powdered nutes in humid environment?
- Thread starter Voidling
- Start date
Lucius Vorenus
Well-Known Member
keep a couple crackers in the container. keep it all in tupperware or something that seals well
aisach
Active Member
Depending on the quantity of dry material you are using, I have a few suggestions for this.
Hygroscopic substances should be stored properly, usually in a cool, dark, and dry place.
If you have a small bottle(s), crackers, or rice may be good temporary solutions. Put the crackers in the baggie or tupperware rather than in the container, to avoid contamination.
If you have numerous bottles, then invest in a dessicator cabinet. Google it to see images and compare prices. These cabinets seal tightly and have a tray on the bottom for holding dessicant. A blue clay-like granule that turns purple when it reaches maximum water absorbtion. It can be reheated in the oven (once only) to dry, but wont last on second use. After which it must be replaced with fresh dessicant.
Some hints for handling;
Never leave the bottles open. Scoop out what you think you need, then close them immediatly and return to sealed dessicator.
Never return product back into the container after taking it out. This avoids both contamination, and added moisture.
Work with your powdered material in a moisture free environment, and away from moving air (fan, hvac, etc). Avoid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, damp basements, windows, and outside places such as the porch or garage. Infact, the grow room environment can be quite humid, so you may consider plastic sheeting to section off the area that you mix in.
Keep containers away from perimeter walls, or anywhere there may be temperature fluctuations.
If you are still able to crush the chunks and blend them into an aqueous solution then the product is still useable.
However, if the product is formed into a hard unyielding chunk, chisels off in large pieces that will not readily dissolve, or small pieces that will not dissolve, it should be discarded properly and replaced with a fresh bottle. If you notice particulate matter at the bottom of your solutions after proper mixing, and there is none when using a fresh bottle of powder, then it should be disposed, and replaced.
Lastly, wear a dust mask if your powders 'dust-up'.
Hope this helps
aisach
Active Member
I considered that when I composed my previous response, but I advise against that as a general fix. As the powder cools it will start pulling moisture out of the air. Contact the manufacturer and inquire what they would recommend. If they dont try to sell you a new jar of goodies, or you are on a tight budget try the cooking at the extreme low heat you mentioned. Of course one would never want to use this when troubleshooting anything with suspended/deactivated organisms (guano, mykos). Since your product is already being slowely activated, and begun to degrade, expirement.
Also, store the powder in several small jars (Ace hardware has 4 or 8 oz canning jars with tight seal lids). Only a small portion will be exposed to the humidity. Another cool storage container is Lock N Lock. They use a rubber gasket and clip down lids, and come in all sizes and colors. Bags are permeable over time.
Lastly, move to Arizona - no humidity. Kidding.
Also, store the powder in several small jars (Ace hardware has 4 or 8 oz canning jars with tight seal lids). Only a small portion will be exposed to the humidity. Another cool storage container is Lock N Lock. They use a rubber gasket and clip down lids, and come in all sizes and colors. Bags are permeable over time.
Lastly, move to Arizona - no humidity. Kidding.