Molasses in ebb & flow?

Youngling

Youngling

Active Member
I have read a lot about molasses and was wanting to give it a try but I have not heard of people using it in hydro (dwc maybe). I imagin it would make your pumps all sticky.

I'm looking for a way to tell my plant it's time to fatten up and increase frost. I know there is not a miracle food that makes them better, I just want a point in the right direction.

Middle of the 5th week of flower
Currently using

Flora Nova Bloom 2 ml / gal
Floralicious plus 1 ml / gal
Bloombastic 2 ml / gal

Thank you for any help
 
420God

420God

Well-Known Member
I hate to say it because I don't like putting labels out there but I've seen some very good side by sides with molasses and Bud Candy from AN and I believe it's made for hydro. In the side by sides the bud candy were a little frostier but the molasses had a tad more weight. Close tie if you ask me.
 
Youngling

Youngling

Active Member
So after my las week here with the bloombastic I should add budcandy till flush?

I'm hoping it will be 4 more weeks instead of 5-6
 
mistaphuck

mistaphuck

Well-Known Member
you dilute the molasses so much it wont hurt your pumps bro! you only use like a teaspoon or two per gallon. it helps to mix it in a container first then pour it into your res.
 
homebrewer

homebrewer

Well-Known Member
420God said:
I hate to say it because I don't like putting labels out there but I've seen some very good side by sides with molasses and Bud Candy from AN and I believe it's made for hydro. In the side by sides the bud candy were a little frostier but the molasses had a tad more weight. Close tie if you ask me.
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You forgot to mention that the control group looked almost identical to the others and the study was done in dirt.
 
420God

420God

Well-Known Member
homebrewer said:
You forgot to mention that the control group looked almost identical to the others and the study was done in dirt.
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That too. I honestly couldn't tell you wether molasses even works alone. New to the whole growing thing but the science is there to back up some of the claims.
 
420God

420God

Well-Known Member
Youngling

Youngling

Active Member
So really I just need a carb then? Nothing fancy just some cheap carb or should I go with the bud candy? Any other suggestion?
 
homebrewer

homebrewer

Well-Known Member
420God said:
I was on that thread a little. There's nothing there backing anyones claims.
Besides, Spanishfly also tell everyone that flushing isn't necessary, not a very reliable source.
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He works with organics so in his case, flushing would do nothing.

And there is plenty there to back up claims. Molasses contains some trace minerals and if you're working with a soil-less mix, the carbs will help the micro herd. Will that in-turn make a difference? I don't think so as I have not seen a difference in my garden veggies. People need to understand the role of molasses before they make claims like it will increase yields by XX%.
 
legallyflying

legallyflying

Well-Known Member
I have heard from two seperate growers with a great deal of experience that some form of sugar helps flavor. In terms of yield, the science is there but there are allot of variables. There are plenty of studies using the scientific method out there that demonstrate sugars increasing plant growth rates. There are also studies that show it delays flowering (due to increased pre-flower vegetative growth). So the effects are somewhat species specific.
From a biologists perspective (i work as a biologist) the effects are going to be more microbial than osmotic. Meaning that sugars will increase the number and activity of microbes in the substrate (which can process nutrients into an uptakeable form) rather than increase plant uptake rates. This underscores the benifits of sugars in soil as the medium can support healthy microbial populations. (not that hydro can't but again there are variables). So if your using biotic supplements like liquid karma, you would likely see more benefit from sugar.

But anyways, back to the question, I would add some form of sugar to your rez. The sooner the better. And I would advise you not to automatically reach for a sugar source that has been premixed and poured into a plastic bottle with the word bud on it. Be it bud blood, bud candy, or bud marketing scam stoner rip-off. Cough- advanced nutrients- cough. People that succumb to the marketing are the same people wasting money on other crap "specifically designed for hydro" like ph up and down. Pretty damn ingenious if you ask me. Hell, i've got a jug of lye, water and red dye; you want to give me $9 for it?
 
mistaphuck

mistaphuck

Well-Known Member
legallyflying said:
I have heard from two seperate growers with a great deal of experience that some form of sugar helps flavor. In terms of yield, the science is there but there are allot of variables. There are plenty of studies using the scientific method out there that demonstrate sugars increasing plant growth rates. There are also studies that show it delays flowering (due to increased pre-flower vegetative growth). So the effects are somewhat species specific.
From a biologists perspective (i work as a biologist) the effects are going to be more microbial than osmotic. Meaning that sugars will increase the number and activity of microbes in the substrate (which can process nutrients into an uptakeable form) rather than increase plant uptake rates. This underscores the benifits of sugars in soil as the medium can support healthy microbial populations. (not that hydro can't but again there are variables). So if your using biotic supplements like liquid karma, you would likely see more benefit from sugar.

But anyways, back to the question, I would add some form of sugar to your rez. The sooner the better. And I would advise you not to automatically reach for a sugar source that has been premixed and poured into a plastic bottle with the word bud on it. Be it bud blood, bud candy, or bud marketing scam stoner rip-off. Cough- advanced nutrients- cough. People that succumb to the marketing are the same people wasting money on other crap "specifically designed for hydro" like ph up and down. Pretty damn ingenious if you ask me. Hell, i've got a jug of lye, water and red dye; you want to give me $9 for it?
Click to expand...
when you think about it what is being made during photosynthesis? sugars! so why not give your plant some extra sugars!
 
homebrewer

homebrewer

Well-Known Member
mistaphuck said:
when you think about it what is being made during photosynthesis? sugars! so why not give your plant some extra sugars!
Click to expand...
Your plant has a limited ability to pull up sugars from the soil. The sugars/carbs being added are for the microbes, not the plant.
 
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