Adventures in KelpMax

[terryros]

I don't think we have clearly noted that the EC (from which the TDS is usually calculated) only deals with ionized substances? That means that all of the non-ionic organic molecules in KelpMax aren't going to be detected by an EC meter. Yet, they are obviously nutritionally active.

[K-Sci]

Originally Posted by Ray

True TDS is found by evaporating 100% of the water from the solution, so is equivalent to the amount of powder one must add to pure water to create the solution in the first place.

Sometimes it amazes me how easily I can miss the obvious. I've been thinking of TDS as a poorly defined measure of ion content, completely missing the simplicity of the measure.

We do have to be careful, though, as some ingredients may not ionize, so don't contribute to the EC. Using the simple example of Epsom Salts - MgSO4-7H2O - the crystalline water, when in solution, would dilute it, lowering the EC, (albeit infinitesimally), wouldn't it?

It would. You've mentioned this before, but I missed the significance due to my failure to grasp the obvious as noted above.

Thanks, Ray!

-Keith

[Shadeflower]

Keith thank you for performing that test.

Your values are what I would have expected.

Mine seems to be much stronger so let me go get a picture of what I have...

It's clealry not the same product as mine raises my EC far more than Keith's Kelpmax.

Well, I still like mine but it doesn't seem to be the same product. I thought I had found the equivalent for the hobby grower and although I like mine I really don't know what I have now.

[Roberta]

SF, I found this info on the product (UK version)
Kelpak 5L Organic Bio Stimulant Containing Kelp, click on the Download button for the Label document. . It's loaded (gram per liter levels) with the major fertilizer constituents (NPK). So no wonder it raises EC. Along with the kelp, it has not only the majors but a bunch of the trace elements. And bunches of other stuff. The Kelpmax product in the US is, I think, all organic components of the seaweed extract plus water ("inert ingredients"). So being non-ionic, it wouldn't tend to raise EC. Totally different animal.

[SADE2020]

In Spain I use this brand.
biostimulants Product Range

I dont measure anything, use it every 15 days. I use RO and Focus Growth or Bloom.

I've never had a problem even using the maximum dosage.

[Roberta]

This was in one of the FAQs -
"Kelpak formulated for use in organic farming is light brown in colour much like the actual seaweed. Kelpak formulations containing nutrients are greenish in colour, indicating that these products have been developed to suit specific regional requirements."

They allude to "nutrients" but it is very possible/likely that there are different formulations in different countries, with the same non-specific labels. "Secret sauce".

[Shadeflower]

Originally Posted by Roberta

This was in one of the FAQs -
"Kelpak formulated for use in organic farming is light brown in colour much like the actual seaweed. Kelpak formulations containing nutrients are greenish in colour, indicating that these products have been developed to suit specific regional requirements."

They allude to "nutrients" but it is very possible/likely that there are different formulations in different countries, with the same non-specific labels. "Secret sauce".

Thanks for the research Roberta. This is why I have been so confused. There are different formulations.

Tha product specs are what I have too so with the green one for seedlings it can get quite strong to follow the recommended dose.

That has been my problem in the past I think so SADE I think you have the same as me which has added Nutrients.

Ps: Interesting to hear you use Orchid Focus! I'm just trying it out. Am running a comparrison on a couple of orchids to see which is better, my own mix or theirs. I erally like that it is so easy to use, it even buffers my rain water so I don't have to adjust the PH. It's also the only fertilizer I have found that contains enough Iron.
So far I am really impressed but we'll see how it performs. I know you have really healthy orchids Sade and MissOrchidgirl started all her success on Orchid Focus too so it must be pretty good.

[Roberta]

I wonder if the laws are different in the UK, such that they actually have to say what is in the bottle. (The MSDS was also amusing reading...it implies that you need to wear a hazmat suit when handling it, heaven forbid that you accidentally spill some, but doesn't particularly explain why) I thought that the EU was very strict about labeling... the manufacturer seems to have found a way around doing it.

[tmoney]

Originally Posted by Shadeflower

Keith thank you for performing that test.

Your values are what I would have expected.

Mine seems to be much stronger so let me go get a picture of what I have...

It's clealry not the same product as mine raises my EC far more than Keith's Kelpmax.

Well, I still like mine but it doesn't seem to be the same product. I thought I had found the equivalent for the hobby grower and although I like mine I really don't know what I have now.

my bottle of kelpak (from the netherlands distributor) looks much different than that

and im starting to wonder which form we have, because ours is brownish liquid.

[Shadeflower]

that's good tmoney. From what I understand it is meant to be brown. I take it mine is the same but with added nutrients.
I obtained it from a uk nursery that imports and distributes it in smaller quantities but I was worried seeing as it's a bit different, Roberta has found the product spec showing the green version is meant to be different.
Didn't want to cause concern with anyone else, I just wanted an answer why mine is slightly different.