FAQ

Firstly, all silica products are generally made from potassium silicate. This ingredient generates MSA when diluted in water. So, MSA is essentially a play on words, a marketing angle pitched by a few manufacturers… From a chemist’s point-of-view, the biggest point of difference (problem) with silica products is their shelf life. Most of them have a max shelf-life of 1-2 yrs. This impacts their solubility and notably creates a build-up (gel) in the reservoir. FloraMax Silica has a shelf-life of 10 years plus and is fully soluble. Claims of internodal shortening and other flowering benefits from MSA/silica are bogus. We have been selling silica’s since about 1997 and have never heard this claim from growers. The most effective way of obtaining flowering benefits through nutrition is by using a combination of OrganaBud and Resin-XS:

1. OrganaBud: Promotes branching, shortening, bud-sites and stacking. Increases potency, terpene profile and pistil vibrancy.
2. Resin-XS: Increases frosting, resin, oil and potency. Improves swell, density and final mass.

Also, unlike those ‘other’ silica products, with OrganaBud and Resin-XS there are no biofilms, pH fluctuation or blockages.

The chemists at FloraMax have been able to deconstruct popular organic ingredients such as kelp and fulvic acid, then isolate specific ‘beneficial’ organic molecules. These are then incorporated into our additives in a purified and potent form. This enables the following:

1. The molecular concentrations can be optimized for maximum nutrient effect e.g. faster root growth, more branching and stacking, higher potency and terps, improved density and better looking flowers.
2. There are no negative side-effects e.g. fewer blockages and no pH fluctuation, foaming or odors.
3. They impart minimal color in the reservoir. This allows growers to see “through” the nutrient solution and identify potential problems within the reservoir. Absence of color also prevents root staining which can potentially conceal root diseases.
4. Shelf-life exceeds 5-years.  These benefits cannot be achieved with raw organics such as kelp and fulvic.

Assuming the FloraMax feed chart is being followed, most deficiencies are caused by the following issues:

1. Under-feeding:  This is the most common cause of deficiencies.  Ensure to feed more frequently and/or feed until 10-20% run-off is achieved.  It is particularly common for growers to underfeed in coco.  In most situations, plants should be fed several times per day throughout bloom and late veg.
2. High CO2, PPFD or VPD:  These all increase nutrient uptake.  To remedy, feed more regularly, or add 1-2ml/L of FloraMax Ca-Mg-Fe or Veg-1.
3. ‘Aging’ recirculating nutrient:  Replace the nutrient solution more regularly or add 2ml/L of FloraMax Ca-Mg-Fe or Veg-1.
4. Hard water:  Ensure to flush more regularly otherwise the root-zone will become extremely saline.  This will cause foliage burn/tip burn.  Extremely hard water may require a plain water feed after every 3rd or 4th feed.
5. CO2 deficiencies:  This is extremely common with powerful LED lights.  As a general rule, light over 1,200 PPFD generally requires a 1:1 ratio of C02 e.g. 1,400 PPFD needs 1,400ppm CO2.

FloraMax Ca-Mg-Fe: Due to the way most nutrient ranges are configured, deficiencies symptoms in the youngest or most recent foliage growth are most likely due to a lack of either calcium, nitrogen, or the 6 essential trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Mo & B).  FloraMax Ca-Mg-Fe contains all 8 of these nutrient elements in abundance and is therefore the most effective way of identifying and treating common deficiency symptoms.  Generally apply FloraMax Ca-Mg-Fe at 1-2ml/L (4-8ml/Gal).  If this fails to fix the problem within 1-2 weeks, then the issue probably lies elsewhere.

2-part nutrients have historically been superior to 1-parts.  However, the new technology being incorporated into FloraMax Veg-1 produces superior flower quality and faster floral transition compared to VegaFlora AB and other popular 2-parts.  Veg-1 is also cleaner, more pH stable, and is far easier to use.  As an indication, most of the commercial growers running FloraMax now use Veg-1 in preference to VegaFlora AB, or other 2-part alternatives.

The “EC Specification” published on FloraMax labels is a guarantee of each products EC contribution.  This helps warn growers of a potential dosing error.

No, the PK levels (Phosphorous and Potassium) are optimized with Flowering Enhancer, Resin-XS (0-1-4) and the FloraMax base nutrient (VegaFlora AB or Veg-1).  During mid-to-late bloom, we generally recommend using Resin-XS at 3-4ml/L (11.5-15ml/Gal).  For heavy feeders, 4ml/L (15ml/Gal) generally provides significant improvements in mass yield and terpene profile.

Apply during veg week-1 if clones appear strong enough.  Better results may be obtained by limiting usage to 3-4 days.

“Sand-like” deposits on the bottom of the reservoir:  These are typically either due to high pH levels, or a result of mixing the nutrient or additives in too little water.  Specifically, pre-mixing A and B base nutrients will usually manifest as a “sand-like” deposit within a few minutes.  To avoid this, when making a nutrient batch always add the majority of the water to the reservoir before adding the nutrient and additives.  Also, ensure to stir the mixture well after each component is added, then immediately check and adjust pH once completed.

White slimes:  These will typically float in the nutrient solution, or clog filters and drippers.  This can be avoided by adding Pythoff PLUS or System Maintenance to the nutrient solution and by covering the nutrient reservoir to prevent light ingress.

White scale:  This issue is common with hard waters (high in calcium), high EC waters, or where excessive cal-mag additive is used.  White (calcium) scale often builds up in irrigation lines and drippers and causes blockages.  It also adheres to hard surfaces above the waterline on reservoirs and substrate (eg. on clay balls), however, this is generally only an aesthetic problem.  In many cases it can be minimized or prevented by using low EC waters including RO or rain, or by maintaining low pH’s (5.0-5.5), or by regularly treating the nutrient solution with Pythoff PLUS (contains a descaling agent).

Generally no!  Unless the product is a slurry or emulsion, rarely the case, the bottle should NEVER be shaken immediately prior to use.  Shaking will mobilize then permit ‘insoluble’ deposits to be decanted into the nutrient reservoir.  Despite best hopes, these deposits will rarely dissolve once in the reservoir.  They will simply block drippers, lines and filters!

Common sources of insoluble deposits include impurities (e.g. clays/silicates), destabilized ingredients, or product stabilizers being naturally decomposed by exposure to atmospheric CO2 – this is common in additives with neutral to alkaline pH such as some silica based additives.

Yes, provided light ingress and evaporation are minimized, shade (or bury) the reservoir to minimize nutrient temperature, and avoid the use of sugary additives such as carbohydrates and molasses.  With a super-stable nutrient such as Veg-1 or VegaFlora and their associated additives, batches can be stored for several weeks or even months provided pH is set well below 6.5 on day 1.  By keeping everything clean – reservoir, drippers, feedlines, pump and filters – System Maintenance will help ensure all plants are being watered properly.

Yes, however to prevent additional vegetative growth during early flower, it is important to cease usage of Growth-XS 14-days prior to the ‘expected’ switch to flower.  Therefore, generally begin usage 3-weeks PRIOR to flower and use for a maximum of 7-days.  The plant will continue to benefit for about 14-days *post* application.

To prevent deficiency symptoms during accelerated vegetative growth, it may be necessary to increase EC by 0.2-0.4mS while Growth-XS is being used, and in the week or two following.

Yes.  In veg, many growers now use Flowering Enhancer to prevent purple stems and petioles, and to avoid calcium, magnesium and iron deficiencies.   In bloom, Flowering Enhancer integrates very well into other ranges along with Resin-XS as the stand-alone PK additives.  This combination prevents the need for a cal-mag additive, provides pH stability and avoids needing messy “finishers” or bloom boosters.

No, provided the EC and feed regime are both adequate.  The FloraMax line has sufficient Cal-Mag In its base nutrients and Flowering Enhancer.  Over hundreds of test grows during the development phase there was never any need for a dedicated Cal-Mag additive.  Deficiencies are only ever likely to occur if growers are underfeeding, or if running excessive PPFD, VPD or CO2.  In the latter case add 1-2ml/L of Veg-1 or FloraMax Ca-Mg-Fe.  If this fails to fix the problem within 1-2 weeks, then the issue is probably not due to Cal-Mag or trace elements.

Generally no.  Claimed growth benefits from “super- oxygenated” nutrient have nil scientific merit.  For run-to-waste systems (soil and coco) an air-stone is not required and should be avoided as they can cause adverse reactions with organic additives and destabilize pH, especially if too much air is being injected.  If batches are being stored for more than a few days, Pythoff PLUS or System Maintenance should be used to prevent any build-ups in the reservoir especially if any light is able to enter.  Also, cover the reservoir, however, ensure the lid is raised to allow airflow – this will prevent the growth of mould on the hard surfaces inside the reservoir.

For recirculating systems, air-stones can be beneficial especially if the dump frequency is infrequent, however as mentioned above, minimize the air injection rate if using organics. This does not apply to DWC where the nutrient solution must be aerated.

No, Pythoff PLUS or System Maintenance should be used instead.  Growers must be made aware that many of the FloraMax products contain essential “purified extracted organics”. These appear more-or-less identical to synthetics or salts, and lack the typical characteristics of organic additive e.g. sludgy, sticky and stinky. The trouble is, grower’s can unwittingly assume FloraMax is a “synthetic-line” and employ chlorines or peroxide – which can destroy the organics.

These are NOT recommended for use as foliar sprays.  Firstly, the calcium in Cal-Mag additives (and base nutrients) will cause white staining on the surface of foliage.  During daylight (lights-on), this can hinder photosynthesis and cause burning of foliage (aka “necrosis”).  Also, the nutrient species used in Cal-Mags or base nutrients are not ideally suited for uptake via stomata.  For maximum uptake and efficacy, it is best to use a specialized foliar spray such as FloraMax Clone Spray.  This can be used for seedlings and clones, then throughout veg and in early bloom through to about week 3 or 4 – but generally not later than this.  The ingredients in Clone Spray are designed for maximum uptake via stomata and will impart the necessary benefits desired from a foliar spray e.g. improved foliage growth, increased number and quality of bud sites, improved plant structure and increased root mass.

These are the most common causes:

1. The EC meter is not calibrated.  Check this using a calibration standard (typically at 2.76mS).  This is by far the most common cause of EC discrepancies.
2. Ensure the reservoir is mixed properly.  This may take longer than expected especially for systems like RDWC or NFT if a significant amount of nutrient solution is elsewhere in the system.
3. Failure to add one or more products will result in a lower EC.  Refer to Table 10.4 for each products EC Contribution.  For example, not adding Flowering Enhancer in bloom wk-1 will reduce EC by 0.4mS.
4. Failure to correctly measure the dose.
5. Reservoir volume is not calibrated correctly.
6. Measuring devices are inaccurate and need calibrating.

Although this is a common trend, our best testers – and we have them in many countries – find that it’s best to continue high EC until harvest.  Low final EC/TDS harms final quality and flavour.  Some common causes of bad flavour/quality are:

1. Failure to dry the final product adequately causes a harsh taste.
2. Nuisance chemicals in the nutrients and additives – metallic tastes are common.  Some nutrient brands have a “signature” taste…
3. PGRs such as paclobutrazol and daminozide reduce flavour.
4. Excess sugars/carbs have a similar affect as the above-mentioned PGRs.
5. Poorly balanced nutrients (some elements run deficient, others run excessive i.e. toxic) can cause a harsh taste.

It is foolish to think plant growth can be optimized using one solitary method.  For this reason the FloraMax range incorporates a sophisticated blend of both organics and inorganics – although government regulation prohibits the disclosure of the organic ingredients in most cases. Importantly FloraMax is free of harmful PGR’s such as paclobutrazol and daminozide.

“Purified extracted organics” explained

The chemists at FloraMax have been able to deconstruct popular organic ingredients such as kelp, fulvic acid and guano then isolate specific ‘beneficial’ organic molecules. These are then incorporated into our additives in a purified and potent form. Importantly, this enables their concentrations to be optimized for maximum nutrient effect, with no negative side-effects. The result is a range of products that produce unique and tangible results without causing blocked drippers, pH fluctuation, build-up, foaming or odors.

Every batch of FloraMax is manufactured by our in-house chemist, then tested for quality before being bottled.  This ensures every bottle performs to specification. Growers can be confident of achieving consistent yields from crop-to-crop.

Product shelf-life is essential for ensuring every bottle performs to the manufacturer’s original specification. The on going solubility and activity of the active ingredients is critical for this.  Our entire range boasts extra long shelf-life, typically at least 7 years. Hence growers can be confident of achieving consistent yields from crop-to-crop.

The use of 1-part technology throughout our range ensures each product is multi-purpose. This means you require only 4-5 bottles (base nutrient included) to cover a multitude of issues and ensure outstanding yields.

Simplicity is further demonstrated with our base nutrients.  Growers only require a single nutrient for seed-to-harvest growth instead of a separate grow and bloom formulation.  Less bottles means less confusion!

FloraMax utilizes the highest grade of ingredients available for plant nutrient products.   Further, these are carefully balanced to avoid any unnecessary excess. This ensures the nutrient solution “runs clean” without blocking drippers or emitters.

Our pH buffering control is 5x stronger than other leading brands.  This means pH adjustment is not required in coco coir or soil and is reduced significantly in recirculating hydroponic systems.  Also, when dosing with alkaline additives you are unlikely to ever see white deposits or “clouds” in the nutrient.