Macro Stability Question

[BenB]

Wow I'm dehydrated!

But seriously.... This is my macro mix after a few weeks When I make it, it is completely clear except a small amount of precipitates, which I feel like are contaminates. I have been adding 0.8gm K sorbate and 1gm ascorbic acid. I know this is more than recommended, but I've been doing it to try to prevent it from changing color. In this are KNO3, KH2PO4, K2SO4, and MgSO4. Any ideas? Is it a problem? Does everyone's do this?

 

[Kwyet 445]

Mine doesn’t, and I don’t add anything. I hope you figure it out.

 

[Koan 31]

Not here either I only use 0.5 g ascorbic but otherwise the same.. I get white crusty crystals after a while on the dosing bottle but that's to be expected.

These are Burr Macros? are you using distilled or tap?

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco 7]

I have been adding 0.8gm K sorbate and 1gm ascorbic acid.

This happens when you use ascorbic acid with macros. This is mostly a cosmetic + antioxidant depletion issue, not anything chemical related. The macros should still be 99% fine. Light, air, and warm temp exposure make it happen faster, but it shouldn't be an issue!

 

[BenB]

These are Burr Macros? are you using distilled or tap?

DIY macros and distilled

 

[BenB]

This happens when you use ascorbic acid with macros. This is mostly a cosmetic + antioxidant depletion issue, not anything chemical related. The macros should still be 99% fine. Light, air, and warm temp exposure make it happen faster, but it shouldn't be an issue!

OK. Might switch to vinegar next time like @*Ci* does. I don't like it turning orange. It's a mental thing. @Kwyet do you use ascorbic acid also?

Edit: @Naturescapes_Rocco I believe you. I just prefer it to stay clear.

 

[Kwyet 445]

OK. Might switch to vinegar next time like @*Ci* does. I don't like it turning orange. It's a mental thing. @Kwyet do you use ascorbic acid also?

Edit: @Naturescapes_Rocco I believe you. I just prefer it to stay clear.

No, I don’t use any additives. If it becomes an issue, then I will.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco 7]

I've been using just 0.2g Potassium Sorbate per 500mL in my macros (no ascorbic acid) and it hasn't molded on me yet, and is super clear too. Might work for you too

 

[Koan 31]

OK my bad, now I can't remember if I put ascorbic in the macros or not definitely potassium sorbate, maybe I just put the C in the micros

The micros definitely turned dark brown, I assumed that was normal?

 

[BenB]

After @Kwyet mentioned it, I remembered I didn't used to put anything in mine until I started making a mix with Fe in it. Now that it is out, I can just go back to nothing. Duh!! Thanks Kwyet... helping an old man out.

 

[BigWave]

Ascorbic acid lowers the pH so the compounds wont react as much with each other in solution.
Potassium sorbate is a mold / fungus / biological inhibitor. It breaks the pathways for the stuffs to continue growing. It is why it is in every food we eat.
Never in all my years making macro solutions has either made the water turn browinsh yellow. Since your using commercial grade compounds and DI water Id suspect your container not being clean or sanitized.

 

[Burr740 67]

Its the ascorbic acid, as Rocco mentioned. If you put ascorbic acid in macros after 3-5 days itll start turning brown, every time. To my knowledge its not a problem, but most dont like it, including myself. Macros dont need it to begin with

Ascorbic acid is to set the PH, potassium sorbate is to prevent mold. Use potassium sorbate for macros and ascorbic acid for micros. Thats it

You can add potassium sorbate to micros too if you want, my retail micros has it, but it really isnt needed. Ive got a test batch of micros over 7 years old with just ascorbic that is still fine, in a clear jar under normal room light

Lower ph does improve the effectiveness of potassium sorbate, but it does just fine by itself in a macro solution without ascorbic acid (using distilled/RO water). Ive got a test batch of macros almost 5 years old that is still fine, also in a clear glass jar under normal room light