Using silica?
- Thread starter Axeman88
- Start date
Oldreefer
Well-Known Member
Sand does not hold water. It's used for drainage and I'd think there'd be a limit to it usefulness as measured drainage is important. Personally, I pay for the engineering of the mediums I use and use it as I buy it. Amending mediums may be fun but it can be a pandora's box.
Axeman88
Active Member
I’m not talking about sand I more meaning use of something like botanicare silica blast or something like that.
NanoGadget
Well-Known Member
I'd check to see what is already in your soil before making up your mind. Silica is used less frequently in soil because many potting soil mixes are already rich in it. That may or may not be the case with what you are using, but it is always critical to know what is in your medium before you start adding inputs.
HydroKid239
Well-Known Member
I use Advanced nutrients Rhino skin for silica. I use it throughout veg and bloom in soil.
I can't tell you if it improved plant health.. but I can tell you my plant hasn't been unhealthy.
It's supposed to help strengthen plant cells/stem growth. Also supposed to contributes to the plants immune system for mold resistance and drought.
Check out this link. https://hydrobuilder.com/learn/silica-for-plants/
Herb & Suds
Well-Known Member
One negative to using Silica is it raises your ph
rkymtnman
Well-Known Member
and it precipitates like a bitch if you add it in the wrong order.
rkymtnman
Well-Known Member
like what? i've only tried Armor Si and it's not ph neutral
budman111
Well-Known Member
The easiest method is use Canna Base A&B as they add it, or products like Density silica pro...I'm in UK so not sure about N. America
PJ Diaz
Well-Known Member
For me that's a positive, as it raises my ph to a more desired level.
Moabfighter
Well-Known Member
I’d like to know how much sillica blast to use per gallon of water. I’m in veg feeding 400-500PPM. Soil though. I love the pure blend pro line by botanicare. I’ve gave silica in past grows and it made the stems quite sturdy, but I don’t know how to properly use it. Thanks.
PJ Diaz
Well-Known Member
I'd shoot for around 25ppm of silica.
Moabfighter
Well-Known Member
Potent stuff huh. Gotcha thank you
PJ Diaz
Well-Known Member
Yep, and it will raise your ph a bit as well, so keep that in mind too. Also always add silica to water before adding nutes. BTW, Botanicare is made by Scotts Miracle Gro now.