Liquid Silicon for Hydro Grow

Hi all - have been trying to find as much info on liquid silicon as possible. Lots of good stuff from vendors, but I've heard little from folks who have used it.

Anyone care to comment on whether or not it's worth having some Si in the nute mix?

I'm just finishing a post nute burn flush on my sprouts and I'm also interested to know if silicon should be introduced prior to adding my nutes back.

For anyone interested in the details of this grow, check out the second post in my journal. Dyslexics Untie!!! SATORI | Stealth/Tent | DWC | 250W HPS/MH & 180W LED | CO2@1500ppm

Thanks in advance!
Bob

I use Dyna-Gro ProTekt, a liquid silica supplement.

I would recommend it to all grows. The plants seem to be able to suck up a bit more nutrients and water when they have enough silica.

I find it absolutely essential when dealing with the oppressive summer heat in my area.

Also, it does help prevent pest problems, although it is not a guarantee. Any time I get an outbreak (like when I bring something foreign, like a new clone, into the space), my other herbs always get attacked long before my heavy silica-fed cannabis plants. Before using silica on my cannabis, they were just as vulnerable as the other herbs.

In case you're wondering, the silica does not negatively effect the finished product (buds) in any way. Aside from being a little harder/firmer, the taste, harshness, and high are all exactly the same.

I second the pro-tekt, was using silica blast before. It does seem to make sturdier plants. I also use it as a ph up sometimes

Thanks for the feedback! Have heard that silicon is good as pH up. Would there be an advantage to starting silicon before reintroducing the base nutes after flushing from nute burn?

Bob Lawblaw said:

Thanks for the feedback! Have heard that silicon is good as pH up. Would there be an advantage to starting silicon before reintroducing the base nutes after flushing from nute burn?

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I'll use it to help balance pH too (it has potassium in it anyway), but if the pH is way off I don't want to use too much silica, I find the silica leaves hard to wash away deposits when it dries more easily then other nutrient salts.

I don't know if it would be advantageous, but it should be fine post-burn-flush, as long as you pH buffer the water. It has the same pH raising effect as using pH up, so a little pH down might be necessary.