb 17, 2023 12:22:43 GMT -5
Hi - I am new to diluting powdered fertilizer and needed some help. If Maxigro says use 1 tsp for 1 gallon and 1 tsp weighs ~6 grams, does that mean if I am filling up the 3 oz Aerogarden food bottle (which is 3 fl oz) then I would only need to use .15 grams of Maxigro? The math I was doing is that 1 gallon is 128 fl oz. 3/128 * 6 grams = ~.15 grams.
This seems like a miniscule amount but I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong. Thanks in advance for sharing any expertise and experience.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,219
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Post by Shawn on Feb 17, 2023 12:42:05 GMT -5
Please give them time to respond
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Post by tompepper7 on Feb 17, 2023 21:45:57 GMT -5
Hi - I am new to diluting powdered fertilizer and needed some help. If Maxigro says use 1 tsp for 1 gallon and 1 tsp weighs ~6 grams, does that mean if I am filling up the 3 oz Aerogarden food bottle (which is 3 fl oz) then I would only need to use .15 grams of Maxigro? The math I was doing is that 1 gallon is 128 fl oz. 3/128 * 6 grams = ~.15 grams. This seems like a miniscule amount but I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong. Thanks in advance for sharing any expertise and experience. It seems to me the error is wanting to fill an Aerogarden food bottle. When using the Aerogarden Liquid Plant Food a measured amount is added to the water in the Aerogarden. It sounds like you are wanting to add the measured amount of the Maxigro to just fill the Aerogarden food bottle. Do I understand that correctly?
Edit: Does this video help?
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Post by darais211 on Feb 18, 2023 8:37:36 GMT -5
Hi - I am new to diluting powdered fertilizer and needed some help. If Maxigro says use 1 tsp for 1 gallon and 1 tsp weighs ~6 grams, does that mean if I am filling up the 3 oz Aerogarden food bottle (which is 3 fl oz) then I would only need to use .15 grams of Maxigro? The math I was doing is that 1 gallon is 128 fl oz. 3/128 * 6 grams = ~.15 grams. This seems like a miniscule amount but I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong. Thanks in advance for sharing any expertise and experience. It seems to me the error is wanting to fill an Aerogarden food bottle. When using the Aerogarden Liquid Plant Food a measured amount is added to the water in the Aerogarden. It sounds like you are wanting to add the measured amount of the Maxigro to just fill the Aerogarden food bottle. Do I understand that correctly?
Edit: Does this video help?
tompepper7 always posts good stuff, i would follow the video. but if i remember correctly doesn't the AG nutes also have a ph balancer in it ( i thought i remember reading that on the SDS but i could be remembering another nutrient line)?
and when you are mixing up your nutrients are you taking PPM readings and PH?
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Post by akj on Feb 18, 2023 11:48:57 GMT -5
It seems to me the error is wanting to fill an Aerogarden food bottle. When using the Aerogarden Liquid Plant Food a measured amount is added to the water in the Aerogarden. It sounds like you are wanting to add the measured amount of the Maxigro to just fill the Aerogarden food bottle. Do I understand that correctly?
Edit: Does this video help?
tompepper7 always posts good stuff, i would follow the video. but if i remember correctly doesn't the AG nutes also have a ph balancer in it ( i thought i remember reading that on the SDS but i could be remembering another nutrient line)?
and when you are mixing up your nutrients are you taking PPM readings and PH?
That video was extraordinarily helpful. I think my mistake was trying to get the Maxigro in the same concentration as the Aerogarden liquid fertilizer that comes in the 3 FL Oz bottle that you only use 2 capfuls every 2 weeks (which means it is very concentrated) because that is enough for the .7 gal AG tank. With this AG fertilizer, you can last many months on the 3 FL Oz. The PPM calculators above confused me because it kept suggesting diluting 1 tsp into 1 gallon to get the right concentration. So I think instead of trying to make the same concentrate as the AG liquid fertilizer, I should just worry about making the calculation at the water tank level. Thanks again for the expertise and the video. Super helpful! |
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Post by ERR0R1755 on Feb 18, 2023 23:39:54 GMT -5
I've used MaxiGro in my AeroGarden before, but I always just premix it in a gallon jug, and then use that to refill my AeroGarden.
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Post by lynnee on Feb 20, 2023 18:09:14 GMT -5
Hi - I am new to diluting powdered fertilizer and needed some help. If Maxigro says use 1 tsp for 1 gallon and 1 tsp weighs ~6 grams, does that mean if I am filling up the 3 oz Aerogarden food bottle (which is 3 fl oz) then I would only need to use .15 grams of Maxigro? The math I was doing is that 1 gallon is 128 fl oz. 3/128 * 6 grams = ~.15 grams. This seems like a miniscule amount but I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong. Thanks in advance for sharing any expertise and experience. It seems to me the error is wanting to fill an Aerogarden food bottle. When using the Aerogarden Liquid Plant Food a measured amount is added to the water in the Aerogarden. It sounds like you are wanting to add the measured amount of the Maxigro to just fill the Aerogarden food bottle. Do I understand that correctly? Edit: Does this video help?
What a great video! I love all the Aerogarden Experiments videos! It's amazing, how much better the plants grown with Maxigrow performed when he adjusted the amount added to a full teaspoon. |
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Post by akj on Mar 1, 2023 13:06:44 GMT -5
For anybody who was curious and is googling around for the answer, I will state it definitively:
Harvest Elite Slim is about .6 Gallons. I mixed .8 tsp of Maxigro in 1 cup of water and shook for 2-3 min and then dumped that into the Aerogarden and plants are doing wonderful. Trying to recreate the concentration of the liquid fertilizer that Aerogarden sells is a fools errand.
Thanks to everyone here who contributed to my knowledge and learning. Very much appreciated.
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