Csm+b

[Jeremy1]

How much excel should I add to a 1000ml solution of CSM+B to prevent mold/fungus growth?

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Tug]

To prevent mold/bacteria in 1000mL CSM stock solutions add:
1g Ascorbic Acid & 0.4g Potassium Sorbate
Or 5mls pool acid (HCL generally), wait 5-10 minutes, then add the trace.

Tom suggests adding 10 mL of excel to a 500mL CSM stock

[Jeremy1]

Thanks, the HCL seems like a better choice. Can I do the same for my chelated iron solution? I was told I had to the water with the container in it to sterilize it, but if I can do HCL then that would be much easier.

[Tug]

I don't know why it couldn't be. Bacteria require iron, so it sounds like a good idea. All the methods should effectively prevent mold and bacteria. Ascorbic acid is able to reduce the ferric Fe-EDTA to ferrous Fe-EDTA, turns the solution green but benefits plants that prefer ferrous iron to ferric iron and reduces the energy expended by the plant to reduce the ferric Fe.

[Tom Barr]

Add HCL first to the water. Wait a few minutes and mix, then add the dry trace mix to that mixture.

Tom Barr