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Hydroponic Nutrients & Additives

Nutrients are the layer growers reach for first, and the layer with the least room to fix a problem caused somewhere else. These guides cover choosing between 2-part and 3-part systems, comparing the major nutrient brands available in Australia, understanding EC and dosing by growth stage, and diagnosing deficiencies correctly before adding more product.

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Cal-Mag Deficiency in Hydroponics: Causes and Fixes
Quick Answer: Cal-Mag Deficiency in Hydroponics A combined Cal-Mag problem shows as interveinal chlorosis on older leaves alongside distorted, weak new growth, since calcium and magnesium move through the plant differently. Interveinal chlorosis means the tissue between the veins turns pale while the veins themselves stay noticeably greener. Reverse osmosis water and naturally soft tap water both carry very little calcium and magnesium unless the base nutrient or an added supplement accounts for it. High-intensity LED lighting increases overall growth rate and nutrient demand, which can expose a marginal Cal-Mag... Read more...
How to Mix Dry Nutrients (And How to Make a Bulk Stock Bottle)
How to Mix Dry Nutrients (And How to Make a Bulk Stock Bottle)
Dry nutrients are cheaper and last longer than liquid, but weighing out 0.3g by hand every few days gets old fast. Here is how to mix dry powder correctly, and... Read more...
Best Hydroponic Nutrients Australia: How to Choose the Right System for Your Grow
Quick Answer: Best Hydroponic Nutrients Australia The best hydroponic nutrient is the one matched to your system type, your experience level, and the crops you are growing. For beginners: a 2-part A+B system like Dutchfest or Byron Bay Gold removes the ratio complexity of 3-part programs. For coco growers: choose a nutrient with elevated calcium and magnesium built in, or add Cal-Mag separately to any standard base. For experienced growers wanting maximum control: Terra Aquatica TriPart lets you adjust NPK ratios for each growth stage. Australian-made nutrients from Byron Bay... Read more...
The Real Order of Priority in Hydroponic Growing: Environment, Light and Nutrients
The Real Order of Priority in Hydroponic Growing: Environment, Light and Nutrients
Quick Answer: The Real Order of Priority in Hydroponic Growing Pot size and root zone come first. An oversized pot is just as limiting as an undersized one, and a... Read more...
Hydroponic Nutrient Deficiency Chart: Identification Guide Australia
Hydroponic Nutrient Deficiency Chart: Identification Guide Australia
Quick Answer: Hydroponic Nutrient Deficiency Identification Mobile nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium) show symptoms on older lower leaves first, since the plant relocates them to new growth. Immobile nutrients (calcium,... Read more...
Bunnings Hydroponics: Fertilisers and Starter Kits in Australia
Bunnings Hydroponics: Fertilisers and Starter Kits in Australia
Quick Answer: Bunnings Hydroponics, Fertilisers and Starter Kits Seasol has almost no NPK content (N 0.1%, P 0.01%, K 1.5%) and works as a root tonic and stress reliever, not... Read more...
Silica for Hydroponics and Plants: The Complete Australian Guide
Quick Answer: Silica for Hydroponics and Plants Australia Silicon strengthens plant cell walls, making leaves physically harder for spider mites to pierce and feed on. Research shows silica-supplemented plants show reduced Tetranychus urticae (spider mite) population growth and feeding damage. Silica also improves heat and drought stress tolerance. Particularly relevant for Australian summer grows. Always add potassium silicate to the reservoir FIRST before any other nutrients. It raises pH and causes precipitation if added last. Only potassium silicate (liquid) and sodium silicate products are available to plants. Diatomaceous earth and... Read more...
Epsom Salts for Plants and Hydroponics: Complete Australian Guide
Quick Answer: Epsom Salts for Plants and Hydroponics Australia Epsom salts are magnesium sulphate -- they correct magnesium deficiency but provide zero calcium. Classic magnesium deficiency: yellowing between green veins (interveinal chlorosis) starting on older leaves and moving upward. In hydroponics, a dedicated Cal-Mag supplement corrects both calcium and magnesium simultaneously -- more appropriate than Epsom salts alone. LED grow lights increase calcium and magnesium demand because they reduce transpiration-driven uptake -- Cal-Mag is especially important under LED. Coco coir growers always need Cal-Mag regardless of symptoms -- coco binds... Read more...
Terra Aquatica Feeding Guide: EC Targets, Ratios and How to Build Your Program
Quick Answer: Terra Aquatica Feeding Guide. EC Targets Australia The bottle's maximum dosage is a ceiling, not a target. Start at 50 to 60% of the recommended dose and build up based on plant response. Always add TriPart Micro first, then Grow or Bloom, then adjust pH. Adding in wrong order causes nutrient precipitation. EC targets: seedlings 0.6 to 1.0, early veg 1.0 to 1.4, late veg 1.4 to 1.8, early flower 1.6 to 2.2, peak flower 1.8 to 2.5. Australian tap water EC varies by city from 0.1 (Melbourne)... Read more...
PK Boosters Australia: Best Bloom Additives for Higher Yields
PK boosters are one of the most debated additives in hydroponics. This guide covers the best bloom additives available in Australia, how they work, and how to use them without burning your plants or wasting money. Read more...
2-Part vs 3-Part Hydroponic Nutrients: Which System Is Right for You?
2-part and 3-part nutrient systems both have their place in hydroponics, but they suit different growers and setups. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and which system delivers better results for Australian growers. Read more...
Terra Aquatica NovaMax or TriPart: Which Hydroponic Nutrient System Suits Your Grow?
A practical comparison of Terra Aquatica NovaMax and TriPart nutrient systems. Covers mixing complexity, cost per litre, system compatibility, and which is best for beginners vs experienced growers in Australia. Read more...
Natural vs Synthetic PGRs in Hydroponics: What Every Australian Grower Needs to Know
Natural vs Synthetic PGRs in Hydroponics: What Every Australian Grower Needs to Know
Quick Answer: Natural vs Synthetic PGRs for Hydroponics Australia Synthetic PGRs including paclobutrazol, daminozide and chlormequat were developed for ornamental horticulture, not for consumable crops. Paclobutrazol persists in growing media... Read more...
Byron Bay Gold and Dutchfest: Two Australian Hydroponic Nutrient Brands, One Right Choice for Your Grow
A head-to-head comparison of Byron Bay Gold and Dutchfest, two of Australia's most respected hydroponic nutrient brands. Covers A+B base nutrients, coco formulas, bloom boosters and which brand suits different growing styles. Read more...
General Hydroponics and Terra Aquatica: Are They the Same Nutrient System?
Terra Aquatica and General Hydroponics share the same nutrient system design and are functionally equivalent for Australian growers. This guide breaks down the formula comparison, direct product equivalents, and practical tips for switching between the two brands mid-grow. Read more...
How to Grow Hydroponic Tomatoes in Australia
A complete beginner guide to growing hydroponic tomatoes in Australia. Covers the best varieties, EC and pH ranges, LED grow lights, hydroponic systems, VPD, growth timelines and common problems. Read more...
THC Nutrients Australia
Quick Answer: THC Nutrients Australia, Total Horticultural Concentrate THC Nutrients uses pharmaceutical-grade mineral inputs, which is why the dose rate is just 2ml per litre, treating up to 500L per 1L bottle. THC Grow and Bloom A+B is the base program, with both parts mixed equally forming a complete full-cycle nutrient solution. THC Coco A+B is specifically formulated for coco coir with elevated calcium and magnesium built in, so no separate Cal-Mag is required. THC Roid is used from mid-flower to the week before flush, supporting bud density and resin... Read more...