This week’s focus: Grow Lights
#8 – Enhanced Spectrum Bulbs
Enhanced Spectrum bulbs produce a richer and more complete spectrum of light that is more accessible by plants. An enhanced spectrum HPS bulb (like the Lucalox – PSL or the Hortilux) is one that puts off more Blue light when compared to a standard High Pressure Sodium, which only emits Red and Orange light. An enhanced spectrum Metal Halide bulb puts either more Red or Orange light when compared to a standard MH (as in the SunMaster Warm Deluxe) or conversely a deeper richer spectrum of Blue light (for example, the SunMaster Cool Deluxe or the Hortilux Blue . Enhanced bulbs will either promote more Fruit and more Flowers, help with the overall vitality of the plant, or it keep the internodes tighter, and the leaves larger and greener.

That’s all for today folks. Come back tomorrow for tip #9 when we focus on Full Spectrum “Dual Arc Tube” Bulbs. Visit http://www.igrowhydro.com for the best selection on all your grow lights needs.

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This week’s focus: Grow Lights
#6 – HID Bulbs
Many bulbs on the market are not suitable for high yield rooms. Incandescent lighting (ordinary light bulbs,spot lights, “plants lights” etc.) shouldn’t really be considered. They are inefficient, not bright enough and have an incorrect color spectrum. If you want to grow plants using artificial light, HID grow lights are the best way to go.

There is one rule to follow when using HID bulbs. That is that HPS bulbs must be used with HPS lights and MH bulbs must be used with MH lights. there are numerous ways of getting around that rule and getting the kind of light you need from your fixture.

That’s all for today folks. Come back tomorrow for tip #7 when we focus on Conversion Bulbs. Visit http://www.igrowhydro.com for the best selection on all your grow lights needs.

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This week’s focus: Grow Lights
#5 – Digital Lighting
Electronic (Digital) Ballasts are ushering in the new age of indoor grow lighting, proving equal or increased light compared to the conventional core and coil Magnetic ballasts. Digintal ballasts do this at a more afforadable cost (due to their greater efficiency and less power usage.) Digital Ballasts offer less heat production and virtually silent opperation. They are also much lighter and smaller than their archaic hulking brethren. There are many different Digital Ballasts to choose from on the market today. All come from China (not a single Digital Ballast is made in the U.S. or any other country for that matter,) and most are faulty or poorly crafted. Stay far away from the FutureBrites or the Global GreenHouses (or any other Digital ballast with a fan – the good ones are at least Resin Sealed) We think the Lumateks are easily the best Digital Ballast on the market today. They are resin sealed, and produce the least amount of EMI (electro- magnetic interference) of any electronic ballast and conform to all international Electro-magnetic emission standards. What makes them really special is that they are 15-20% brighter than Standard Magnetic Ballasts and also most Digital Ballasts as well. Next to the Lumateks, nothing else really compares, but we had to choose another ballast it would be the Galaxy.

That’s all for today folks. Come back tomorrow for tip #6 when we focus on HID Bulbs. Visit http://www.igrowhydro.com for the best selection on all your grow lights needs.

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This week’s focus: Grow Lights
#4 – HID Grow Lights
High-Intensity Discharge lights come as close to natural light as technology allows. However, they’re not so sophisticated as to completely reproduce the full spectrum. Consequently, tw…o types of HIDs have been created to blend into a cohesive spectrum — the Metal Halide and the High Pressure Sodium. These lamps produce four to six times as many lumens as any incandescent light of the same wattage– and they last much longer. As close to natural sunlight as possible and even safer than a star? We guarantee these lights will never burst into a supernova or collapse in on their own gravity becoming a black hole and destroying the earth. Nope. Never ever.

That’s all for today folks. Come back tomorrow for tip #5 when we focus on Digital Lighting. Visit http://www.igrowhydro.com for the best selection on all your grow lights needs.

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This week’s focus: Grow Lights

#1 – Introduction to Light
Light is the most important factor in any indoor growing environment. It is also the limiting factor in any indoor growing environment. Without good and plentiful light, a plant will not be able to perform photosynthesis, the nitty-gritty process that occurs when a plant converts food into energy. Fortunately, plants are able to use artificial light, as long as there is plenty of it and it is of the correct growing spectrum.

#2 – Spectrums
Plants are under the spell of the seasons, and subject to seasonal changes in light. The blue end of the spectrum is associated with spring and lengthening days, promoting vegetative growth and short stocky stature. The red end of the spectrum is reminiscent of autumn, with shortening days and long harvest sunsets. Autumn usually promotes plants to finish up, creating flowers and seeds. It also gives plants a sweet, poetic feeling, like one gets upon seeing a beautiful sunset. We are not making this spectrum stuff up. Ask any plant.

#3 – Photosynthesis
Of the many light-absorbing pigments within a plant’s leaf structure, the most active of is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs light from the blue and red wavelengths of the visual spectrum, turning plants into that stunning green our eyes have come to know and love. The absorbed radiant energy is used to convert ingested carbon dioxide, water and nutrients, to make carbohydrates which nourish the plants and promote new cell growth. This allows for strong, vigorous tissue production and the release of the oxygen. Correct lighting will result in healthy, happy, plants that are resistant to infections or colonizing hordes of insectoid pests.

That’s all for today folks. Come back tomorrow for tip #4 when we focus on HID Grow Lights.

Visit igrowhydro.com for the best selection on all your grow lights needs.

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Beginning Hydroponics – Soilless Gardening by Richard E. Nicholls

An updated edition of the classic guide to hydroponics, providing a thorough introduction to soilless gardening.  Hydroponics, a method of gardening without soil, has developed over the past fifty years.  While it has been proven both reliable and effective, and has received much attention in some quarters, it is still an unfamiliar practice to many gardeners.  This book is designed to introduce you to the principles and methods of hydroponic gardening.

Rodale’s All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening – The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener by Fern Marshall Bradley and Barbara W. Ellis

Over 400 entries of the most practical, up-to-date gardening information ever, collected from garden experts and writers nationwide!

“Gardens are places to renew yourself in mind and body, to reawaken to the truth and beauty of the natural world, and to feel the life force inside and around you. And the organic way to garden is safer, cheaper, and more satisfying. Organic gardeners have shown that it’s possible to have pleasant and productive gardens in every part of this country without using toxic chemicals. They make their home grounds an island of purity.” – Robert Rodale

Secrets of High Yield Plant Growth by Graham Reinders

An advanced guide that focuses on useful, practical techniques for producing high yields in both soil and any hydroponics growing media. With comprehensive features on how nutrient, light and PH levels will affect the yield of a plant. More advanced than most of the other books we offer, but not too technical to understand.

The Rodale Book of Composting – Easy Methods for Every Gardener by Grace Gershuny and Deborah L. Martin

The essential guide to composting for all gardeners and enviromentally conscious people. Composting is fast becoming a household word. Gardeners know it is the best way to feed the soil, while others look to composting as a way to dispose of grass clippings, autumn leaves, and tree trimmings.

The Rodale Book of Composting offers easy-to-follow instructions for making and using compost, helpful tips for apartment dwellers, suburbanites, farmers and community leaders and ecologically sound solutions to growing waste disposal problems.

Gardening Indoors with CO2 by George F. Van Patten

Plants can use up to five times more CO2 than naturally occurs in the air. CO2, essential to photosynthesis, is often the most overlooked element limiting plant growth. This book demonstrates how fertilizing the air with CO2 can shorten growing time and double your harvest.

Includes technical information on how to set up a CO2 emitter system or generator system and how to grow cuttings and seedlings with CO2. Packed with the most up-to-date facts and figures on CO2, Gardening Indoors With CO2 shows you how to put CO2 to work in your garden room or greenhouse for super results!

These are just some of the many book offered in igrowhydro.com. Please check out the site for even more reading for the beginning to the most advanced grower.

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B.C Hydroponic Nutrients are a power-packed trio for nurturing generous vegetative crops and extraordinary floral growth. B.C Grow (1-3-6), B.C Boost (3-0-2) and B.C Bloom (1-4-7) are complete, professionally formulated, highly concentrated fertilizing agents. Unlike other brands, which include micro nutrients in only one part of the formula, both B.C. Grow and B.C Bloom contain a full complement of micro nutrients which are bolstered by the added calcium and iron in B.C Boost. B.C Hydroponic Nutrients bring a balance of nutrients in proper form, assuring matchless growth and maximum yield. As well, minimal pH drift is assured, eliminating the need for constant adjustments. Growers can greatly reduce cleaning time and expenditure as Technaflora’s B.C Hydroponic Nutrients allow only minimal salt build-up. This remarkable three-part fertilizer is easy to mix and control with simple to follow mixing instructions printed on every label.

With B.C Hydroponic Nutrients there are no secrets and no guesswork is required to achieve exceptional hydroponic harvests.

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Mayan MicroZyme mineralizes nutrients; produces nitrogen, natural antibiotics and plant growth hormones; regulates nitrogen; builds soil organic matter; suppresses soil and plant pathogens; and improves fertility, yields, and nutrient availability and uptake.

The micro-organisms in this concentrate are dormant with a long shelf life because of the micro-encapsulating solution. When the concentrate is diluted in water and aerated, the micro-encapsulation dissolves and the microorganism populations become active and increase in number.

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1: FERMENTATION
Dilute 2 fluid ounces of Mayan MicroZyme CONCENTRATE per gallon of NON-CHLORINATED water. Add 5 Tablespoons of molasses, sugar or complex carbohydrates to mixture for every 2 ounces of concentrate. Aerate/agitate for 3 to 7 days in a bucket, compost tea brewer, or reservoir. For shorter activation time, maintain water temperature at 80 degrees.

STEP 2: DILUTION RATES for APPLICATION
SOIL: Add 1 gallon of Mayan MicroZyme fermented mixture (step 1) to every 30 gallons in nutrient reservoir OR undiluted fermented mixture can be sprayed directly on the soil surface immediately preceding irrigation with fertilizers.

HYDROPONIC: Add 1 gallon of MMZ fermented mixture (step 1) to every 30 gallons of nutrient reservoir.

HYDROPONIC EBB and FLOW SYSTEMS: Add 2 mL of straight concentrate from bottle (DO NOT DILUTE) per gallon to the reservoir in the ebb and flow system.

FOLIAR SPRAY: Spray fermented mixture (step 1) onto the leaves until runoff occurs. Be sure spraying device is clean. Apply once a week in vegetative stage and first two weeks in bloom.

Content in colony-forming units per milliliter:
Plate count of aerobic bacteria and anerobic bacteria

Azotobacter vinelandii……………minimum of 300,000 cfu/ml
Clostridium pasteurianum.…..… minimum of 300,000 cfu/ml

When the concentrate is diluted in water and aerated, the micro-encapsulation dissolves and the micro-organism populations become active and increase in number.

Humboldt Nutrients Mayan MicroZyme FAQ’s

What are the benefits of using MicroZyme?

Higher yield, improved crop quality, better root growth, increased plant biological defenses, reduced fertilizer use, faster time-to-harvest, and improved soil.

How long does Mayan MicroZyme fix nitrogen?

The amount of nitrogen fixed and mineralization depends upon the plant’s demand for nitrogen. The maximum period of efficacy will be 2-3 months, with a peak occuring approximately 3-4 weeks after application due to the formula’s high enzymatic activity at that time.

Can Mayan MicroZyme fix too much nitrogen?

No, because the plant itself regulates the mechanisms by which bacteria in the formula fix and mineralize nitrogen from the atmosphere. When the demand for nitrogen is fulfilled, the bacteria will stop fixing nitrogen.

Does Mayan MicroZyme work in hydroponics?

Yes, microorganisms in the formula attach to root systems of plants and any substrate media that is used in hydroponics. Microorganisms also circulate in the nutrient reservoir, improving nutrient availability and uptake. Results are improved root and plant growth, and enhanced yields.

What sources of energy do the nitrogen fixing bacteria use?

They use several sources of energy. One is already in the MMZ formula. Other sources are nitrogen, all forms of sugars, and organic matter.

Is Mayan MicroZyme genetically engineered or does it contain genetically modified organisms?

No, there is no genetic engineering or modified organisms in MMZ.

Does Mayan MicroZyme contain any carbon?

Yes, as a temporary food source for the bacteria.

Will the bacteria continue to proliferate during drought conditions?

No, they will go into spore and proliferate when moisture conditions are present again.

Does high or low temperatures or direct sunlight affect the bacteria?

No. Since the bacteria are non-pathogenic they have hard outside shells to make them resistant to high and low temperatures as well as ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Is the product safe to handle and make direct contact with the skin?

The bacteria are non-pathogenic and non-toxic to any form of tissue. This includes plant tissue, animal tissue, and human tissue.

Will Mayan MicroZyme break down toxic materials in the soil?

Yes. Although it will not break down radioactive materials, it is used now to re mediate soils with high levels of salts and minerals.

Can herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other agri-chemicals by mixed with MMZ and be applied at the same time?

Yes, may farmers are using this easier method of applying MMZ. Exceptions are agri-chemicals that contain bactericide components such as formadehyde, heavy metals, and concentrations of sulfur. When these are present, agri-chemicals need separate application.

Can chemical nitrogen fertilization be reduced when using Mayan MicroZyme and by how much?

By up to 75. In the case of organic farming, the use of organic sources of nitrogen will become more efficient, so these can be reduced too. Adjust your nitrogen fertilization levels with assistance from our support professionals.

What effect will Mayan MicroZyme have on the pH levels of the soil?

Some bacteria in the MMZ formula are hydrogen fixers and manipulators, they can manipulate hydrogen so pH levels can be neutralized when too acid or too alkaline (base).

For best results what level of organic matter or food source should there be in the soil?

The ideal level of organic matter is 2, or any source of nitrogen can be added at 25 to 20 units of per acre.

How does Mayan MicroZyme help with plant diseases?

MMZ helps with plant diseases because it helps plants grow faster, healthier and stronger, their natural mechanisms of fighting disease are stronger.

Does Mayan MicroZyme affect earthworm activity?

Yes, it increases tilth, arability, and fertility of soil and earthworm activity wil increase and improve.

How does Mayan MicroZyme help with salty and/or clay type soils?

In salty soils, MMZ bacteria will tie up salts so they cannot be taken up by plants. In clay soils, tilth is improved when bacteria (which have polysaccharide shells) die and there are strings of polysaccharides left in the soil. This improves the tilth so clay retaining or shedding water will instead allow the water to permeate it.

Are there environmental benefits when used near waterways?

A major benefit is achieved when reducing the amount of chemical nitrogen, other fertilizers, and agri-chemicals. Mayan MicroZyme itself has no residue to leaks into waterways and aquifers.

Can Mayan MicroZyme be mixed with any type of water, for example, well or chlorinated waters?

Mayan MicroZyme can be mixed with any type of water except highly chorinated water. Water that is chlorinated for potable use is all right to use for mixtures.

FOR BEST RESULTS: Always use un-chlorinated water, maintain and adjust pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5, and check reservoir after adding all nutrients. Oxygenate water before and during application. To prevent nutrient settling, always use a pump at the bottom of the reservoir to continually agitate and mix the nutrient water during application.

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The securely mounted 5KV mogul socket is totally pre-wired inside a protective wiring channel and junction box. The multi-point hanging system allows the unit to be hung horizontally or vertically for different growing applications. Now included is the patented Lock and Seal 15′ heavy duty lamp cord allowing you to conveniently plug into any Hydrofarm or Xtrasun ballast.

Hydrofarm Premium Cool Tube

• 6″ diameter by 19″ long accommodates most lamp types up to 1000W

• Superior packaging protects unit during shipping and handling

• Internal and external reflectors included

• Highest quality European aluminum

• 15′ 600v cord and mogul socket included; easily attaches to any Hydrofarm ballast

• The most compact and effective way to get bright light over, or in your growing area

• Streamlined design allows cooling airflow to move unimpeded, keeping growing area temperatures lower and allowing you to position your lamp very close to your plants

• Can hang vertically down into the plant canopy and is ideal for enclosed growth chambers

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