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