Mixing Guide for Nutrient Solution for Hydroponics Systems

Hydroponics enables you precision and control in your hydroponic garden kit, but its crucial that the nutrient solution is mixed correctly. This step-by-step guide is tailored towards hydro growing using Jack’s 3-2-1 formula in RDWC systems. The proper order of mixing nutrients prevents precipitation, protects beneficials, and ensures plants get everything they need.

How to Make Nutrient Solution for Hydroponics - Step-by-Step Mixing Order

1. Start with Clean Water

• Preferably use RO or dechlorinated water.
• Fill your main hydroponic reservoir or mixing tank entirely before adding anything.

2. This Ingredient is Optional: Add Silica

• If using Silica/Potassium Silicate (e.g., Armor Si), add it first.
• Mix thoroughly and let it stabilize for 5 – 10 minutes before adding other nutrients. This prevents unwanted chemical reactions, especially with calcium.

What is Silica and Why it's Important:

• Silica (Si) strengthens cell walls, increasing resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stress.
• Improves stem rigidity, supports heavy fruiting, and boosts nutrient uptake efficiency and roots nutrients.

3. Add Jack’s Part A (5-12-26)

• Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved.

What’s in Jack’s Part A and Why it Matters:

• 5% Nitrogen (N) – 12% Phosphate (P) – 26% Potassium (K) + Micronutrients
• Primary Macronutrients
• Nitrogen (N) (as Nitrate): Promotes leafy growth and is essential during the vegetative phase.
• Phosphates (P): Promote strong root development, early plant vigor and flower formation. Heavily needed during flowering.
• Potassium (K) (as soluble potash): Essential for photosynthesis, enzyme activation, root growth and water regulation.
• Secondary Macronutrients
• Magnesium (Mg) 6.3%: Important for photosynthesis and metabolizing phosphorous
• Sulphur (S) 8.3%: Supports enzyme activity and amino acid synthesis.
• Micronutrients:
• Iron (Fe): Chlorophyll production
• Manganese (Mn): Root strength, photosynthesis
• Boron (B): Flower development, cell walls
• Zinc (Zn): Growth hormones
• Copper (Cu): Reproductive growth
• Molybdenum (Mo): Nitrogen metabolism

4. Add Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)

• Mix until fully dissolved.
• Supplies magnesium and sulfur for photosynthesis and protein synthesis.

5. Add Jack’s Part B (15-0-0)

• Always add after Part A and Epsom Salt to prevent calcium from reacting with sulfates and phosphates.
• Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved.

What’s in Part B and Why it Matters:

• 15% (N) Nitrogen – 0% (P) Phosphate – 0% (K) Potassium + Macronutrients
• Primary Macronutrient
  • Nitrate Nitrogen (N) 15%: Encourages leafy green growth and supports robust plant structure during vegetative development.
• Secondary Macronutrient
  • Calcium (Ca) 18%: Aids nutrient absorption, improves the plant’s ability to resist disease.

6. Add Potassium Bicarbonate (if needed)

·       Potassium Bicarbonate can be added as a buffer to soft or RO water.

·       Adding as a buffer helps to reduce pH changes due to nutrient uptake and plant growth

7. Adjust pH Level for Hydroponics

What pH is best for hydroponics?

·       Use pH UP or pH DOWN to adjust. Available from General Hydroponics

• Always adjust pH before adding microbes.
• See our blog for more info on ec and ph for hydroponics.

8. Add Beneficial Bacteria (Last Step)

• Add only after pH is stable and all nutrients are mixed.
• Examples: Southern Ag Garden Friendly Fungicide, Great White.
• Avoid using UV sterilizers, chlorine or Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) when using beneficial bacteria – these will kill the microbes you’re trying to introduce.
• See our blog for more info on beneficial bacteria for hydroponics.

 Why This Order Matters in DWC Recirculating System

• Calcium & Sulfates/Phosphates: Mixing CaNO₃ too early with Part A causes precipitation (e.g. calcium phosphate), leading to clogged pumps, lines and nutrient lockout.
• Silica: Highly reactive — can bind with calcium if not diluted first.
• Microbes: Sensitive to high EC, strong acids, and oxidizers. Always add them last.

 Quick RDWC System Tips

• Let nutrient solution circulate for at least an hour before final pH/EC check. Monitor and adjust daily.
• Adjust your hydroponic nutrient solution recipe gradually based on plant health, pH trends, and EC levels.
• Keep water temps 65–70°F (18–21°C). Use a chiller if necessary.
• Never mix dry nutrients directly together.
• Use separate containers if pre-dissolving nutrients.
• Top off the RDWC system with water or premixed nutrient solution if needed.
• Drain the recirculating dwc system and refill with a fresh batch of nutrient solution weekly.

Example Hydroponic Nutrient Solution Recipe Table and Spreadsheet

This recipe for nutrient solution for hydroponics is suggested as a starting point for an RDWC system. Minor adjustments can be made based upon your own results and water. Enter the number of gallons to mix in the top left red cell. Email us at sales@artisuntechnology.com if you would like the Nutrient Solution Recipe MS Excel file.