Shelf Life of Macros & Micros Stock Solutions?

[gnatster]

What is the shelf life of Macros & Micros Stock Solutions?

I'm keeping the 500ml bottles in the fridge, with amber 100ml dropper bottles by the tank. Using only 1ml a day, there's over a year's worth mixed up. Does the solution maintain its viability over that period?

 

[Unexpected]

@Burr740

 

[Pepere]

I'm keeping the 500ml bottles in the fridge, with amber 100ml dropper bottles by the tank. Using only 1ml a day, there's over a year's worth mixed up. Does

The solution is clearly to get more and bigger tanks….

 

[Koan]

What is the shelf life of Macros & Micros Stock Solutions?

The only concern should be if one starts to grow mold, you always have the option to add vitamin C and / or potassium sorbate

 

[gnatster]

The solution is clearly to get more and bigger tanks….

More, yes, have a spreadsheet with plans. Bigger, not going to happen unless I go insane and sell off my record collection to gain space.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

For every 400-500mL of water I use, I always add 0.2g KSorbate and 0.4-0.5g Ascorbic Acid to help them keep longer.

Since doing this I haven't seen mold once.

 

[Burr740]

It depends entirely on whats in the solution. Ive got a test batch of micros from 2017 in a clear glass jar thats just sat around in various indoor light. Its still crystal clear. Ive had macros mold in 2 weeks

For every 400-500mL of water I use, I always add 0.2g KSorbate and 0.4-0.5g Ascorbic Acid to help them keep longer.

Since doing this I haven't seen mold once.

^Follow this. Primarily macros need the potassium sorbate, micros need the ascorbic acid. But you can certainly add both to each one. All-in-ones need both

 

[HarryL]

My micro grew mold within two weeks and I plan on just finishing this bottle first. Is it too late to add vitamin C? For the next bottle I make, I can just grind up some vitamin C that I take and add to the mix?

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

Is it too late to add vitamin C?

Yeah too late this time, I think.

For the next bottle I make, I can just grind up some vitamin C that I take and add to the mix?

If it's pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) then yes, but make sure you weigh it!
Otherwise I'd suggest just adding 0.2g Potassium Sorbate and 0.5g Ascorbic Acid Powders (buy from Amazon for cheap) to each 400-500mL bottle of ferts.

 

[Koan]

can just grind up some vitamin C

Pre ground 1g per capsule

 

[Burr740]

Pre ground 1g per capsule

View attachment 9355

Thats about as cheap powder until you move into bulk weights. Pre-measured too, eyeball half a cap for 500 ml, whole cap for 1000ml

 

[gnatster]

For those keeping score at home, 500ml of Macros lasted 288 days.