skip to main content

Growing under Lights Canna Hydroponics

Nutrient solution in EU ?

7 months ago

Hi all! I would Like start hydroponics AS my new Hobby but it seems bei a Lot Tricky in EU for a newbie. In EU ist not allowed Any Nitrate and im already few months looking for Any Not expendive solution. I ve got npk with Ratio 15:15:15, Epson Salt but i cant find Any water soluble solution for Ca+. Eggshels in winewinegar=Impossible im Not a Millionaire 🤣. Any advice pleased ?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

zen_man
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Hello Peter,

" Any advice please ? "

Move ??

Calcium chloride is a water-soluble form of Calcium. Calcium chloride is used to melt ice from the front steps of houses, as well as on roads to melt ice there. You might find it in a hardware store packaged for use in melting ice on your front steps.

" In EU is not allowed Any Nitrate "

Ammonium nitrate is an excellent fertilizer, and it is also an excellent explosive, alone or mixed with organic material. That explosive thing is probably the reason behind any EU regulations on Nitrates. I am sure Europe has commercial hydroponic operations and possibly clubs of recreational hydroponic growers. There are commercial vendors of hydroponic nutrients and equipment here in the States, and most likely also in your European location. Calcium nitrate is very soluble in water and it can be useful in hydroponics. Do some Internet searching.

ZM
Peter Novak thanked zen_man
Peter Novak
Original Author
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Calcium nitrate is not alowed, and all alternatives what i found as citraye,sulphate,phosfate or carbonate arent water soluble. By chloride i wasnt sure if its safe for food production. Anyway maybe some tip how to mix it ? Npk 15:15:15; epsom salt, calcium chloride, kalium phosphate
Related Discussions
Homemade Nutrient Solution for Tomatoes
Q
Comments (8)
Hello Beardzilla, I have never made my own nutrients, although plan to sometime in the future. But I have found a recipe from the university of Arizona for hydroponic tomatoes. It's also a great site for all kinds of information on hydroponic tomatoes. Tomato Nutrition Again I have not made my own nutrients but I have found a few places that sell the mineral elements. Cropking ( they have an online catalog, and you can also call them directly) Hydro-Gardens ( their website is a bit confusing to me, but they do sell the mineral elements, so I would just call them) Eco Enterprises (I didn't really see the individual mineral elements listed on their website, but I know they sell them. I have the new catalog and their listed on page 11 in the print catalog) Verti-Gro (I'm not sure if they sell the individual mineral elements, but you can call them and ask. They make their own brand of fertilizers, and their much cheaper than most) Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp. (this is a new one that I have found, and I haven't had time to really see what they have yet. But they do sell to the farming and hydroponic industry's, and I have the 2011 cataloge)
...See More
Changing water/nutrient solution
Q
Comments (2)
There is no set answer because situations vary- - liters reservoir per plant - growth rate of plant - vegetative vs. fruiting stage - disease in reservoir -other factors: plenty if we want to think more If you are looking for other practical rules of thumb I would add, when you have added double the amount of full strength of nutrients. This is because fertilizer ppms for each individual nutrient are not reflected on a TDS estimates with the testers so TDS starts to be a less meaningful as far as the fertilizer formula actually in the res. Plus I change every 5-6 weeks to keep things disease free, living here in mildewy Florida. I usually make one small fertilizer addition at 4 weeks and then run it down till change (my way of economizing somewhat since I want my plants to clean their plates somewhat). But if your plants look good compared to plants provided more frequent fresh nutrients, for whatever reason, I wouldn't get too worried about finding problems that are invisible. My plants always perk up with new nutrients, so I notice the positive effect, and I have plenty of uses for the discarded old nutrient solution so it is more as situation - yeah! got some great fertilizer for the soil plants and burnt out parts of the lawn. That said, some professional outfits continuously back blend 25% and I suspect even higher amounts of the old nutrient when preparing new batches, so there is good reason to accuse a lot of manufacturers of promoting the overuse of their products so they can sell you more.
...See More
An individual solution to regulate nutrient temperatures
Q
Comments (5)
Yes tubes have been used in Geothermal energy systems from the beginning. So yes that's definitely a tried and tested component, That's where I got the idea myself from. But the choice of tubing, size, length, temperature difference, volume of water being cooled, as well as placement are the deciding factors in the overall efficiency of the geothermal system. That doesn't even take into account the cost of the materials, and or the best way to get the most efficiency. For the cost of those 4 stainless steel tubes alone, I could get about 700 feet of 1/2 poly tubing. The same stuff used in commercial geothermal energy applications, and again both the fact it's a tube, and made of plastic poly tubing are both tried and tested components as well. "when people try to be too innovative and overestimate their competences, deductive powers and skills, - they often tend to bungle and end up with something odd and non-remunerative" Well true to form it didn't take long before the insults, and superiority complex comes out. You clearly were trying to take credit for inventing the geothermal well design, your exact words were "something of my own concept, design." You didn't come up with either the concept or design, just wanted to take credit for it like everything else. But your "LACK" of skills leaves a lot to be desired in overall efficiency you could have achieved in the same 10 foot hole/space (especially if that was your focus). Even playing off tried and true concepts (not your concept/design). ""I haven't exactly intended to be part of any avant-garde movement with this project and do not exactly recommend it to others either" Fact is, your statement something of my own concept, design suggests quite the opposite, or at the very least trying to take credit for a concept someone else came with. I haven't tried to be a part of any "avant-garde movement" (another one of your stupid sarcastic insults), or trying to reinvent the wheel with my trench design concept. Fact is the type of tubing, the depth of the tubing, the placement of the tubing in lengthwise coils, as well as in a trench are all "TRIED AND TESTED CONCEPTS AND COMPONENTS" TAKEN FROM COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS. Nothing "avant-garde" about it what so ever. As for the size tubing, it's a well known fact that smaller volumes of water heat an cool faster than larger volumes of water do. The only thing that's not exactly taken straight from tried and true geothermal systems is the exact length of tubing needed top cool the water. That's simply because I haven't found any "tried and tested charts" to go by, probably because there are so many variables that affect the system in general for such a chart to be reasonably accurate. I wasn't trying to trivialize anything. In fact I was actually trying to give you credit, or I wouldn't have even mentioned it in the first place. I'm just simply not as impressed with the thought, as you are with yourself. Fact is water does seek it's own level. We did experiments in school in the 8'th grade proving so, and I have been proving it ever scene. Weather it's going to be an issue, depends on many factors such as water level in the reservoir (both flood and drain cycles), type of pump (submersible or not), placement of the reservoir (in ground, or above ground etc. and ultimately water level), water level in a secondary smaller holding tank/reservoir at the exit end with the pump needed for submersible pumps (or considering the cost of a different pump), type of hydro system and it's location from the cooling system etc. etc.. Just because you think it's the answer to everything, doesn't make it so. Weighing the pros and cons of placing the pump on the exit end would need to be considered first. I'm simply just not impressed with any of it like you are.
...See More
Egg Shells in Nutrient Solution?
Q
Comments (24)
Miracle grow has a tomato plant nutrient with calcium, but will only sell it in Australia. I called them and they said they only supply soil based products in US. I asked them futher if I could order from Australia and they stated that I could order, but they probaly would not ship it into US. The MG with calcium in Australia is all that is needed according to their write up.(below) Miracle-GroÂ® Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food This fertiliser is especially suitable for growing tomatoes and all vegetables. High in nutrients Miracle-GroÂ® Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food is formulated to promote crops of hearty, healthy vegetables. The NPK is 20:2.2:9. This product is unique among water-soluble fertilisers because it contains high levels of calcium which are essential for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and help all vegetables to resist diseases. The product also contains iron, magnesium and essential trace elements such as copper, zinc, boron, manganese and molybdenum. The unique wetting agents help to maximise foliar feeding as well as to ensure that the fertiliser is readily absorbed into the soil to reach the roots quickly. Hydroponics Because of the revolutionary new technology used in this fertiliser, the added calcium does not settle out. This allows Miracle-GroÂ® Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food to be used in hydroponics alone, not as a mixture of an A & B solution. Application rate A measuring scoop with a large and a small end is provided. Dissolve 1 level large scoop in 4 litres of water and apply the product every 7 to 14 days to the leaves and to the soil surrounding the plants. When planting tomatoes use approximately 1 cupful (250ml) of the solution for each plant. Increase the amount as the tomato plants grow until you are applying 4 litres per plant per feeding. Here is a link that might be useful: /miracle-gro.htm
...See More
zen_man
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Hi Peter,

Calcium chloride has been used as an herbicide by some railroads, so I would hesitate to consider its use as a plant nutrient.

Calcium nitrate would be safe when prediluted in water, so a product consisting of an aqueous solution of Calcium nitrate should be legal. Is nitric acid illegal for you? And who enforces those "EU laws" ?? You should not have to suffer from extreme stupidity in so-called "EU laws". Your urine contains some nitrates, so technically it is apparently illegal to pee in the EU ??

Maybe there is a commercially available prediluted complete formula plant nutrient product in your locale. There is such a product here in the States. It contains some interesting trace elements as well. Plants actually need an interesting variety of things.

ZM
Peter Novak
Original Author
7 months ago
Ofcourse complete predilutated formulas are legal and available as well probleme is mount everest price depends on popularity. In EU hydroponic isnt so wide known developed and popular as in USA or australia or UK. I inspired me from USA youtube growers and already bought some ingredientd. Then i found big problem caused due difference in laws and market between USA and EU. I m trying find solution. Main problem is water soluble food safe source of Ca+. And it cannot be nitrate.
zen_man
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Hello again, Peter,

"Main problem is water soluble food safe source of Ca+. And it cannot be nitrate."

My guess is that local hydroponics people could give you a good answer to your problem.

Calcium bicarbonate is listed as water-soluble. However, I have never seen any Calcium bicarbonate, so I can't confirm that. And I rather doubt that it is something that hydroponics people use. It might be fine by itself, but in combination with other ingredients, it might behave badly.

Some other soluble Calcium compounds are Calcium gluconate, Calcium lactate, Calcium citrate, and Calcium hydroxide. Those are used as nutrient supplements for animals and not plants, and I also doubt that they would be happy solutions to your hydroponics application. A solution of Calcium nitrate in water should be non-explosive and legal and my guess is something like that is what your local hydroponics people use. But you need to find a way to communicate with them. Apparently, none of them read this online discussion. I think that the solution to your problem is a "solution" of Calcium nitrate.

ZM
Peter Novak
Original Author
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Hydroponic producers may incorporate a calcium-nitrate-based fertilizer to provide both calcium and nitrogen to their crop. Calcium chloride at 1 pound per 100 gallons can also be applied as a foliar spray to help deliver calcium to leaves when transpiration is low. maybe it wasnt so bad idea with that calcium chloride.when comes on calcium citrate, its only sparingly water soluble
zen_man
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Hi Peter,

" maybe it wasnt so bad idea with that calcium chloride.when comes on calcium citrate, its only sparingly water soluble "

I guess I don't understand what you said there. I think it is a safe guess that English is not your first language, and I am not criticizing because I am not the least bit multi-lingual.

It may be that you are saying you can supply enough Calcium to your plants by using "legal" Calcium chloride. I am not recommending that you use Calcium citrate, although "only sparingly water soluble" might be a desirable safety factor since Calcium chloride can easily be strong enough to be harmful or fatal to plants. Citrate might be harmful, although Oranges and other citrus fruits seem to contain Citric acid safely. But as you have said, dilute Calcium chloride can supply Calcium to plants effectively. I use Calcium nitrate because I can.

I think it is questionable for Europe to outlaw all nitrates when Ammonium nitrate is the only one that has caused a problem. But that is in the realm of politics, which we should not discuss here.

ZM
Mahnoor Moon
7 months ago
For EU hydroponics on a budget:
1. Dilute your 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer.
2. Use Epsom salt for magnesium.
3. Try gypsum for calcium.
4. Manage pH with a testing kit and adjusters.
5. Research DIY nutrient solutions.
6. Visit local hydroponic stores for advice and compliant solutions.
Peter Novak
Original Author
6 months ago
last modified: 6 months ago
Hi, thx for response. About gypsum i read a lot already and probleme is gypsum is very bad water soluble. But i checked that again and i found one video which i didnt seen before. Some chemie experienced guy has explained true about gypsum in hydroponic. And yes u can use gypsum u just cant use it in traditional way. U cant make concentrated presolution cause its soluble only 2,5 g/liter so it means 250g/100liters what gives you about 582 ppm of calcium and we need about 150 ppm. That you can achieved with cca 70 grams of gypsum but you have to dilute that straight in 100liters reservoir as last step. And than adjust ph and ec.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Gardening Solutions for Dry, Sandy Soils

By Falon Mihalic

Has your desert or beachy site withered your gardening creativity? Try these ideas for a beautiful, easy-care landscape

GARDENING GUIDES Gardening Solutions for Heavy Clay Soils

By Falon Mihalic

What’s a gardener to do with soil that’s easily compacted and has poor drainage? Find out here

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Design Solutions for the Time-Strapped Gardener

Landscaping for easy maintenance can help make your garden more manageable — and pleasurable to be in

HOME TECH Unlock Your Smart Phone's Front-Door Powers

Take your locks and keys into the digital age with 3 solutions that put convenience and new capabilities on your doorstep

GARDENING GUIDES On the Up and Up: Expert Advice for Growing a Green Wall

By Rebecca Gross

Houzz pros share solutions for 7 common challenges you can face with a vertical garden

COOL-SEASON CROPS Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Spinach

By Marianne Lipanovich

Chock-full of antioxidants and iron, spinach is a nutrient-rich addition to your fall or spring garden

URBAN GARDENS Bring More Green to Your Patio or Side Yard With a Living Wall

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

See vertical gardens that offer attractive — and creative — solutions to common design dilemmas

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Create Privacy in Your Yard With Plants and Structures

Whether you have neighbors above, live on a busy street or want to reduce noise, explore these screening solutions

GREEN BUILDING 5 Reasons to Add a Living Wall to Your Home

By Lea Design Studio

Short on space but want to give your home more greenery? An architect shares why a vertical garden could be the solution

GARDENING GUIDES Grow a Beautiful Garden in Alkaline Soil

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Got alkaline soil? Learn how to manage it and the many beautiful plants that will thrive in this ‘sweet’ soil

Sponsored

39 Reviews

Ohio's Kitchen Design Showroom |11x Best of Houzz 2014 - 2022

More Discussions

Agrobrite bulb FLC27D 27W 5400K 120V 60Hz: suitable 4 seed starting?

0

Anyone use heat mats for cuttings?

9