So I’ve been using Silica the past month or so. I use drops for checking pH, and it’s off the charts high. Has to be 9 or higher.
I’m in Promix HP. Using organic dry nutrients and a few other amendments: kelp, molasses, cal mag, and microbes.
So far the high pH hadn’t been a problem, I just don’t understand how it’s ok. I know organic soils with microbes can buffer the pH, but I’m amazed if that’s the reason everything is ok. Is there something special about pH and silica that I don’t know???
While silica is very alkaline, if you’re not adding anything else in the water it won’t matter. Silica alone will not increase the Ppm of pure water enough to need to be adjusted.
Yes, there is something about Silica you should know.
I’m a water farmer so I am using the Silica additive.
Silicon to stay soluble, it requires a high pH – greater than 7. This high pH not where I want to be.
My nutrient program is General Hydroponics it says to add my Silica and CalMag BEFORE adding my base nutrients. Then adjust to 5.6-5.8 before adding to my plants.
Always add your Silica and Calcium Magnesium FIRST then your base nutrients. Then check your pH and adjust accordingly.
The ppm isn’t effected too much but your pH is definitely jacked up on the alkaline side.
Yes so far on all I’ve seen do silica first then calmag then base nutes and additives. If not done correctly some nutes bond together and become obsolete to the plant.
Back of the gh Cali magic is pretty confusing. Says with RO water add CM first.
Says with coco,prepd soil or soiless to add CM to nute solution for 1st 2 weeks.
This is my 1st time using it.
Always add silica first then calmag as the calmag will bond with the silica if done first from my experiences. Have to have the silica diluted in water before other because if u pour the silica in water after the calmag is in u will start to see it looks like clumps of clear slimy stuff floating in the bucket. That means that the 2 bonded together and will not do what is needed after u get the mixing down path all else will fall into place easy for u
