Would not have believed it otherwise..

I've been using a product called Rid-X, a septic tank additive, in my soil for a long while now with excellent results. The ingredients is simply beneficial bacteria and molasses. You get 10.5oz for about 6 bucks as opposed to 45 bucks for a few ounces hydro companies seek.

Well, I decided to take a pair of pantyhose (and no, not for my secret playtime) cut some off, tied on end and put about a scoop in and tied off the other end, making a ball out of it. I took this and dropped it in my DWC. A few hours later I checked and it was bubbling great. By the end of the afternoon I was totally amazed at the plants response. I could not believe what I was seeing. I only wish I had taken a before picture. The plants appeared more lush and erect. They continue to impress me with increased growth. I still can't believe what I am seeing by adding some Rid-X.
I would highly recommend NOT to put the Rid-X in DWC without putting it in a stocking mesh. Even with the "ball" there will be residue on the sides but that's a good thing.

If you ever wanted to use Beneficial Bacteria for DWC but was taken back at those ridiculous prices then grab some Rid-X and give this a try. I hope it helps you like it did me. So far I'm in the second week of using it and I still am amazed. For those who don't know, Rid-X can be found in any grocery store and big box store in the plumbing section.

OH, I have learned that after a week I need to add just a little molasses to keep feeding the bacteria. I only used 1tsp for my 3 gallon bucket (actually that is a 5 gal bucket with just over 3 gallons of nutes.

I have another crop coming up and will do some before and after pictures to post here.

very interesting...

what nutrients are you using rid-x with?

Hmm, sounds pretty interesting. Wouldnt think that the bacteria thats meant to eat all the poop in a septic tank would be beneficial to a plant.. Seems very interesting though. I might think about trying this out with a test plant and see how it goes.

Great find. Who would have thought

As to the nutes I'm using I'm using two different kinds. In one of the girls I'm using Advanced Sensi Bloom and in the other I'm using GH Flora Nova. I ran out of Dutch Master Gold Flower so that's why I'm using the GH Nova, wanted to get it off the inventory. Personally I"m mighty fond of the Advanced and DM. One thing, if using DM Zone don't use the Rid-X because the Zone will kill the beneficial bacteria.

the bacteria are live organisms eating whatever they can and releasing a more broken down food for the plants - same principle as earthworms. in nature there's billions of beneficial microbes in the dirt helping plants eat better. +rep for trying something cheaper and sharing the results with us!

MoonChildg13 said:

As to the nutes I'm using I'm using two different kinds. In one of the girls I'm using Advanced Sensi Bloom and in the other I'm using GH Flora Nova. I ran out of Dutch Master Gold Flower so that's why I'm using the GH Nova, wanted to get it off the inventory. Personally I"m mighty fond of the Advanced and DM. One thing, if using DM Zone don't use the Rid-X because the Zone will kill the beneficial bacteria.

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moonchild, this is very interesting. what would you compare it to in the grow shop? How did yopu incorporate it into your soil grows?

overmyhead said:

moonchild, this is very interesting. what would you compare it to in the grow shop? How did yopu incorporate it into your soil grows?

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Sorry but was gone backpacking. The only Hydro brand I've ever tried was the GH Subculture. Compared to that I put it at an even comparison. For soil that is, I ran out and just did not have the funds to get more at 43.00 buck for 3 oz. When I accidentally discovered the Rid-X (actually I thought it was an Ant controlled product till I read the package) I figured for 6 bucks at 10oz it might be worth trying since it does the same thing. Sure enough for soil it did. I also add some Mycorr in the soil also but only a small amount is needed (not the amount they want you to use).
For the DWC I've only tried (and still using) the Rid-X. Over the last few weeks I have found that using the Rid-X in DWC I'm having to cut back on the nute amounts. The stuff is unreal, Give it a try.

MoonChildg13 said:

Sorry but was gone backpacking. The only Hydro brand I've ever tried was the GH Subculture. Compared to that I put it at an even comparison. For soil that is, I ran out and just did not have the funds to get more at 43.00 buck for 3 oz. When I accidentally discovered the Rid-X (actually I thought it was an Ant controlled product till I read the package) I figured for 6 bucks at 10oz it might be worth trying since it does the same thing. Sure enough for soil it did. I also add some Mycorr in the soil also but only a small amount is needed (not the amount they want you to use).
For the DWC I've only tried (and still using) the Rid-X. Over the last few weeks I have found that using the Rid-X in DWC I'm having to cut back on the nute amounts. The stuff is unreal, Give it a try.

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Forgot to add that when i used it for soil I just sprinkle into the soil and mix it up.

Wow that's an awesome discovery. I'm gonna have to try it with my grow. Come check it out if you get the chance. +rep

hmm sounds weird to me

Funny that you mention this.

I was just reading Keith Roberto's "How-to Hydroponics" this morning and he mentions on page 32 that he DOES NOT like using organic nutes at all because "Organic nutrients require the actions of bacteria to decompose the constituent material so unless there is an oxygen rich "home" for these bacteria within the system, the nutrients will not break down and leave your plants undernourished." I really wish I could copy and paste the whole section with photo's because it is insightful; but the pdf is locked.

I wonder if you are seeing such good results because the Rid-X is breaking down those organic nutrients that previously went unused.

Tnrtinr....good point but I got to thinking about something after reading what you wrote. I once tried organic nutes in DWC...what a mess. Still use some but only for the soil. Now, what if, big what if here, but what if I tried organic nutes again in DWC but this time add the Rid-X. Just a thought,...would that still create a slimy mess?

MoonChildg13 said:

Forgot to add that when i used it for soil I just sprinkle into the soil and mix it up.

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so how much would you put in the soil? like, per lb or gallon of soil? and just on the initial mix? then feed molasis?

jeffchr said:

so how much would you put in the soil? like, per lb or gallon of soil? and just on the initial mix? then feed molasis?

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One thing I found out when adding it to soil, same thing for Mycorrhizae, that a small amount goes a long way. In the box of Rid-X comes a plastic spoon, approx 1tbs, I would add one scoop to approximately 2lbs of soil. Some times more soil.

Now here's one thing I've started doing lately and have notice a nice improvement on my soil applications. When I water the plants I add "cultivated" water. Lately I've done this; 2 gal dechlorinated water and a "ball of Rid-X". I've put an airstone in with the water and Rid-X and let it cultivate, about 12 hours and I use this to water the plants.

I used this same idea of "cultivated water" and have been using it on my Jalapeno and Thai pepper plants. I immediately had to cut back on the nutes and this plants are going wild.

Jeffchr....dang it, left out some.... when using in soil, I've not found it necessary to add molasses. Humic and Fulvic acids in soil provide food for the bacteria to exist. It probably would not hurt at all in doing so it's just that I've not add molasses in soil. In my DWC, I do.

MoonChildg13 said:

One thing I found out when adding it to soil, same thing for Mycorrhizae, that a small amount goes a long way. In the box of Rid-X comes a plastic spoon, approx 1tbs, I would add one scoop to approximately 2lbs of soil. Some times more soil.

Now here's one thing I've started doing lately and have notice a nice improvement on my soil applications. When I water the plants I add "cultivated" water. Lately I've done this; 2 gal dechlorinated water and a "ball of Rid-X". I've put an airstone in with the water and Rid-X and let it cultivate, about 12 hours and I use this to water the plants.

I used this same idea of "cultivated water" and have been using it on my Jalapeno and Thai pepper plants. I immediately had to cut back on the nutes and this plants are going wild.

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Do you use organic fertilizer?

tnrtinr said:

Do you use organic fertilizer?

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In the soil? not up until now. This current grow I am using the GH Organics line. The complete line was given to me by a bud that went to a tradeshow somewhere in CA not too long ago.

In DWC, only once did I use organics, what a mess but I'm thinking about trying again but this time throw in some Rid-X

MoonChildg13 said:

In the soil? not up until now. This current grow I am using the GH Organics line. The complete line was given to me by a bud that went to a tradeshow somewhere in CA not too long ago.

In DWC, only once did I use organics, what a mess but I'm thinking about trying again but this time throw in some Rid-X

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I was just curious because Keith Roberto was saying that organic nutes are a waste and that he uses conventional fertilizer because it completely dissolves and 100% is available for use by the plant.

I was wondering if the gains you saw were from the bacteria metabolizing the organic nutes or if there is a benefit for all nute users..