The optimum dose rate depends on the condition of the nutrient system. The regular dose rates are optimum for relatively clean/uncontaminated systems. If the system is very dirty, it is worthwhile increasing the dose rate by 50-100%. Although this can cause root burning, it is generally worth the risk and roots will normally recover quickly once dosing is reduced. NOTE, for sensitive plants such as lettuce, the regular rate may be too high and as such, the regular rate may need to be halved.

Best start by doing a system flush: Once the nutrient reservoir is empty, do as much manual cleaning as possible then fill the reservoir with clean water and add Pythoff PLUS at 0.5ml/L (2ml/Gal). Adjust pH to between 5.0 and 7.0 then aim to flush for at least 1 hour. Ensure to run the nutrient pump regularly to improve the flushing of roots and hardware surfaces. If the threat level is high, dump the initial flush water after about 1 hour then repeat the flush procedure. This process can be repeated every few days if problems are persisting.

After flushing, make a fresh batch of nutrient solution, however, ensure to add Pythoff PLUS to the water at 0.5ml/L (2ml/Gal) prior to adding nutrient and additives. For recirculating systems, re-dose the existing nutrient solution *every 1-2 days* – NOTE, weekly dosing is unlikely to cure root browning. For run-to-waste systems, re-dose every 3-4 days. NOTE, when redosing *existing* nutrient solutions, ensure to predilute the Pythoff PLUS dose at least 10-fold (see FAQ on this) with raw water before adding to the reservoir.

STEP 1. Employ Pythoff PLUS in the “weekly” system flush: Once the nutrient reservoir has been drained fully, do as much manual cleaning as possible, then fill reservoir with clean water and add Pythoff PLUS at 0.5ml/L (2ml/Gal). Adjust pH to between 5.0 and 7.0 then aim to flush for at least 1 hour. Ensure to run the nutrient pump regularly to improve the flushing of roots and hardware surfaces.

STEP 2. Employ Pythoff PLUS in the nutrient solution: After flushing, make a fresh batch of nutrient solution, however, ensure to add Pythoff PLUS to the water at 0.5ml/L (2ml/Gal) prior to adding nutrient and additives. As a general rule, the working nutrient should then be re-dosed after 7-days, however, for best results (!) ensure to predilute the Pythoff PLUS dose at least 10-fold with raw water before adding to the reservoir. Obviously for shorter batch durations, as often used in run-to-waste systems, it will only be necessary to dose once (when the nutrient is made). If fanatical about using beneficial bacteria or myco’s then do NOT use Pythoff PLUS in the nutrient solution, use System Maintenance instead (1-2ml/L) (4-8ml/Gal). However, if root browning problems do occur then the best course of action is to cease use of beneficial bacteria/myco’s and employ Pythoff PLUS instead. Based on our experience, most bacteria/myco users follow this path and stay with Pythoff PLUS.

Never add undiluted (neat) Pythoff PLUS to an existing nutrient solution – this will not harm the plants but it will reduce product performance. Instead, the dose should be pre-diluted 10-fold prior to adding. ’10-fold’ means add 10ml of plain water for EVERY 1ml of Pythoff PLUS. For example, for a 100L reservoir, a 50ml Pythoff PLUS dose (0.5ml/L) needs to be diluted with 500ml of water. Also, to aid maximum performance, aggressively stir the nutrient when adding the Pythoff PLUS/water mixture. Pre-dilution is NOT required if dosing plain water.

Add Pythoff PLUS to a dedicated, stock reservoir at 50ml/L in clean water. Cover the reservoir to prevent ALL light ingress (important!). Replenish this solution monthly. Set Doser to 1%. Do NOT over-dose i.e. ensure the doser is accurate, reliable and capable of handling the solution. Note, EPDM seals are ideal; Viton is usually suitable.

Dose when the nutrient batch is first made and always add Pythoff PLUS before any nutrient or additives are added – VERY IMPORTANT. As a general rule, the working nutrient should then be re-dosed after 7-days, however, for best results (!) ensure to predilute the Pythoff PLUS dose at least 10-fold with raw water before adding to the reservoir. Obviously for shorter batch durations, as often used in run-to-waste systems, it will only be necessary to dose once (when the nutrient is made).

Dirty or contaminated system should be re-dosed more regularly: For recirculating systems, re-dose the nutrient solution every 1-2 days; For run-to-waste systems, re-dose every 3-4 days. Ensure to predilute the Pythoff PLUS dose at least 10-fold with raw water before adding to the reservoir and stir aggressively while adding this mixture.

Pythoff PLUS is much more powerful than System Maintenance and is therefore the recommended “preventative” measure for hydroponic systems. However, unlike System Maintenance, it is NOT compatible with beneficial bacteria. Therefore, if you deem beneficials as being critical (?), then it will be necessary to use System Maintenance for maintaining the condition of working nutrient solutions. However, note, we definitely recommend using Pythoff PLUS for all other applications i.e. treating both ‘flush’ water and ‘stored’ water, and post-harvest system clean-up.

1. Pythoff PLUS contains a de-scaler which prevents and removes the calcium scale that causes blocked drippers e.g. calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate.
2. Very gentle on roots.
3. Is far more stable in solution and therefore active for much longer – approx. 7-days.
4. Pythoff PLUS is “standardized” to a specific concentration and has a shelf-stability of 10 yrs plus – competing products are generally highly unstable and yield an untrustworthy dosage! Having the correct dosage is critical – underdosing will provide nil benefit, and overdosing will harm root hairs.
5. Pythoff PLUS is fully compatible with all of the FloraMax organic additives.

Remove plants then partly fill reservoir with water. Add 2-4ml/L (8-15ml/Gal) Pythoff PLUS, ensure pH 5 – 6. Run pump hourly for 24-hours. Discard this solution then flush several times with fresh water. To wash floors and walls and remaining hardware, spray with 25ml/L (100ml/Gal) FloraMax System Maintenance. Scrub well then wait 30 minutes before rinsing clean with water