Cutting Edge Solutions Sour-Dee

Cutting Edge Solutions Sour-Dee Questions & Answers

Does your product work with all mediums?

Yes. Cutting Edge Solutions products have been developed wth a very broad range of variables, from water sources to varying types of medium and growing methods. Through our experience with these differences we have achieved a final formula that is effective when used across a wide spectrum of methods.

How long should I go between tank changes?

Tank change intervals depend on the size of your reservoir, and whether or not you are using a drain to waste or recirculating watering system. The average life span of a reservoir is about 5-7 days. When using drain to waste it is best to check your PPM/EC level as the nutrient solution is used to make sure that there is no spike in the PPM/EC, but usually the plants will use the fertilizer as they grow. It is more critical to check your nutrient solution while utilizing a recirculating system, as the runoff can drastically change the PPM/EC level of your nutrient solution. If your PPM/EC is raising in your re-circulating reservoir, you should top it off with plain water until your meter shows an acceptable level.

The size of a plant or the growth stage can determine the rate of water usage and nutrient uptake. Logically, the larger the plant gets, the more water and nutrient it will use. Some short-term crop plants (tomatoes, lettuce) go through an aggressive nutrient uptake around the 3-5 week period, so make sure to keep up on tank changes/monitoring during this critical time period.

Is a transition period necessary between the vegetative and bloom stage?

Depending on the type of plant you are growing, a transition mix may be beneficial. Some more hardy plants don’t need to gradually accept a new mix, while some more delicate plants appreciate more subtle changes in its' diet in order to reduce the risk of shock. Slower growing plant varieties may benefit from a transition period more than a faster growing variety as well. Some plants are naturally more efficient at taking up Iron and don’t require a transition stage.

What is the optimal Ph level for my nutrient solution?

The optimum Ph level for maximum nutrient availability is different for all elements, for instance Nitrogen has a different optimal Ph range than Phosphorus. The optimal Ph range can also vary due to medium and growing method variances, that is to say soil vs. rockwool or Aeroponics vs. Ebb and Flow. Therefore, we recommend a Ph range that is most inclusive, from 4.5 to 6.5. The Ph level we recommend for the most inclusive beneficial range is 6.

We do not recommend using Ph up at any time. If your water is acidic, i.e. RO water, adjust your water to Ph 7.0, then add nutrients. Utilizing this method, the elements are less likely to be locked out because of a severe Ph swing.

What PPM/EC is optimum for my nutrient solution?

PPM levels vary from situation to situation. Our recommended vegetative mixing rate can run as high as 2000 PPM, while a “flush” mixing rate is much lower. Please refer to the CES product mixing and reference chart for specific recommended PPM ranges for our products. Note: Our mixing chart is based on a 0 PPM water source, please test your water to establish your specific base range.