I haven't used it, but it is meant to be a complete "all in one" mix, so it is likely to be a solubility issue.As anyone used Lush max ferts from eBay?
I need help with it as it doesn't seem to be working for me at all
Anyone else has this experience?
The powder at the bottom looks exactly like iron phosphate. This is why a high quality chelator is needed so that iron and phosphate can both dissolve without binding to each other and precipitate out. I would discard the mix because it's now practically insoluble.
The possible causes of this precipitation are low quality chelator, or the water is too hard, or they don't include something to make the solution acidic enough when hard water is used, such as ascorbic acid.
Anyway in my experience, if the chelator is of low quality, even tons of ascorbic acid and distilled water won't help.
As this is a all in one ferts so would the other chemicals still work and benefit the plants?
Also I was wondering if I was to get this again would it dissolve better with the hot water coming through the water softer? Obvs it dissolve rock salt to make the water soft
Hi
FWIW I used this and am just finishing off the first batch and had very slight precipitation as you describe. The second batch which I just mixed has more precipitation and looks just like yours. It disappears when you shake it but settles out again. My tap water is very soft, near neutral, 45ppm TDS. I have nothing to compare it to, ferts wise but just ordered a pack from APF to compare it with.
Cheers
Is there any way I get around this?
Hi
FWIW I used this and am just finishing off the first batch and had very slight precipitation as you describe. The second batch which I just mixed has more precipitation and looks just like yours. It disappears when you shake it but settles out again. My tap water is very soft, near neutral, 45ppm TDS. I have nothing to compare it to, ferts wise but just ordered a pack from APF to compare it with.
Cheers
If both the first batch (little precipitation) and the second batch (more precipitation) come from the same bag, it could be distribution issue. Since most of these trace mixes, CSM+B for example, are not homogenous. Different areas in the bag may contain different ratios of ingredients. And if there is not enough ascorbic acid in the area you scooped up, the solution may not be acidic enough for the chelator to function.
That being said, a bad chelator will still not function even with the aid of acid while a good chelator can do the job on its own if the water is reasonably soft. And yes, your water looks very soft.
By the way, you may try shaking the bag real good before making a batch and see if there is less precipitation.
Try shaking the bag before making a batch.
First batch and second batch were from different packs, they appeared to mix differently is all.If both the first batch (little precipitation) and the second batch (more precipitation) come from the same bag, it could be distribution issue. Since most of these trace mixes, CSM+B for example, are not homogenous. Different areas in the bag may contain different ratios of ingredients. And if there is not enough ascorbic acid in the area you scooped up, the solution may not be acidic enough for the chelator to function.
That being said, a bad chelator will still not function even with the aid of acid while a good chelator can do the job on its own if the water is reasonably soft. And yes, your water looks very soft.
By the way, you may try shaking the bag real good before making a batch and see if there is less precipitation.
I've only ever used Lushmax so have nothing to compare it to, difficult to say how well it works, which is why I ordered some complete aquatic ferts (Ebay) from APF see if I spot any difference. Tank is low-tech, Non CO2 but heavily planted and I'm exceeding the "low-tech" dose as indicated on the packet.hi there thanks for that appreciate you replying. How would you say the Lush max is working for you and even with the precipitation would you say that it benefits your plants?
im sorry i dont understand you bought APF? whats that? and is that from ebay and is that any good?
Hi
First batch and second batch were from different packs, they appeared to mix differently is all.
I've only ever used Lushmax so have nothing to compare it to, difficult to say how well it works, which is why I ordered some complete aquatic ferts (Ebay) from APF see if I spot any difference. Tank is low-tech, Non CO2 but heavily planted and I'm exceeding the "low-tech" dose as indicated on the packet.
HTH
cheers