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IONIC® Instructions

IONIC is a translucent liquid containing a full profile of precisely formulated minerals. It can supply all the nutritional requirements of fast growing plants, especially those grown under lights. The unique process by which IONIC is made allows us to stabilise the pH and for the majority of growers it will need very little adjustment at all.

Which IONIC variety?

IONIC HYDRO
GROW & BLOOM

Designed for NFT, Flood & Drain and all types of passive hydroponics.
 

HARD WATER

Special formulations are available for hydroponic growers in hard water areas. See notes on hard water, right.
 

IONIC for SOIL
GROW & BLOOM

These formulations of IONIC can be used with fertile soil mixes or with artificial soils. They are precisely formulated for the needs of plants in soil and are heavily fortified with complex organic plant acids, which will enhance the health and vitality of the soil as well as the plant.
 

IONIC for COCO
GROW & BLOOM

These formulations of IONIC can be used with Coco (coir) either in the slabs or in the loose form. They are precisely formulated for the needs of plants in Coco and are enriched with complex organic plant acids, which will enhance plant performance and crop yields.
 

IONIC BOOST

BOOST is a nutrient supplement designed to be used in the final few weeks before harvest. BOOST allows the grower easy control of the extra phosphorus and potassium that can lead to bumper yields. BOOST is an ideal addition to any of the IONIC BLOOM formulations but it can also be used very effectively with any good quality nutrient solution of the BLOOM variety.
 

GROW and BLOOM

IONIC nutrients are supplied in two distinct formulations. The GROW formulation is designed to supply the needs of the plant during the vegetative stage of its growth cycle. IONIC BLOOM formulations are dedicated to the fruiting and flowering stage of plant growth, containing enhanced levels of phosphorus and potassium, the elements required for development of buds and flowers.


Hard Water

Growers in hard water areas are strongly advised to use IONIC HW formulations. They are formulated specifically to help control the high pH and to mesh with the chemistry of hard water. The special formulations make allowance for the minerals found in hard water and help maintain a good ionic balance in the tank. The correct formulations will greatly reduce problems and enhance the performance of plants.

If unsure about the water it is possible to get a report from the water company or use a HW Test Kit – obtainable from hydroponic stores.

Growing with HW nutrients is no different than with the ordinary formulations. Make up according to the normal directions. If pH is still too high it should be corrected downwards with Growth Technology pH DOWN. If pH is very low it may be that water is not really hard at all. Use Growth Technology pH UP or, preferably, Liquid Silicon to bring the pH up.


pH

pH is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. On a scale of 0–14 neutrality is represented as 7. The ideal pH for almost all hydroponic applications is 5.5–6.2. pH for RockWool cultivation should be on the low side, ideally about 5.5–5.8. IONIC nutrients are especially formulated to ensure that pH is close to 6 when made up with reasonably clean water. Unfortunately water quality varies dramatically from place to place. You may find therefore that you need to make small adjustments to your nutrient tank from time to time.

It is very important to check pH the first time you make up IONIC solution. As long as your reading is within the acceptable range you need not adjust the pH at this time. You should keep a regular check on pH at all times.

Instructions for use:

Any formulation:

1. Calculate total tank volume.
2. Add IONIC at 7 ml/litre (e.g. for a 10 litre tank add 70 ml).
3. Stir thoroughly, running the pump if possible.
4. Check conductivity of the solution. (See chart below for recommended levels.) Add more nutrient if necessary.
5. Check pH of solution.
6. If required, adjust using Growth Technology pH UP or pH DOWN.

IONIC BOOST

1. Make up an IONIC BLOOM formulation in the usual way.
2. Stir tank thoroughly.
3. Add IONIC BOOST to tank at the rate of 1 ml/litre.
4. Stir again then check and correct the pH.
5. Use nutrient in the normal way. IONIC BOOST can be added to the tank on a weekly basis for the final six weeks before harvest.

Application Nutrient pH Range EC Notes
SOIL IONIC for SOIL 5.5–6.2 1.5 mS Pre-treatment with GreenMyst Humic will be helpful.
COCO IONIC for COCO 5.5–6.2 1.5 mS Pre-treatment with GreenMyst Humic will be helpful.
PERLITE IONIC HYDRO 5.5–6.2 2.0 mS Flush regularly. Check pH and EC in saucers daily.
ROCKWOOL
Passive
IONIC HYDRO 5.5–5.8 1.5 mS Flush regularly. Monitor the drain water.
ROCKWOOL
Re-circulate
IONIC HYDRO 5.5–5.8 1.5 mS Check and correct the pH and EC daily, especially in the slabs
FLOOD & DRAIN IONIC HYDRO 5.5–6.2 2.0 mS Check and correct the pH and EC daily.
NFT IONIC HYDRO 5.5–6.2 2.0 mS Check and correct the pH and EC daily.