[speakerguy]

I would like to premix PPS-Pro ingredients (in their proper weight ratios) for storage in a mason jar, and just use whatever amount I need when making my 900ml solutions.

Is there any problem with pre-mixing the dry elements for the PPS pro system? I would keep the trace elements separate and in a different dry storage jar and a different solution bottle.

 

[freydo]

if the entire jar is measured out for a 900ml solution container, and then distilled water is added. otherwise it's pointless to do that IMO.

 

[speakerguy]

I want to do it just so I only have to weigh out the mixture once, and then use it for several 900ml jug fills.

 

[freydo]

well you have to take into consideration that a 900ml container requires specific amounts of dry ingredients for a proper mixture. if you mix what you have into one container, you can't guarantee how much of each ingredient is evident when mixing your 900ml solution. each batch you make will not be the same from the previous batch, as each batch will contain more or less of a particular ingredient.

my suggestion is to keep your dry ingredients separate and mix as needed. you're not saving yourself a whole lot, time wise, but you will be saving yourself grief when you're find yourself asking why your plants aren't getting the right amounts of nutrients.

in the end, it's up to you. i've made you aware of the possible problems you will face. good luck.

 

[jmhart]

So, the individual compoents *may* separate according to their particular grain size, however if you mix up the powder well each time, you can assume they are close enough.

Unless you are using a laboratory grade scale, the differences in your premix will not be any different than the error associated with using the $20 scale we all buy off ebay.


All trace mixes are exactly that, mixes, and it's save to assume they are uniformly mixed.


So, bottom line, no problems

 

[Edward]

There is a problem with MgSO4 when used dry. This substance gives water fast and spoils the rest of the dry mix eventually turning it into useless greenish mush.
What would work though is using three sealed small plastic bags per each 900 ml solution batch.
1. K2SO4, KNO3, KH2PO4
2. MgSO4
3. TE

Edward

 

[Patchworks]

I was reading this post and having just come back from taco bell and the thought of a ketchup packet came to mind. Can you think of some sort of reusable or disposable container or packet that you could put all the precisly pre-measure a amounts to make a 900ml.

Then when you wanted to make a new 900ml container, simple open a ketchup packet (So-to-Speak) and make your new batch.

I hate to relate it to this, but it is my understanding that headshops (Bazzar Bazzar, Hot Topics, etc.) sell those little gram ziplock baggies that drug dealers use very cheap. I wanna say like 4 bucks for 100. You could pre-measure about 20 baggies and throw the baggies in your mason jar and each time you make a new mix just dump in one baggie.

g

 

[Edward]

Sure you can do it but I don't see the point. Let's say I have a 100 gallon aquarium so I take 2 litre Coke bottle and make PPS-Pro solution. How long is this going to last? Over six months. After six months I can make another batch, why not?

 

[wet]

I like the thinking of the ketchup packs and I can see how it somehow provides a sense of relief to folks used to commercial products or medications or whatever (something about a package and a label makes me think "okay, this is going to be fine" with real life stuff, for example ), but I think Greg Watson/The Yamato Green Guy/Robert Hudson's experience here shows why no one is doing it. The materials and time vs cost of dry weight ferts (even with markup when purchased by individual pound/kg) and a scale or measuring spoons apparently isn't profitable:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/showthread.php?t=57617

 

[Patchworks]

Sure you can do it but I don't see the point. Let's say I have a 100 gallon aquarium so I take 2 litre Coke bottle and make PPS-Pro solution. How long is this going to last? Over six months. After six months I can make another batch, why not?

I see your point, but the one Gentleman was trying to save himself from having to drag out all the dry mix and digital scan to measure every time he made a new batch. He wanted to make a pre-mixed batch and simply dip out of that each new batch.

I agree with the person that pointed out all of the grains might be a difference size and therefore would settle over time and you would not have a consistent mix. My Ketchup packet Analogy was simply to give him another solution.

g

 

[jrb77]

I was reading this post and having just come back from taco bell and the thought of a ketchup packet came to mind. Can you think of some sort of reusable or disposable container or packet that you could put all the precisly pre-measure a amounts to make a 900ml.

Then when you wanted to make a new 900ml container, simple open a ketchup packet (So-to-Speak) and make your new batch.

I hate to relate it to this, but it is my understanding that headshops (Bazzar Bazzar, Hot Topics, etc.) sell those little gram ziplock baggies that drug dealers use very cheap. I wanna say like 4 bucks for 100. You could pre-measure about 20 baggies and throw the baggies in your mason jar and each time you make a new mix just dump in one baggie.

g

For dosing my dry ferts I use the little plastic containers for hot sauce from my neighborhood taco shop. Just rinse very well in hot water, dry, measure out my doses of macro/micro. Then when it comes time to add to tank, just open, swish in a plastic container of tank water and add to tank. Easiest method I've found so far....

James