Hydroponic Fertilizer Followup : Comments & Suggestions 

You're right Chris, that's how it works. The fish waste is ammonia to start with, then the bacteria convert it to nitrites, and then to nitrates, which the plants can then use. This hydroponic stuff is helping me to better understand exactly what is going on.

Bobby, I really respect the time it must take to review all the comments, emails and PM's that you get - and then to also follow up with tests and videos to answer the questions. To me it shows that you really care about the quality of the information you provide. Thank you.

It's a lot of fun learning what works and why. I kinda have a laboratory in the greenhouses where I can test just about anything. The only holdup is the patience to see things thru. It's something that I'm trying to better deal with. ;)

hello every one i´m Carlos from Guadalajara Mexico I just started watching these videos and for the person who does not know anything about hidroponics this man explains easy and simple and will start trying with his bases my own back garden

Thanks. For growing lettuce, I use a reduced ratio. I will try to put together a video on greenhouse construction over the next few weeks to answer your questions.

We appreciate you doing these experiments that most can't afford. Thank you for guiding people to providing for themselves. Blessings!

I used Miracle Grow as a base fertilizer, then added epson salt and calcium nitrate. I added a little potassium nitrate. I was looking for the formula of the Masterblend by using what I had. The results were better then what I thought. I bought 2 # of tomato formula on ebay and the results were not much different. Fish water worked very well by itself for a month. MPH Gardener has helped more people then he knows. Thanks Bobby. God Bless.

Thanks. I wanted to make sure folks had a chance to read up on Kratky's work. He spent a lot of time researching the process.

I love that you want to share you knowledge of this system with us thank you for that I am so excited about starting this system I am a female doing this by myself I asked a friend if he could build it for me he said he cannot build anything so I kept looking at your tutorial cause I was determined to get this thing do I'm going to go it myself I thank you once again frederica

I was surprised at the patents too. There are a few people around the world using this method, but not many. It's kinda been pushed aside. Thanks Larry.

In an area where water supply is an issue, hydroponics makes a lot of sense. Thanks.

Food production is gonna be a serious problem in the future. I'm trying to help out as best I can. Thanks friend.

Thanks. Growing your own food is becoming more important with each passing day. So I feel like whatever time I spend on this is time well spent.

I think it's a bit more involved than that. My wife is always putting things in water too, but she changes the water every few days. His method uses the same water for a month or more. I think it's a pretty cool way to grow, nice and simple.

Thanks. Doing this outside is a common question these days. I will be setting up some things outside to see what kind of adjustments need to be made.

I did one pepper plant in a hydro setup last year, and it did fine. For this year, all of the peppers are going in the ground. I may start some pepper seeds for the fall though to give them another go.

I just found you about a month ago and have watched most of your back catalog of videos. I love the straight forward way you present information. I've very into Hydroponics and have found your explanations and example methods an inspiration. I'm trying 24 outdoor Dutch Bucket tomato plants this spring. Have a few things to work out, but your videos have been very helpful in planning and designing. Thanks and keep up the fantastic work!

Bobby, I hate to add another comment saying the same thing as all these other folks but I can't stop it now; THANK YOU for what you are doing here. You are an encouragement to everyone. Last week I ordered my stuff from hydro-gardens (by phone), they were most helpful. They even put it in a flat rate box as shipping up here to Alaska is not cheap! I can not wait to try out the Kratky method myself, mind you I don't think I will ever give up my Aquaponics, however this will be a nice supp;ement.

Hey Bobby, great work bro. Two points, 1) if you do want to try an organic blend, FORGET IT! In passive systems like you have there, it's going to foul quick and in active systems, it plugs airstones and sprayers. 2) As you know, different nutrients unlock at different pH levels, so it's good that some of the nutes you're trying go down in the 5's because as the nute level drops, you end up "sweeping" across the pH scale so the plants can fully take up the NPK. Love ya baby -VBMike

You're welcome. If you have questions about anything, just holler. I'll do my best to help you.

mhpgardener@yahoo.com ... or post it on my FB page. mhp.gardener

As a general rule, compost tea is not recommended in hydroponics, for a number of reasons. But the obvious one to me is that there'd be no consistency. No two batches of tea would be the same.

This is what I have been looking for! When I ask of hydroponics forums they all tell me not to waste my time with Miracle-Gro. But I would rather have several smaller lettuce and kales using Miracle-Gro and seeds I already have than spend money on more supplies right now. As long as something will grow, thats better than nothing!

Thanks Jill. With the greenhouses, I can keep learning year round. And it's great for doing experiments.

I wonder how Kratky ever pattened something that my mother, my grandmother and I am sure that her mother did year around in their kitchen windows with plants. It is really nothing more than growing plants in mason jars to me, just on a large scale with a little science for the food of course! Thanks Bobby! Chuck

I agree on the progression from hydro to AP. As you said, AP is a bit more complex with the addition of the fish. Hopefully I can get it figured out and do well. Thanks.

Cool... I ordered a 25# bag of 10-8-22 this morning. It was shipped out this afternoon. I wouldn't give up the AP setup either. But a little extra veggies on the side can't hurt. ;)

That sounds about right. My water is right at 7.0, and I end up with a ph of about 6.3-6.5, and a ppm 900 to 1k.

I want to add my thanks for these analytic and guiding vids, one reason why I did not start up yet was the lack of knowledge in vertilizing. Thank you indeed, I would like to expect further vids from you.

Yea, it's a pretty good ride over to the beach. I remember seeing that name awhile back. I see they now have a website, but not online sales. I wish I had a store close by so I could cut out the shipping costs.

I will be taking my time with the AP setup. Slow and steady makes sense to me.

Bobby, I was shopping at Winn Dixie today, and they have these collapsible steel frame pavilions measuring 12x12 x 10' at the peak. I think I can make it work as a trellising system for my cucurbits, runner beans and malabar spinach. The nice thing is that the fruits will hang down, even from above as the vines grow over the top. 80 bucks is all. I am getting one on the first of the month. AND, in winter, convert it to a greenhouse. Here in zone 8b, it would be simple to do.

The biggest concern I have with any type of tea in this particular setup is the static water. It's not aerated. So the tea would be anaerobic in a few days. If you used air stones, that might help. But still, there is a lot of inconsistency in compost teas, so it would be hard to get a base level.

Yes, you can grow bell peppers. But you'll need a larger reservoir to compensate for the 70-80 days till maturity.

I have tried miracle grow several times in hydroponics and even added micro nutrients to it, and it just did not measure up to hydroponic nutrients. The master blend that you use seems to be the best bang for the buck. Just started my dutch bucket system 5 days ago and used the master blend formula that you use and my plants have doubled in size in just five days. I am sold on this formula.

Thanks. Before I started hydroponics, I had some serious reservations about the process. But after getting my feet wet, it turned into a pretty good deal.

I think you'll be ok with Nevada. I've had a few people mention it as doing very well, especially in warm weather.

Bobby, Thanx...your detailed explanations are much appreciated and so very helpful. Just bought myself some buckets to try growing tomatoes and also a square container to grow lettuce by the Cranky method. Try growing some Mache...it's a great winter lettuce option, and where you're at, might not even need heat in your greenhouse...and it's very healthy. Prepare it with sweet and sour vinaigrette and add some matos and finely chopped shallots.

The chickens are coming, I just need to get the aquaponic stuff set up first. I finally started getting my growbeds lined up today. If the weather ever breaks, it'll be much easier to get things done around here. Also..in regard to the Malabar..it climbed about 6 ft tall, and is full of flowers. It never did make very many leaves. I know it likes hot weather, so maybe that's my problem ?

Hydro and AP are different concepts. One relys on an outside source of nutrients, the other relys on bacteria to convert the fish waste. And depending what you feed the fish, AP may or may not be organic.

Ya'll are gonna need to extend the greenhouse quickly. That will be a lot of trays to keep situated. I have about 200 ready to go in 4 inch pots for my outside crops this year. I think that will be enough.

Anyway, I will try the Kratky Method this winter, my mind is made up. the growth you have shown there with the Master Blend is amazing. I thank you for what you do and your inspiration. Michael

I'm glad to hear that things are going well for you...thanks.

Thanks for everything, inspired me to start my first vegetable plot. Got about 75 good looking tomato seedlings I started last month going out next week in the deep south...Please keep it up and know your videos are greatly appreciated.

I don't have any experience with coriander. But I think the lettuce formula would work great with most herbs. The 11-11-40 should do well also.

This is also helping me quite a bit, getting a better understanding of the relationship between bacteria and nitrogen. And learning which forms of nitrogen are most readily available in a given situtation. It's like going to school.... without a student loan ! Thanks friend. ;)

I started some Stevia awhile back, and only had one seed come up. But... one was better than none. I've tried the leaves, and they really are sweet.

I'm not sure of the details, but I do know that the guys around here are doing something similar. It's a lot different than the plant beds we had when I was growing up.

I don't like losing or wasting money, and I consider myself pretty normal. So that means nobody else wants to lose or waste money either. I'm trying my best to make sure they don't. :)

If a couple is only 2-3 hours, it's gonna be hard to get decent production. You could try some small container tomatoes and see how it goes.

I love what you say and the way you say it! I am a longstanding aquaponics grower in South Africa, and I have been blessed by your videos. God bless you.

Absolutely, positively, one of the best hydroponic gardening videos...no wait...gardening videos in general EVER! My mind is reeling with the possibilities! Your tomato plants are mind boggling. If the root system is so compact, as demonstrated in a previous video, why not reduce the size of the bucket therefore reducing the material costs even further? (Especially for us smaller scale gardeners.) I'm thinking of trying the method in a closed system, in a gallon orange juice container using the hydroponic solution. No drainage holes to worry about! One would have to monitor how much water the tomato plant uses and refill when needed but seems much simpler than a circulating system - especially with smaller scale gardeners. Sort of like how the Earthbox works.

Very good points Mike. That's why I'd prefer a water soluble fertilizer. Is there an organic choice out there? I dunno, I haven't seen one. I find it hard to believe that one hasn't been developed, so hopefully something turns up. Thanks bro.

I agree! I have watched most of your videos but don't think I have seen one that is a guide to the big picture hydroponics. A video that compares the different methods you have used, the cost, maintenance, and difficulty in setup and on going use. I know you're busy now with all the prep for the spring garden but it would be a very helpful video.

When I mix the formula to specs I come out with a ppm of 1100 and a ph of 4.9. I use rainwater that I collect, and it generally has a ppm of 5-10 and ph of 7.2. I am using pea gravel as a media in my dutch buckets. Once the system starts up my ppm stays at 1100 and ph rises to 6.2. I suspect that there may be a little crushed limestone or dolomite in the gravel, which in this case works great, as it actually buffers the solution.

Cool, I hope it does well for you. It's kinda neat seeing the roots grow.

The 4-18-38 specified to add Epsom Salt. The other fertilizers didn't, but I think it would be a good idea.

First question, I'm not saying you can't use compost tea, but I wouldn't recommend it. It's too easy to introduce problems into the system. Yes, you can use a diluted solution on the seedlings. Once mine start getting the true leaves, I start feeding them the same way.

I sincerely hope that you have been well since the 8 years you made this sir. Exceptional videos and definitely adds to my personal wealth of knowledge,and I do hope monetary wealth has come to fruition for you. Best attitude ever. ☮️❤️🙏🙏🙏

With very high temps, hydroponics is iffy. If you can keep the reservoir temps down, I think its possible. But it's probably best to let things cool down outside, then put the system in place. The only lights that I use are for seed starting.

My water comes in about 50, not bad at all. Good advice on the go small first...I definitely agree with that line of thinking.

Hi Bobby. Great video as usual. A comment on pH and nutrients as I understand it. I just had my water tested and it is HARD (well water). I have 440 ppm calcium in my water which affects the amount of calcium nitrate that I add to my solution. I recommend people get their water tested. I am a big believer in letting the solution go through a range of pH rather than controlling it as some elements are more available at certain pH levels. The micronutrients are really important.

I sure appreciate you doing this! I can not afford to go out and buy fertilizer that doesn't work. This will be a huge help to me to see what your results are!

I've used the Eco Plus and the General Hydroponics with no problems.

No, I haven't. But Crop King is a big operation and they supply to a lot of commercial growers. So if they say it's good, it probably is.

When I was a boy we always staked about 2 doz tomato plants and put coffee cans in the ground to make ease in watering. We would also add one handful of CaNO3 to the cans each year. Those tomatoes always did well and out yielded the other tomato plants 2-1.

Bobby I just wanted to say THANKS for your teachings ... excellent ... even though I've done this for just about a month my plants are doing great. Thanks

I thought this would fit in here. The farmers around here have greenhouses and they use them mainly just to start tobacco plants. They make a floating raft system by laying plastic over the entire floor of the greenhouse. Fill the plastic with water.I am not sure if they use a fertilizer or not, Then they use styrofoam trays which they fill with a dry dirt mix, They use a seeding machine that drops a tobacco seed in each division of the tray and then they put all the trays in the water.

Compost tea is a long running area of .."wonder if"...in hydro. I haven't tried it but I know the main thing in hydro is readily available nutrients a plant can use. If the tea were aerated over a period of time, a long one...then sterilized with strong H2o2 , maybe a usable mix could be made. I plan on trying this in the near future. Good compost with the addition of seaweed or rock dust would be rich in macro and micro nutrients. Play and experiment with the organics, its a new hydro frontier.

Yeah, Bobby, I am going back to see their display model up close and come up with some ways I can attach strong twine for trellising. The canvas top will not be used at all. Not only cukes, but bitter melons, edible loofah, Burpee seedless cukes and armenian cukes. I'll take some pics. I have seen such set ups where after the vines get so long as to go over the top, the fruit is hanging over your head.

The hoops go over the top of the posts and are secured with 2-hole emt straps and screws. Good luck with the corn...it gets pretty tall.

You're doing something I've never done before. I have zero experience with fruit trees. But you're making it sound mighty easy...and tempting. :)

Yes sir... all 4 fertilizers had the trace minerals included. Most complete water solubles will from what I've seen.

With hydroponics, it's best to stay away from manures and compost teas. There's all kinds of stuff in them that could cause problems. They are best suited for putting on plants in the soil.

Just throwing it out there, but temperature can have a big impact on pH. The colder the water the lower your pH will be in most cases. I worked in a lab and the water would be really warm coming out of the filtration system and when we chilled the water for an hour or two it made the pH go down and would make it so we needed to treat the water less which would make it so the "media" would filter properly.

He posted on a video a few days ago that he tried that fertilizer in a hydro setup and it didn't go so well. The Mittleider deal is soil based, not good for hydro.

Yes indeed. And I learn quite a bit from the comment section. On the first video, the folks were pouring out the info, very helpful to me and everyone else. Thanks friend. P.S..... dang it's cold outside. :(

Nice job....sharing results is always awesome!

Hey Rick, that's interesting. The MG tom has a decent amount of nitrogen, and you bumped it by 75% with the Cal Nitrate. But... it's probably not able to access the urea in the MG very well, and is able to compensate with the additional nitrates from the Cal nitrate. Hmmm.. ;)

WOW the learning curve is getting steep around here... I'm doing my best just to stay current!

The boxes are 32x48, the Styrofoam is 1inch. I posted a video a few months ago showing how I built them.

Thumbs up bobby....a lot of good info packed into 11 minutes....thanks for the ups and downs of everything you are doing....it helps us that are just branching out into this get started on the right track....

As always, I appreciate and support what you're doing here on youtube.

I just looked it up. They don't offer a complete fertilizer. What they have seems to be supplements. Try to read the labels and notice the N-P-K numbers.

If the reservoir is sized properly, you shouldn't have to change it out until the lettuce is completed.

When they are ready to plant, they take the whole tray out to the field and transplant them. I think the trays are about the same size as the seed starting trays you see in walmart ect. About 72 cells or so.

I believe by adding fish tank water or aquaponic water to the urea nitrate fertilizers you will be adding the proper bacteria to break down the nitrates and make it more available. You would have to take into consideration the higher nitrogen content and you could probably breed some bacteria with molasses/compost tea recipe if you are trying to avoid too much nitrogen from the fish waste, but for lettuce, more nitrogen is probably exactly what you want. Love the vids!!!!

I have double layers of 6mil, with IR/AC on the inside and standard film on the outside.

I bought the book on the Mittleider's way of growing veggies,purchased the magic fertilizer.This is my plan.With my bonus I purchase 2 10X10 dog kennels.It will only be for plants that require bee pollination.Have to keep the deer away. When I get everything set up,I'm going to do a video to pay hommage to you for inspiring me to be self suffient.I hope you will be pleased with what you see. It's small but, does the job. I have ideas from ImStillWorkin too.Thanks to you.She's a genius!

Still love your videos Bobby. Sharing some of them today! It is certainly time to rethink food! Thanks a lot. Say hi to Susan!

I have been looking into hydroponic gardening for a while. Your video was in the suggested viewing area. So I gave it a view and I finally got the answers I was looking for. It does not really matter what container I use. Your other video on how to mix the fertilizer is what I have been wanting. Thank you for taking the time to do these informational videos.

Thank you very much for all your time and effort you are a great encouragement and watching your videos for the last three years never cease to edify me for which I am highly thankful .

I keep waiting for the MG lettuce to do something, but it just sits there.... almost like it's stunted. It's about half the size of the Masterblend lettuce. Thanks Rob.

Some people use MG in hydro, but I didn't have any luck with it. I'll stick to the regular hydro fertilizers.

I'm planning on 8 different heirloom varieties, the highlights are Black Krim, Crimson Cushion, Thessaloniki and Stupice. Throwing in a couple bell peppers too. Still have to devise some sort of cover over the buckets to protect from rain and sun, but I might be close to a solution.

LDS Prepper said in his video something interesting about fertilizing. Maybe this will work. The video is called, Mittleider Garden: Weekly feed fertilizer recipe,sustainable gardening. It is the 44th video in his list

Check with Morgan County Seeds or Hydro-Gardens.

I don't think rock dust is water soluble. It would just settle to the bottom of the reservoirs.

About $30..... they check with the carrier first and then let you know since rates change so often.

I'm surprised that I haven't been able to find a water soluble organic fertilizer. It's seems to me that someone would have taken seaweed, worm castings, or whatever, and come up with a workable product. Maybe I just haven't looked in the right place.