Beneficial Microbes: Companion, Bio-Link Plus, Piranha, Tarantula - what's best?

So anyway, I'm trying to figure out the pros and cons of stuff like Companion, Bio-Link Plus, Piranha, Tarantula, and so forth. I've been growing using FF's Happy Frog soil and their nutes, and after this grow I'm going to try out hydroponics. The Happy Frog has a lot of beneficals in it and they (FF) don't make anything for hydro that does, so I'm looking around for other products. I'm probably going to just use all the same brand of stuff since it's just a lot easier to fit everything together that way.


Within reason money is no issue, but I want to keep an eye on it anyway. After all, there's no point in spending money just to spend it. I'm also looking for any suggestions on safe places to buy whatever is best. I haven't been able to find anything on the price of Companion – not even a suggested retail price (which makes me think it's probably the most expensive), but I've been able to price compare on Bio-Link Plus and Piranha/Tarantula.


I usually post on another forum, but I'm trying to find some less biased opinions so I'll ask you fine folks here.


My plan is to run a modest flood and drain system so I'm not worried about whether it will clog the sprayer nozzles or anything. The only goal is to make sure they grow the strongest roots possible. Growing in soil protects a plant against a lot of the mistakes that can kill them fast them in hydroponics and when I switch over I want to keep as much of that benefit as possible.


I'm looking for something I can dunk a bowling ball in and have a giant root mass growing from it when I pull it out. (I exaggerate, but you get the point.) Share with me any have experience you have with any of this stuff – especially if you've tried more than one or if you have anything to recommend instead of what I've been looking at (Companion, Bio-Link Plus, or Piranha/Tarantula)?

Well I haven't used bio link and I never even heard of Companion, but I've used Piranha and Tarantula.

For my moneys worth there isn't anything better. I also use Voodoo Juice as it's got some more beneficial stuff in it, and I add a bit extra carboload to feed all the bitty critters. Gotta keep em fed or they die.

But it's like you say... practically grow roots on a net pot. And if you're looking to do all one brand you can't really go wrong with AN, they've got everything you could want, they've got it in hydroponics form, and they've got that online nutrient calculator and help line to keep you on track in case something goes wrong.

Go with the Piranha and Tarantula.

I am a big AN fan....and will use them from now on. Roy in tech at AN told me that pirahna and voodoo juice used in conjunction is their best bet for beneficial microbes. I have also heard that GH is pretty much identical to AN and alot less pricey.

hygrozyme works well too its identical to sensizyme from AN.

LOL

hygrozyme and sensizyme are totally different than what hes asking about

enzyme /= microbe

whoops srry.... all ive ever heard of pple using is what u listed from AN, and i havent used it

I've had good luck with A.N. VooDoo, Paranha, and Tarantula in my Bio-reactor. Its been up and running sence March. I feed it molasses once a week. From what I was told, you can keep it going for years as long as the PH,Temp, air is kept up.

I use GH 3 part with some extras and started using cultue M and i notice my roots are healthier. For what that is worth.

Peace

Mycogrow-Soluble, and Great-White mycorrhiza's have the largest number of micro critters in them. Mycogrow is the better value http://www.fungi.com/mycogrow/index.html

poindexterous said:

Mycogrow-Soluble, and Great-White mycorrhiza's have the largest number of micro critters in them. Mycogrow is the better value http://www.fungi.com/mycogrow/index.html

Click to expand...

Thanks Poindexterous

I've been a FFarm fan for a long time and use their Microbe Brew and Kangaroots now. Plants look quite healthy...

i'm open to just about anything but, i have not heard any of the grandfather growers say anything about using it. one grower said the only thing that needs to live in a grow op it the plants. i would like to see two grows side by side, one with beneficial micro and the other without.

I'm glad you're looking into beneficials. I use House and Gardens "Root Excelorator" It's the most concentrated benifical on the market for hydroponics..11 drops per gallon is all you need. That comes out to 1.1 ml per gallon. Awesone shit. I get fuzzy white feeder roots..and my god do I get roots quick with it in my aerocloner 5-7 days tops.

The cool thing about Roots Excelorator is that it's CLEAN for hydroponics use. It dissolves easily and evenly into water. You wont have any "grainy or muddy" residue from using it like you would Pirana or Tarantula or GH subculture's.

That's what I use anyway. after being throu them all.

Remember not to use H2o2 with beneficials...and YES USE ENZYMES. You only innoculate all through veg and 3 weeks into flower, after that plants like a little enzyme help. I've used both Hygrozyme and Sensizyme and both keep everything nice and clean.