FloraMax Silica

Monosilicic Acid for hydroponic plants

FloraMax Silica 0-0-8 contains 16% silica* present as Mono-silicic Acid (“MSA”) and Meta-silicic Acid (“MTSA”).  Both of these compounds are completely soluble in nutrient solutions and 100% bio-available. This yields several benefits for hydroponic growers:

• Improves the rigidity of stems and leaves.
• Helps prevent leaf wilt during extreme heat.
• Helps increase weight, potency and shelf-life of fruit.
• FloraMax Silica is highly concentrated.  1.0 litre (1.05 Qrt) makes 4,000 – 10,000 litres (1,050 – 2,640 Gal) of working nutrient.
• Highly stable – shelf-life exceeds 20 years (testing origins predate 1998).
• Available in larger pack sizes – 1L, 5L, 20L and 1,000L – suitable for large scale commercial applications.
• Dosage: 0.1-0.25ml/L (0.25 – 1 ml/Gal) during veg and flower.  Silica should be applied to an existing nutrient solution and used throughout both veg and flower.  Silica is also very effective as a foliar spray at 3ml/L (3ml/Qrt).

* Reference:  Molybdosilicate Method 4500-Si D., Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water, 19th Edition 1995, p4-118,119.  Prepared and published jointly by American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation.

Does FloraMax Silica contain Mono-Silicic Acid (MSA) or Potassium Silicate?

Firstly, all silica products are generally made from potassium silicate. This ingredient generates MSA when diluted in water. So, MSA is essentially a play on words, a marketing angle pitched by a some manufacturers.  From a chemist’s point-of-view, the biggest point of difference (problem) with silica products is their shelf life. Most of them have a max shelf-life of 1-2 yrs. This impacts their solubility and notably creates a build-up (gel) in the reservoir. FloraMax Silica has a shelf-life of 10 years plus, and is fully soluble. Claims of internodal shortening and other flowering benefits from MSA/silica are bogus. We have been selling silica’s since about 1997 and have never heard this claim from growers. The most effective way of obtaining ‘flowering benefits’ through nutrition is by using a combination of OrganaBud and Resin-XS:

1. OrganaBud: Promotes branching, shortening, bud-sites and stacking. Increases potency, terpene profile and pistil vibrancy.
2. Resin-XS: Increases frosting, resin, oil and potency. Improves swell, density and final mass.

Also, unlike those ‘other’ silica products, with OrganaBud and Resin-XS there are no biofilms, pH fluctuation or blockages.