Guys, I just wanted to post this up on GCF to show everyone that the EWC does indeed work. I did not get the ZHO or Mycoblast powder. I used GH Subculture-m, Aquashield and Big Worm EWC in the dosages that Heisenberg stated. I also had some roots excell and rapid start, and some voodoo juice that was a free 250mL sample from the hydro store. All dosages added were as directed, but for 2 gallons (as the brew was 2 gallons). BUT, for the molasses, I took one cup of distilled water and put it into a little pot on the stove over medium heat with the 1 tbsp of unsulphured Black Strap Molasses, and stirred until the molasses was completely dissolved. The reason? Think of all the beneficial microbes fighting for a bite of a glob of sugar! By melting the sugar into a syrup, we are doing what brewers do: spreading out the sugar for the microbes so you have even, rapid growth. After about 6 hours, I had the desired foam. I only brewed my mix for 36 hours, and VOILA! I struggled with the whole "sterile" grow, and decided to give it a try. After a month in Veg, I lost my NYC Diesel and my Qrazy Train was lookin good, but no growth. The first picture is of the roots that grew out, and were slimed by the algae. I treated both 20 Gal reservoirs with the EWC, and about 6 hours later I saw new growth out of the ends of my damaged roots and the sides of the net pot. Then about 12 hours later (roughly 8pm the same day) , the next picture shows significant growth (remember, my ladies were STUNTED!). Then, the next morning! Holy moley! Then another 12 hours, and then finally THIS morning! 72 hours after inoculation, this plant did a complete 180! That was 5 days ago. I'm completely legal in my endeavors, a MM patient just trying to share the knowledge and methods that have been worked on, and then expanded. I wish you all the best, and to those that are hemming and hawing about whether or not to make the switch from sterile to benne..well, I didn't see NEARLY as much growth with the sterile option as I do with the beneficial fungus and bacteria I brewed up! Happy Growing, The evidence is irrefutable. Granted, I DID use two separate root stimulants, BUT without the EWC tea to fight off that dreaded brown slime algae, I would have been set back even MORE by being forced to use bleach to attempt to keep it sterile. I encourage all of you (who are skeptical about beneficial microbes) to at least give it a try. Ride it out for a few days AFTER treatment, don't add pH down directly to your Res, and let your Res temps linger between 70-75 degrees. Given you don't add sugar to the reservoir to feed whatever anaerobic microbes that MIGHT be living, you should be good. Please, if ANY of you have had success with treating your reservoirs with EWC tea, post the evidence so others can gain some confidence. This is just my success story Happy Growin!
I forgot to mention that I also use the GH Flora series of nutrients, and do about 1/2 strength nutrients. My PPM have risen slightly, but I attribute that to my ladies drinking more. Guys, if you have any experience with EWC tea, whether successful or not, POST it! Maybe the unsuccessful attempts weren't strictly adhering to the directions, maybe the reservoir conditions weren't optimum, or maybe the grow-medium wasn't flushed and sanitized properly. Through sharing, we can help others. With over 150 views, I would imagine that at least one person had attempted to save their Reservoirs with this advice, and again, I encourage you to post your results. Positive or negative results are not any different here, as the goal is to put together information so people can make an informed decision. If you have the experiece, please share!
I've looked at it, yes, but I don't grow hydro, so it doesn't help me much. If I do decide to go back, I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for posting the info!
It works for soil too! Depending on the amount of water that you use for watering X amount of plants, you can adjust the brew to fit THAT amount, and then treat the roots! It is not strictly for DWC, but WORKS for DWC. I have heard that it is actually BETTER in soil applications, and can treat anything from brown spots in your lawn to helping trees fight off and prevent disease. To those that TRIED DWC and gave up because of algae or similar issues, I implore you to research the information that has been presented, and have another go at a DIY DWC setup. Its rather straightforward once you aren't spending all your time trying to fight something because you have done the work to help the plant fight off pathogens to begin with! Happy Growin