Low-dose Fertilizing in Automated System
 

I grow in a grow tent-- the lights are T5s and are up high-- high enough that they don't get hit by my auto misting system that kicks off at "sunrise" every day and "rains" on my plants for 30 minutes. I grow many vanda types and (yes I know they're considered vandas now but...) neos that despise fertilizer in too high of doses-- but rather-- seem to enjoy a very low dose with frequent fertilizing rather than a scheduled spike in plant food. My system works pretty well-- the plants are pretty well drenched in the end and I would love to add an injector to my line several times a week to provide this low does fertilization.

I have looked at siphons but they suck up too much water too fast and I'm afraid I couldn't control the dosing. I looked at minidos but my collection is small and those suckers are pricey. So i was thinking I need to do some testing-- possibly getting a siphoning device and regulating it's uptake but restricting it's flow by crimping the line or using a hose end that is actually used for spraying, but would be used in "reverse" instead.

Looking for some input from others' experiences who have done or tried such a thing. The plants that would get this dosing would also be watered by a second line that would not have any fertilizer-- I want to prevent any build up of salts. My hope is that at low doses and then frequent "flushing" of RO water, salt build up will be held to a minimum.

I can't be the only person needing or wanting something like this-- so let's hear what others have done. Thanks!

If the pressure and flow are constant, a siphon device ought to be fine, as after you calibrate it, the ratio should be fixed.

Then all you have to do is make your "concentrate" dilute enough that the final concentration comes in where you want it.

That's exactly what I was thinking as well so thanks for the confirmation! The only other thing I have to ensure is that this siphon doesn't suck up solids... the nozzles on my misting system are pretty fine!