FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NUTRIENTS
Collapsible content
What is the correct mixing order?
For the VPS Liquid Line the mixing order is: Structure, FlaVUH, Grow/Flower, Expand, Support.
For the VPS Commercial Line the mixing order is: Silicon, FlaVUH, Grow/Bloom, Calcium Nitrate, Magnesium Sulfate.
What are the units of measurement for the feeding program?
Milliliters per gallon of water (ml/gal).
What pH should my water be before and after mixing?
Before mixing, water should be at 5 - 7 pH and after all products are added the resulting pH should be within 5.6 - 6.3.
When should I use lower or higher rates of nutrients?
Earlier in plant cycles, lower use rates can be used until plants become established. If plants are known cultivars that are salt tolerant and environmental conditions can match feeding rates then higher rates may be used. For example: ideal conditions (high CO2 – 1100-1700ppm; PAR > 1300) can warrant higher than specified use rates.
Do you recommend a specific flush product or method for VPS?
VPS Nutrients do not contain heavy metals, unnatural organic compounds or harmful additives, so a flush is not necessary. If your growing operation follows a perpetual harvest method, maintain feed rates until harvest. If VPS is used in inert media such as Coco Coir or Rockwool, periodic flushing is determined by continuous liquid feed concentration, environmental condition and evaporation, and other fertigation and environment factors.
Is there anything missing in the VPS Line that I need to add?
The Ventana Plant Science line was formulated as a complete solution with mineral nutrients and organic inputs included. There is nothing additional required to grow healthy plants.
Some people like to use additives for additional biodiversity, especially in living soils and organic gardens. This is okay as long as the additive is not high in macro or micro nutrients already in VPS. Things like beneficial bacteria, vitamins, etc... should be fine.
Does VPS work well in Coco Coir or Rockwool?
Yes! The VPS Line was formulated as a complete hydroponic nutrient and will work in soilless, inert media, and soil plant production.
Are there any compatibility issues with the VPS line and other products?
The Ventana Plant Science line has no known compatibility issues with any other products. If you choose to use other silicas than VPS Structure or Silicon, you must ensure it is added during mixing at the same stage as the VPS products, similarly with any other CalMag supplements and the Support. Any other non-mineral additives should be added at the end of mixing with pH balancing before feeding.
pH UP
Collapsible content
What is Ventana Plant Science pH UP?
Ventana Plant Science pH UP is an ultra-concentrated, horticultural-grade solution containing 45% potassium hydroxide (KOH), explicitly designed to raise and stabilize the pH levels in hydroponic nutrient solutions.
Why should I use pH UP in my hydroponic system?
A proper pH level is critical for optimal nutrient absorption by plants. VPS pH UP is a key tool to ensure your nutrient solution remains within ideal pH ranges, enhancing plant health and maximizing nutrient uptake.
How should I apply pH UP safely?
When making stock solutions or using the product directly, always wear chemical-resistant safety goggles, thick butyl gloves, a chemical splash coat, and a NIOSH-approved chemical respirator. Carefully add pH UP to nutrient solutions as a dilution or in small increments, monitoring pH levels until the desired range is reached.
What safety precautions should be observed?
This product is highly caustic and corrosive. It can cause severe burns, blindness, and permanent skin damage. Avoid ingestion, inhalation, or contact with skin and eyes. Use only in a well-ventilated area. In the event of contact, flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
What should I do in case of accidental exposure?
- Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Seek medical help.
- Skin: Wash with water. Get medical aid if irritation persists.
- Ingestion/Inhalation: DO NOT induce vomiting. Rinse your mouth and get medical attention immediately. Do not breathe fumes.
How should I store Ventana Plant Science pH UP?
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, flames, or hot surfaces. Do not store near incompatible substances. Refer to the MSDS for more detailed handling guidance.
How much pH UP do I need to adjust my nutrient solution?
VPS pH UP is highly concentrated. Start with small increments and/or use dilute solutions, checking the pH frequently until the desired level is achieved. Dosage varies based on your starting pH and water volume.
Can VPS pH UP harm my plants if overdosed?
Yes. Any excessive pH UP can raise the solution pH too high, causing nutrient lockout and harming plants. Always test before and after each adjustment.
Is Ventana Plant Science pH UP safe for all hydroponic systems?
Yes, when used with proper precautions and equipment, it is compatible with all hydroponic, agricultural, turf, and ornamental systems.
Does it produce heat when mixed with water?
Yes. Mixing this concentrated acid with water is exothermic (produces heat). Always add the VPS pH product to water—never the reverse.
pH Down + Line Cleaner
Collapsible content
What is Ventana Plant Science pH Down + Line Cleaner?
Ventana Plant Science pH Down + Line Cleaner is a highly concentrated 75% phosphoric acid solution that lowers the pH of nutrient solutions and can remove mineral scale, reducing instances of nutrient precipitates in all fertigation systems.
What are its main uses?
This product functions as both a nutrient solution pH regulator (acidifier) and a powerful irrigation line cleaner, removing salt buildup and biofilms.
Can VPS pH Down + Line Cleaner be used during active growth?
Yes. VPS pH Down + Line Cleaner is used as an acidifying agent for nutrient solutions. Line Cleaning treatments are NOT recommended DURING the growing cycle. The line Cleaning procedure is only for cleanings between growing cycles.
How do I use it for line cleaning?
Inject into your irrigation system, aiming for a pH range of 2.0–3.0 at the emitters. Run the system for 10–15 minutes once the pH range is reached, then flush thoroughly with clean water until pH is neutral 6.8-7.2 pH (1–3 minutes per section). Always clean or replace filters after treatment.
What safety gear is needed?
Use thick butyl gloves, laboratory safety goggles, a splash coat, and a NIOSH-approved chemical respirator. Work in a ventilated area and use acid-approved containers and tools during mixing and application.
What should I do if exposed?
- Eyes: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical help.
- Skin: Wash thoroughly with water. Seek medical attention for burns or any signs of irritation.
- Inhalation/Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention. DO NOT induce vomiting. Rinse your mouth if you're alert.
Can it damage my irrigation equipment?
Like all acids, it is safe for most plumbing systems. Take care to use non-plastic piping and ensure the product does not come into contact with potentially reactive plumbing materials (such as aluminum, steel, or iron pipes). Thoroughly flush the system after use to prevent corrosion.
Does it produce heat when mixed with water?
Yes. Mixing this concentrated acid with water is slightly exothermic (produces heat). Always add the VPS pH product to water—never the reverse.
How should I store VPS pH Down + Line Cleaner?
Keep in a cool, dry, ventilated area, sealed in the original container. Store away from oxidizers, chlorine products, and incompatible materials. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for safety details.
Can I combine this with other sanitizers?
After flushing, you may optionally use an oxidizer (like PAA or H2O2) to further remove persistent biofilms.
What makes this different from other acids?
Unlike hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid is less aggressive on plastics and doubles as a phosphorus fertilizer when used responsibly in hydroponic settings.