Lucas formula PPM?

Koi2Dragon

Active Member
Hello
I am a first time hydro grower and I am planning to use the 2 part Lucas formula in my DWC (5 gallon bucket) set up.
I am trying to understand what PPM is and what it should be while growing?
What is an ideal PPM number at any given time in the grow process?
Any help is much appreciated.
 

doniawon

Well-Known Member
300-800 through veg. 800-1200 weeks 1-4bloom 1200-1500+ week 4 to end. thats what im using and it looking good.

i started with gh 3 part and switched to floranova and kool bloom liquid., plus dm silica.
 

Koi2Dragon

Active Member
Thanks for the advice.
It makes sense.
One thing. Feels like 300-800 in veg is a big difference?
Do you star fresh rooted clones at 300PPM and gradually work it to 800PPM?
Or what determines what PPM is truly ideal?
 

doniawon

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the advice.
It makes sense.
One thing. Feels like 300-800 in veg is a big difference?
Do you star fresh rooted clones at 300PPM and gradually work it to 800PPM?
Or what determines what PPM is truly ideal?
eggzackery.. i raise the ppm roughly 100-200 a week.. more in the begining and less at the end
 

Koi2Dragon

Active Member
I still don't understand the numbers in the ppm chart...
It starts high around 900ppms and goes up to 7 chart blocks. Is that weeks?
Hlep
 

Koi2Dragon

Active Member
After taking a closer look at the formulas.
I have never heard or seen of giving less nutes the last week("Ripen" part).
Also the PPMs for clones/seeds seem a little high.
 

Dropastone

Well-Known Member
After taking a closer look at the formulas.
I have never heard or seen of giving less nutes the last week("Ripen" part).
Also the PPMs for clones/seeds seem a little high.
Yeah for seedlings you always want to start out at 1/4 strength and for clones you could probably start them at half strength then a week later you should be able to go full strength with no worries. As for the ripen stage on the calculator just think of that as the flush period with straight pHed water for the last week or two before you chop.

Peace.
 

Koi2Dragon

Active Member
One more thing.
I am using tap water. Do I add its PPM to the nutes PPM and then the total is my final ppm for that week?
 

Dropastone

Well-Known Member
What do you mean youir PPMS came out as the chart suggests?
I said if you go by the GH nute calculator on their website, the ppm always comes out higher than what is says it will. So I just enter a lower gallon amount in the calculator. If I want to mix 5 gallons I enter 3 gallons in the calculator and use that info for my 5 gallon mix and it will come out to the ppm that is rated for 5 gallons. I got a calibrated Hanna grow check meter that is right on the money, so I'm just saying be careful when using the calculator or you could end up doing more harm than good. If you don't believe what I say is true than check and see for yourself and post your findings here. I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

Peace.
 

patlpp

New Member
I'm just wondering why it's off so much and why if your using the Lucas formula you are even using the chart . The TDS meter your using, is the conversion factor adjustable and if so what is it set for? I have a Hanna and it is a .5 conversion and when I put the classic Lucas formula (8ml micro, 16ml bloom) in a gallon of water I get 950 ppm every time. Companies should state EC not PPM's on thier charts to avoid confusion. On the FloraNova labels, they do state the EC values for proper doses . What does your meter read when you mix up an RO gallon of LUCAS ? I get 950.

Is this your meter? nice. http://www.hannainst.com/usa/prods2.cfm?id=003004&ProdCode=HI%20993301
 

Dropastone

Well-Known Member
I just started using the Lucas and I'm no expert when it comes to using it. I Originally posted the link to the nute calculator for somebody else and I just wanted them to know it wasn't totally accurate (for me anyways) weather your using a normal feeding or if your using the Lucas.

Also the nute calculator does have the Lucas formula on it but you have to set it for the aggressive feeding schedule. I have entered 1 gallon in the calculator for you. I mix 5 gallons at a time but I entered 3 gallons in the calculator and put the results in my 5 gallons of water and I come up with 1380 ppm every time.

Check it out 1 gallon mix



Check it out 3 gallon mix but I'm using 5 gallons and I come up with 1380 ppm every time.



This is what I'm using. It's designed to be in your res 24/7 and it isn't adjustable. The TDS Conversion Factor is 0.7 ppm = 1 µS/cm

http://www.gchydro.com/HANNA+GroCheck+Combo+Meter+-+pH+&+TDS+Meter.html

I hope this has answered your questions.

Peace.
 

Koi2Dragon

Active Member
This might sound retarded but I don't even know what TDS and EC stand for?...
Only been checking PH and PPM levels.
 
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