CNS-17 is great stuff. And there is NO SUGAR in it, it is pure minerals, no organics at all. http://www.botanicare.com/CNS17-Grow-Formula-3-1-2-P61C2.aspx read the MSDS. No you don't need ripe. Stuff works great all by itself, 1-2ec.
don't use lemon juice as ph down, that stuff IS organic.