Anyone use Sunshine Advanced Mix #4? Ever start having problems in the 3-5 week of flowering? Through some research and a thread on the problem section I have found some issues with it and have some questions about work arounds and fixes. My understanding of the issue is basically that the peat moss in the mix begins to die dropping the ph and the lime mixed in by them runs out no longer keeping the ph neutral. The fix I have found so far is to add more lime back in. My first question is does it matter if I use dolomite or calcite lime? Will that affect how much to use or how to use it? I was going to add a tablespoon to my gallon of water next time. Any experience with this product and/or problem? Any advice or added explanation about what is happening? I appreciate any help y'all can give.
Sunshine Advanced Mix #4
- Thread starter dougoly
- Start date
Izoc666
Well-Known Member
I love the soilless, its easy to grow for me, since I pre mix 50 peat moss,50 perlite with garden lime. I use tap water (8.0 pH) and mix with nutrients before i water my plants. i really never bother to check pH throughout grow. I think tap water is keep peat moss high of alkraine instead acidic....so i guess its good balance...from my exprience. 
happy growing and peace.
666
happy growing and peace.
666
Product composition:
Formulated to retain moisture, provide improved root aeration and drainage, and develop strong,
healthy root systems for maximum foliar growth…
Rationale/function of each ingredient:
SS Advanced has the dual benefits of peat moss and coconut fiber to hold water and nutrients for
optimal plant growth. The increased perlite provides excellent drainage, resulting in a growing mix
that is adapted for a wide range of growing conditions. Our organic nutrient pack gives just enough
starter fertilizer to get your plants going. And our endomycorrhizal blend enhances the ability of
plants to access the nutrients in the root zone.
Trial summary:
Our Sunshine Advanced formula was trialed in our own greenhouses to develop the best
combination of water retention, air porosity and nutrient availability. Various formulations were
trialed using a range of garden and vegetable plants until we came up with the ideal blend of peat,
coir and perlite. In addition, using our in house lab, we examined the roots for mycorrhizal
colonization to ensure that Sunshine Advanced would enhance mycorrhizal growth. Ongoing testing
in our trial greenhouses ensures that Sunshine Advanced will continue to provide the maximum
results you expect from all Sunshine products.
Cultivation tips:
Sunshine Advanced is designed to provide a perfect background to your own fertility program. A
starter organic fertilizer is included to give an initial boost to your seedlings or transplants. You
should start your own feed program within 7 days of planting or seedling emergence. Mycorrhizae
prefer a low phosphorus feed for optimal growth so while during the plant’s active foliar growth
stage, please use a high nitrogen, low phosphorus feed.
Tech Talk: Mix #4
Technical specs: pH 5.5 – 6.5
Soluble salts – 0.50 – 1.0 mmhos/cm
Nitrate N – 10 – 25 ppm
Phosphorus – 1 – 5 ppm
Potassium – 10 – 60 ppm
Calcium – 30 – 60 ppm
Magnesium – 10 – 25 ppm
Product Purpose:
Designed specifically for growing indoor foliage
crops, vegetables, and herbs…
Formula Bio-actives:
Using endomycorrhizae means you only get the mycorrhizal species that actually work with garden,
foliage, and vegetable plants. Other growing mixes offer ectomycorrhizae as part of their
mycorrhizal blend – but ectomycorrhizae only work for plants such as pines, spruces and firs. Why
pay for an ingredient that isn’t going to benefit your plants? Using a growing media with a blend of
endomycorrhizae insures that your plants will derive the maximum benefit from the same fungi that
colonize their roots in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How is Sunshine Advanced different from Sunshine Mix #4?
Sunshine Advanced contains coir, a byproduct of processing coconuts. Coir has
unique properties of high aeration coupled with excellent water retention and is
frequently used in peat mixes to aid in rapid rewetting of the mix. In addition,
Sunshine Advanced contains more perlite that Sunshine Mix #4 for faster drainage
and improved aeration.
2. What are mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae are a group of fungi which form a symbiotic relationship with plants in
nature. These important fungi colonize a plant’s root system, sending their hyphae out
into the surrounding soil to seek out nutrients. It is estimated that 90% of the world’s
plants are dependent on mycorrhizae in their native habitats.
3. Why should I use mycorrhizae in my potting soil?
The same benefits apply to potting soils. Mycorrhizae will help the root system take
up nutrients and may provide a healthier, stronger root system. If you transplant into
a garden soil, the presence of mycorrhizae will also assist in drought tolerance and will
continue to grow along with your plant, continuing to seek out nutrients.
4. Why does Sunshine Advanced contain an organic fertilizer?
Our custom designed organic fertilizer consisting of feathermeal and sulfate of potash
gives your plants an initial boost of fertility. We kept the fertilizer at a low level so you
could implement your own feeding program according to the needs of your plant. The
organic fertilizer is a low phosphorus feed so it will not interfere with the
establishment of the mycorrhizae in the root zone.
5. So I need to use a low phosphorus feed?
That is correct. While the mycorrhizae is getting established, please use a feed
containing less than 10 parts per million phosphorus. Mycorrhizae will not be active in
soils with higher phosphorus levels. Sunshine Advanced Plant Fuel Max Grow is
formulated with appropriate levels of phosphorous for mycorrhizal colonization.
6. Where can I go for more information on Sunshine Advanced products?
You can refer to our website at www.SunshineAdvanced.com and find additional
information on all Sunshine Advanced products.
Formulated to retain moisture, provide improved root aeration and drainage, and develop strong,
healthy root systems for maximum foliar growth…
Rationale/function of each ingredient:
SS Advanced has the dual benefits of peat moss and coconut fiber to hold water and nutrients for
optimal plant growth. The increased perlite provides excellent drainage, resulting in a growing mix
that is adapted for a wide range of growing conditions. Our organic nutrient pack gives just enough
starter fertilizer to get your plants going. And our endomycorrhizal blend enhances the ability of
plants to access the nutrients in the root zone.
Trial summary:
Our Sunshine Advanced formula was trialed in our own greenhouses to develop the best
combination of water retention, air porosity and nutrient availability. Various formulations were
trialed using a range of garden and vegetable plants until we came up with the ideal blend of peat,
coir and perlite. In addition, using our in house lab, we examined the roots for mycorrhizal
colonization to ensure that Sunshine Advanced would enhance mycorrhizal growth. Ongoing testing
in our trial greenhouses ensures that Sunshine Advanced will continue to provide the maximum
results you expect from all Sunshine products.
Cultivation tips:
Sunshine Advanced is designed to provide a perfect background to your own fertility program. A
starter organic fertilizer is included to give an initial boost to your seedlings or transplants. You
should start your own feed program within 7 days of planting or seedling emergence. Mycorrhizae
prefer a low phosphorus feed for optimal growth so while during the plant’s active foliar growth
stage, please use a high nitrogen, low phosphorus feed.
Tech Talk: Mix #4
Technical specs: pH 5.5 – 6.5
Soluble salts – 0.50 – 1.0 mmhos/cm
Nitrate N – 10 – 25 ppm
Phosphorus – 1 – 5 ppm
Potassium – 10 – 60 ppm
Calcium – 30 – 60 ppm
Magnesium – 10 – 25 ppm
Product Purpose:
Designed specifically for growing indoor foliage
crops, vegetables, and herbs…
Formula Bio-actives:
Using endomycorrhizae means you only get the mycorrhizal species that actually work with garden,
foliage, and vegetable plants. Other growing mixes offer ectomycorrhizae as part of their
mycorrhizal blend – but ectomycorrhizae only work for plants such as pines, spruces and firs. Why
pay for an ingredient that isn’t going to benefit your plants? Using a growing media with a blend of
endomycorrhizae insures that your plants will derive the maximum benefit from the same fungi that
colonize their roots in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How is Sunshine Advanced different from Sunshine Mix #4?
Sunshine Advanced contains coir, a byproduct of processing coconuts. Coir has
unique properties of high aeration coupled with excellent water retention and is
frequently used in peat mixes to aid in rapid rewetting of the mix. In addition,
Sunshine Advanced contains more perlite that Sunshine Mix #4 for faster drainage
and improved aeration.
2. What are mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae are a group of fungi which form a symbiotic relationship with plants in
nature. These important fungi colonize a plant’s root system, sending their hyphae out
into the surrounding soil to seek out nutrients. It is estimated that 90% of the world’s
plants are dependent on mycorrhizae in their native habitats.
3. Why should I use mycorrhizae in my potting soil?
The same benefits apply to potting soils. Mycorrhizae will help the root system take
up nutrients and may provide a healthier, stronger root system. If you transplant into
a garden soil, the presence of mycorrhizae will also assist in drought tolerance and will
continue to grow along with your plant, continuing to seek out nutrients.
4. Why does Sunshine Advanced contain an organic fertilizer?
Our custom designed organic fertilizer consisting of feathermeal and sulfate of potash
gives your plants an initial boost of fertility. We kept the fertilizer at a low level so you
could implement your own feeding program according to the needs of your plant. The
organic fertilizer is a low phosphorus feed so it will not interfere with the
establishment of the mycorrhizae in the root zone.
5. So I need to use a low phosphorus feed?
That is correct. While the mycorrhizae is getting established, please use a feed
containing less than 10 parts per million phosphorus. Mycorrhizae will not be active in
soils with higher phosphorus levels. Sunshine Advanced Plant Fuel Max Grow is
formulated with appropriate levels of phosphorous for mycorrhizal colonization.
6. Where can I go for more information on Sunshine Advanced products?
You can refer to our website at www.SunshineAdvanced.com and find additional
information on all Sunshine Advanced products.
Different limestones, different areas, different mines.
Calcitic limestone has very little Mag in it, but good stuff.
Dolomitic limestone has more Mag, but it seems slow to release and I still end up adding epsom salts.
Either one is more than fine, so whichever is easiest to source locally.
Add 2tbl/gallon of mix to the surface of the mix and water in. Don't add it to your water. It's ground up rock and will just sink to the bottom. It doesn't dissolve. Ex: 3gallon container, add 6tbl of lime.
In the future, add it to your mix before use, 1cup/cf of mix, then moisten to activate.
Do NOT use any sort of HYDRATED lime, unless you are very experienced and if you're asking, you aren't. LOL
Wet
Uuuuhhhhh NO!
All dolomite lime is 'garden lime', but not all garden lime is dolomitic.
Wet
phillipchristian
New Member
I've been using Sunshine #4 for a while. I always add a little dolmite lime ( tablespoon per gallon) and worm castings (3 parts soil and 1 part worm castings). The lime is for pH value and the worm castings are for nutrient value.
Phillip just curious if youve been using it (successfully) for a while what do you personally ph you'r nutes at? This its my second run with sunshine (first was #4 advanced this one just #4) and I get a big crash (wk 2 on with #4 amended and this time wk 5 with #4) i'm not used to problems so its killing me 
Full line H&G
Co2
Sealed room
77 day 73 night
55% humidity
ro water mixed at 200ppm with botanicare cal/mag plus (recently to try and correct this issue)
I did pick up some fine powder dolomite lime havent added yet. But I keep being told diff recommended ph #'s so id ready like to hear it from someone who has ran it successfully. Thanks
Full line H&G
Co2
Sealed room
77 day 73 night
55% humidity
ro water mixed at 200ppm with botanicare cal/mag plus (recently to try and correct this issue)
I did pick up some fine powder dolomite lime havent added yet. But I keep being told diff recommended ph #'s so id ready like to hear it from someone who has ran it successfully. Thanks
phillipchristian
New Member
Hey bud, hope all is well. I pH my nutes at 6.4-6.7 usually. My runoff is very consistent and I just bought a BluLab soil tester and my pH is extremely stable. I'm using Advanced 2 part and a few boosters. I also flush with superthrive once every other week and add supertrhive every 3-4 feedings. Could be the H&G nutes. Are you using their soil line. I remember somewhere reading that their soil line has problems in soilless mixes and with dolmite lime. I'll try and dig the article up for you. Not sure where I saw it though.Phillip just curious if youve been using it (successfully) for a while what do you personally ph you'r nutes at? This its my second run with sunshine (first was #4 advanced this one just #4) and I get a big crash (wk 2 on with #4 amended and this time wk 5 with #4) i'm not used to problems so its killing me
Full line H&G
Co2
Sealed room
77 day 73 night
55% humidity
ro water mixed at 200ppm with botanicare cal/mag plus (recently to try and correct this issue)
I did pick up some fine powder dolomite lime havent added yet. But I keep being told diff recommended ph #'s so id ready like to hear it from someone who has ran it successfully. Thanks
Sorry I forgot to add that. I run Aqua flakes I ran soil (in soil worked great) before but switched to aqua flakes on a recommendation (also worked great in soil and lasted longer) just deficiencies once I switched to sunshine. Maybe I'll bump my ph up a bit and see how that goes along with doinb a group with added dolomite. I appreciate the help thx a lot
brizown151
Member
hey there, figured i'd chime in since i'm using sunshine advanced #4 and H&G nutes. when purchasing my nutes i just went with what the girl at the hydro store recommended which was H&G cocos A&B. I also got some trial sizes of roots excelurator, amino treatment, and drip clean which are also part of the H&G line. i too had a problem, yellowing between veins and eventually entire leaves, mid/late flower. i started an autoflower (sugar mango ryder), and a regular feminized (nordle) at the same time, i harvested the autoflower two days ago (which was having the yellowing problem). i'm about to start flowering the nordle which is still in veg and looks awesome. if it was a ca/mg deficiency wouldn't i be seeing the deficiency in the nordle now too? it's about twice the size of the sugar mango.
just curious, what were the symptoms of problems anyone else was having with sunshine in flowering?
davwanemo2
Member
Anyone have a response to this guys question? And what were the results plantherb after making those changes
Lucius Vorenus
Well-Known Member
Too much PEAT in that Sunshine Advanced #4
North Avalon
New Member
Sunshine #4 is not very heavy in nutrient value.
Starters eat that up around the 20th day.
Starters eat that up around the 20th day.