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HCL use in ferts

Discussion in 'Advanced Strategies and Fertilization' started by jerime, Jan 15, 2008.

  1. jerime

    jerime Subscriber

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    I undestand I can use HCL (hydrochloric acid) in my ferts solution to reduce fungi, prevent discolouration etc.
    Is it safe for use?
    How much will be needed of that for a 250ml bottle?
    Will I need to place it in the fridge or the closet will be just fine?
    Can it be with some humic acids in the same solution?

    Sorry for the multiple questions..
     
    #1 jerime, Jan 15, 2008
  2. JamesC

    JamesC Lifetime Charter Member
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    Hi, yes you can use HCL in your trace mix. The amount is so small that it is safe to use in the tank. When I used it I added 0.5ml Normal HCl per 500ml trace mix solution. The reason to use it is to prolong the life of the chelator by keeping the solution acidic, nothing else. Keeping it cool and in the dark will also help.

    As I've got access to chemicals I've been experimenting with different additives to see their effects. I have found adding 0.4g Ascorbic Acid and 0.2g Potassium Sorbate to 500ml of the trace solution keeps it stable and mold free for months without even having to put it in the fridge.

    The food additives are available here in the UK from home brew and wine making outlets.

    James
     
    #2 JamesC, Jan 15, 2008
  3. jerime

    jerime Subscriber

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    Thanks.
    Can I place it with my macro mix as well?
     
    #3 jerime, Jan 15, 2008
  4. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    Yep, you may, note, most of these work best if you add the HCL to the water being used to mix, then add the ferts after.

    Also, some ferts may work well, ETDA etc, while others might not, but the PMDD Plantex is typically what many use the anti mold stuff for which is ETDA.


    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #4 Tom Barr, Jan 15, 2008
  5. jerime

    jerime Subscriber

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    Thanks for that Tom.
    Don't want to nag but will it work well with ferrous gluconate and the dtpa chelator? (I'm aiming it for hard water aquarium).
     
    #5 jerime, Jan 15, 2008
  6. evandro.carrenho

    evandro.carrenho Guest

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    Do macro mixes oxidise easily to justify adding an stabilising agent to it?

    I normally do separate stock solutions (250ml) for KNO3, KH2PO4 and K2SO4 using distilled water. Do you adivise adding HCl to it?

    Thanks,
    Evandro.
     
    #6 evandro.carrenho, Jan 15, 2008
  7. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    That's why I suggested to add the HCL first............what happens to hard water(KH) when you add a strong acid?

    I'm not sure about Gluconate, DTPA ought to be fine though.
    Few folks use gluconate DIY.

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #7 Tom Barr, Jan 15, 2008
  8. creighton

    creighton Guru Class Expert

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    Can you still use the ferts once they have fungus in them?

    So...1 ml of HCL per 1 liter of CSM+B trace mix?

    I'm a dishwasher at a microbiology lab and they have some fancy ACS certified HCL that I would be using. I'm not sure of the molar concentration, but I think its 10 molar.


    I made 7L of trace mix and wasn't yet aware that fungus could happen. What is the "shelf" life of a 350g CSM+B/ 7L H20? I have a bunch of fungus infested stuff, but it comes out of a spigot so very little of the fungus comes through to my graduated cylinder. Is is still safe to use? Can I add some HCL to it to prevent further fungus growth?

    thanks,
    Creighton
     
    #8 creighton, Jan 23, 2008
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