Peroxide

Roseman

Elite Rolling Society
I found this article very interesting. It was written by Ed Rosenthal, and Major Tom first psoted a link to it. I se a lot of mis-information about peroxide, so I thought I'd start a peroxide thread, to give Hydro growers an opprotunity to share experiences with peroxide.
Here is the article:

by Ed Rosenthal.
How much hydrogen peroxide should be used?


When and how much hydrogen peroxide should I use in my hydroponic solution?

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can be used to destroy fungi, molds, bacteria and other infectious agents as well as some pollutants. Adding it to your water helps plants by destroying infectious agents and by adding oxygen to the roots' environment.
Hydrogen peroxide is an essential ingredient in maintaining a clean growing room. It replaces chlorine bleach, which is antiseptic but harmful to breathe. When added to reservoirs, hydrogen peroxide slows the growth of algae and other water organisms so that trays and utensils need to be cleaned less frequently. Soil and water borne diseases such as pythium and other stem and root rots occur at much lower rates in hydrogen peroxide-enriched water. Hydrogen peroxide works because of the oxidative reaction, so micro-organisms are unlikely to develop a tolerance.
There are many ways to add hydrogen peroxide to the water. A measured amount every three days is the crudest method, but still effectively enriches the water. A smaller measured amount daily would even out the peaks and valleys of oxygen in the water. Another method is to use a drip similar to an IV bag, which continuously adds a regulated amount. The most sophisticated method is a probe which measures the oxygen content of the water as an indirect means of measuring the hydrogen peroxide, and adds an appropriate amount as needed.
When used properly, hydrogen peroxide can keep infections in the garden to a minimum and stimulate root growth by increasing the oxygen content of the water. Hydrogen peroxide degrades into free oxygen and water over a three-day period. Some of the oxygen dissolves in the reservoir water and is used by the roots.
Different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide solution are available. It is sold diluted to 3% in drug stores. Some indoor garden shops sell 10% grade and 35% grade is sold in a few health food stores and over the Internet. The 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can be used topically to sterilize cuts and infections. Hydrogen peroxide solution at 10% burns skin. 35% hydrogen peroxide solution acts much like a concentrated acid and is handled as a hazardous, corrosive liquid.
The 10% hydrogen peroxide solution is sometimes used at rates as low as one ounce per 10 gallons water; however, enrichment using an ounce per gallon is more effective for disease control. When 35% hydrogen peroxide solution is used, it can be added at the rate of three ounces per 10 gallons of water. If a 3% solution is used, use three ounces per gallon of water.
ZeroTol is a peroxide-based commercial sterilizing agent used in the greenhouse industry. Its active ingredient, HO2, also breaks down into oxygen and water, but it is even more active than 35% hydrogen peroxide. It is used at the rate of one part per 300, or three ounces per 10 gallons, for excellent prevention of diseases and infections. ZeroTol is available from Bio-Safe Systems in Connecticut (1-888-273-3088; www.biosafesystems.com) and through some other gardening supply stores.
 

Roseman

Elite Rolling Society
He seems to promote it more as a preventative, or aid, instead of a cure.
Anf as I researched the subject I learned that peroxide is better as a prevetative, than a cure. Like it really slows down algae growth, but it is not 100% effective at removing or killing it all.
I would also add it is NOT to be mixed with organic nutes, that is destructive and like pissing in the wind.
Any other ideas or opinions on peroxide in HYDRO are much welcomed.
 

KP2

Well-Known Member
use only with chemical nutrient programs, and like you said, not with organics. best for hydro, not dirt.
 

JonnyBtreed

Well-Known Member
Good stuff, I've been using it for awhile. My res temp hovers right around 75 and I had an algae problem once, but after I started using peroxide the roots stayed whiter and healthier, and I never felt slime since.
 

Fman

Well-Known Member
AL said I should use it , so I do. My tanks look cleaner and when I change nutes, clean-up is just a wipe with a damp (diluted h2o2) towel. I dont have root problems, and the roots that are poking out of the bottom of the pots are nice and white.
 

LostInSpace...

Well-Known Member
I have been using 50% H2O2 for my past three grows after learning its usefulness from Al B. Fuct. I have also experimented a bit with different ratios.

I find Al B's recommendation of 1ml/L of 50% H2O2 every 3 days is adequate for ongoing pathogen control.

However sometimes it isn't quite enough when experiencing fungus gnats or persistent mold/algae, I have treated my plants with up to 3-4ml/L with no ill effects.

Note- 50% H2O2 should be handled like any dangerous chemical(with great care) if you get this stuff in your eyes you have about 10 seconds before you go blind. If its gets on your skin wash it off IMMEDIATELY or you'll end up with severe chemical burn, I know this after unknowingly touching some with my index finger and then wondering why it was burning:oops: It took about two weeks to get my fingerprint back.... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Grow on
 

KP2

Well-Known Member
30% and above is very corrosive, and should be treated like acid (as essentially it is similar by damaging effects).
 

Bogfan

Active Member
uhhhhh, he ain't joking on the missing fingerprint crap! I wish I had been warned! GET LATEX GLOVES WHEN YOU BUY H2O2!!
 

jimmy130380

Well-Known Member
uhhhhh, he ain't joking on the missing fingerprint crap! I wish I had been warned! GET LATEX GLOVES WHEN YOU BUY H2O2!!
i have some h202 and was thinking of using it im not sure how much to use in aero hydro set up
my plants are still seedlings 2 weeks old
how much would be the correct dose in 40 lts of water and 1/2 strength nutes
im just worried about burning them
its 50% h202
thanks jimmy
 

Kcar

Active Member
I use 1.7ml per liter of 35% so 1.3 ml sounds about right for 50%
As a safe starting point anyway.

I use 5ml (1tsp) per gallon in US measurements. Works for me.
If your using organic nutes, wait until 2 or 3 days before res change.
 

Bogfan

Active Member
A lot of the Hydro Shops dont stock H2O2 but most can get it from their suppliers. The will try to sell you Hygrozyme or something similar if they dont have H2o2. You may have to ask them to order some for you. I believe it is worth the time and money.
 

Squarepusher45

Well-Known Member
A lot of the Hydro Shops dont stock H2O2 but most can get it from their suppliers. The will try to sell you Hygrozyme or something similar if they dont have H2o2. You may have to ask them to order some for you. I believe it is worth the time and money.
HygroZyme is better anyway. I was using H2O2 but it just couldn't keep up. HygroZyme is the way to go. But it is expensive, I get it for about $26 per liter localy in the hydroshop in town.
 

Cr8z13

Well-Known Member
I've had a gallon of 35% peroxide for a while now but I haven't touched it since I'm growing organic. I think I have a use for it now, though. I've noticed that there is algae build up in a couple of my 5 gallon water jugs. I can't really get at it with a brush or anything. I imagine that the peroxide will get them nice and clean but I have no idea how to apply or how much to use. Any ideas?
 

LostInSpace...

Well-Known Member
I use about 10ml/L of 50% for cleaning. I'm too stoned to do the math but around there should be right. In case you don't already know, its a corrosive chemical, use gloves and eye protection.
 
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