Browsing around it seems that people have had nothing but GREAT things to say about beneficial bacteria. The algae set my plants back some but finding out about this has been effin awesome. I've never seen roots as branched and intricate as the ones that I have growing now. They look like sea fans sifting in an ocean current.
Anyway - I found this and thought it was good..
To make a nutrient solution and root zone enjoy as many of the benefits of soil, without suffering the disadvantages of soil, many hydroponic growers choose to supplement their garden with beneficial bacteria. These helpful microbes can make a whole host of improvements to both your hydroponic system and your plants by correcting atmospheric nitrogen, increasing nutrient uptake, and decreasing the instances of disease. It is a shame that a significant portion of these growers do not enjoy the full spectrum of benefits that can be gained from beneficial bacteria because they make small, but important, errors during application. To make sure your investment in beneficial bacteria for your hydroponics system does not go to waste, learn to identify and avoid these common errors.
Forgetting to Use Bacteria for Clones and Seeds - It is strange, but even growers who know and understand the benefits of using beneficial bacteria will often only use them for their primary hydroponics system or systems and will not use them when propagating through seeds or cuttings. This is a huge mistake because at these delicate young stages are when your plants need the most help. This absolutely pertinent when cloning where the difference between poorly fed young roots and adequately feed young roots can spell the difference between success and failure, using beneficial microbes is crucial. These microbes will help your cuttings and seeds make the most possible efficient use out of your nutrient solution, thus helping ensure greater odds off success. Many hydroponic manufacturers even recommend that products that contain these bacteria should be used at two three times the normal concentrations when used for propagating plants.
Simultaneously Using Hydrogen Peroxide - One of the cheapest and easiest ways to oxygenate your nutrient solution is to use hydrogen peroxide. This can particularly be helpful if your solution is lacking in oxygen or your roots are suffering form root rot. However, this compound is also a very potent bacteria killer and it will completely rid your reservoir of bacteria, both the good and bad kind, if you use it inappropriately. While hydrogen peroxide certainly has its uses, it is generally better to use an air pump in your reservoir for oxygenation while using beneficial bacteria.
Using the Same Amount for Vegetative Flowering Stages of Growth - As each plant has different needs, each plant also has these special needs at all of its different stages of life. Most manufacturers recommend that you use higher amounts during that vegetative state of growth and slightly less during the flowering stage of development. The vegetative stage is when rapid growth means that it needs the most nutrients to grow to its potential. During the flowering stage, growth has slowed significantly and it therefore is more prone to suffering nutrient excesses.
Not Adding Beneficial Bacteria to Your Foliar Spray - Your reservoir is not the only place that can benefit from beneficial microbes. You can also add it to your foliar spray so that the stomata of your leaves absorb the most possible amount of nutrients. When using as a foliar spray, most choose to also add humic acid to help the spray stick to foliage.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Straumietis
The tea is super easy to make and store and seems to be kicking ass. I just throw a couple of airstones in a tub and add R/O water, sub -m, worm castings in a sock, and 1 tbsp of molasses. Don't even need a lid because nothing else would have a chance in that soup. Put it jugs after 48 hours of bubbling and then the fridge. I'm adding about a cup a day of the mix to my four gallon res and all is well. I'll scale back after I'm sure the snot has been totally overwhelmed. Spraying the mix onto my clones too to keep them safe and happy.
