Milwaukee Brix/Sugar Refractometer for general purpose with ATC has a range of 0-32% brix, and a resolution of 0.1%. Use this item to gauge the health of your plants by measuring their sugar content. This meter method is used by horticulturalists to indicate plant stress before the plant shows symptoms. Simple to use- just extract one drop of liquid from the petiole tissue (leaf stem) and easily measure sugar content.
What is the Brix scale?
The Balling Scale was developed by German chemist Karl Balling. It refers to the concentration of a dissolved solids (mostly sucrose) , as the weight percentage sucrose at 17.5 °C.
The Brix scale was originally derived when Adolf Ferdinand Wenceslaus Brix recalculated Balling’s scale to a reference temperature of 15.5 °C. The Brix scale was subsequently recalculated again, and now uses a reference temperature of 20 °C. Brix can be approximated as 261.3*(1 – 1/g), where g is the specific gravity of the solution at 20 °C.
Brix is primarily used in fruit juice, wine making and the sugar industry. Brix is used in the food industry for measuring the approximate amount of sugars in fruits, vegetables, juices, wine, soft drinks and in the sugar manufacturing industry. For fruit juices, one degree Brix is about 1-2% sugar by weight. This usually correlates well with perceived sweetness. Since Brix is related to the concentration of dissolved solids (mostly sucrose) in a fluid it is therefore related to the specific gravity of the liquid. Because the specific gravity of sucrose solutions is well known, it can also be measured by a refractometer.
Modern Brix meters are digital refractometers that calculate the Brix value based on refractive index. These meters are typically portable, splash-proof and very simple to use, so that they can be operated by anybody directly on location. More and more often Brix is measured to determine ideal harvesting times of fruit and vegetables so that products arrive at the consumers in a perfect state or are ideal for subsequent processing steps such as vinification.
Milwaukee Refractometer
The Milwaukee Refractometer series are precision optical instruments used for measuring concentrations of substances in aqueous solutions. They work using the principle of light refraction trough liquids. When passing light trough a liquid the refracted angle will be shown on the scale determining the amount of dissolved solids in the liquid.
The Milwaukee refractometer is very simple to use: simply place one drop of your sample on the prism and read the results on the scale immediately!
All the Milwaukee refractometers have adjustable focus, easy to read numbers for good resolution and zero adjustment screw for calibration.
Each Milwaukee refractometer is calibrated and adjusted to measure at 20°C (68°F). Models with Automatic Temperature Compensations are also available, and are suitable, for applications where the temperature of the samples vary.
The Seedling Heat Mat by Hydrofarm increases the success of seedlings and cuttings. Warmer root areas mean better germination. Seedling heat mats by Hydrofarm have been re-engineered for better performance and greater durability! The new, stronger heating wire, and thicker multi-layer construction offer more uniform heating and the durability to withstand rugged greenhouse environments.
For some types of seed, warmer temperatures are critical to germination.Want to start your spring garden indoors from seed this year? Unless you’ve got a very warm house, the seeds will benefit from a little extra heat. And you won’t believe the difference heat makes to the germination time, speed of growth, and overall health of your seedlings!
Commercial growers have long employed the use of bottom heat to effectively and inexpensively heat their greenhouses. Growers more closely control growing conditions with bottom heat, saving on heating costs by directing heat energy directly to the soil and plant’s roots rather than heating ambient air. Adding heat to the root zone is a proven method for increasing growth, and may be the only way to root cuttings from some species.
Most plants in greenhouses are planted in containers. Some containers are for propagation purposes. In nature, soil surrounds plants giving them added protection from the elements. Soil collects heat from the sun during the day and slowly transfers that heat to plants roots. Container plants have limited space for root growth. Often roots are touching or nearly touching container walls, making them much more susceptible to cold. Adding heat to container bottoms warms the soil which in turn retains heat longer than air. As the heat rises in the soil it warms the plants roots, stimulating growth.
Bottom heat is most commonly used for seed starting. Using bottom heat gives gardeners a significant jump on the season. Some seeds may be started as much as six to eight weeks early with a much higher success rate than without the additional heat. Many seeds are prone to damping off and botrytis, both of which are much less likely to occur in a warm environment. Propagation is also more successful with the use of bottom heat. Many crops show significant rooting results with bottom heat versus without. Plant’s rooting requirements vary, but few plants are harmed by the use of bottom heat and most plants benefit from it.
There are several ways to add bottom heat to your greenhouse. The easiest method for applying bottom heat is from a purchased seedling heat mat. Germination instructions for many seeds recommend growing seedlings at a cooler temperature once they have sprouted. Since most seedling will not need to stay on the heat mat long, a single heat mat can help start enough seeds to fill dozens of slats. Start with plants that appreciate a longer head start. When they are ready to transplant into larger pots or cell packs, it will be time to put the next round of seed starting trays on your heat mat.
Hydrofarm Seedling Heat Mat
Increases success of seedlings and cuttings.
Warms root are to 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit over ambient.
Light, water & planting information printed on the mat.
The Sweet all natural mineral supplement line by Botanicare contains carbohydrates and essential secondary elements which are utilized for the bio-synthesis of crucial compounds to maintain optimal metabolism. The Sweet line is composed of Sweet Berry, Sweet Citrus, and Sweet Grape.
Plant physiologists have determined that a high phosphorous:nitrogen (P/N) ratio favors flowering and fruit development, whereas, a low P/N ratio favors vegetative growth. For this reason, it is common practice to cut down on nitrogen levels at the onset of flowering.
Unfortunately, this sudden deprivation of nitrogen results in a metabolic imbalance caused by limited nitrogen availability. Crucial nitrogen-containing compounds such as amino acids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, vitamins and hormones cannot be synthesized fast enough to keep up with the metabolic demands of the plant. Furthermore, the undesirable effects of nitrogen deprivation are amplified under enriched carbon dioxide atmospheres and high light intensities.
The Sweet line by Botanicare is scientifically formulated with carbohydrates for flavor and aroma enhancement. The unique chemical composition of Sweet makes it beneficial during all phases of plant growth.
During the vegetative phase, application of Sweet prevents plants from becoming leggy and soft-stemmed in the presence of high nitrogen concentrations.
At the onset of flowering application of Sweet ensures a seamless and stress-free transition from the vegetative to the flowering stage even though nitrogen levels are artificially kept low. The key ingredients present in Sweet are rapidly taken up by plants and utilized for the biosynthesis of crucial compounds to maintain optimal metabolism.
The continued application of Sweet during the flowering and fruiting stages helps maintain a proper balance between photosynthesis and respiration. This is significant because, during flowering, many growers use high carbon dioxide concentrations, high temperatures and light with longer wavelengths. Under such conditions, respiration can outstrip photosynthesis causing excessive ethylene production which results in senescence, yellowing of leaves and leggy growth. Sweet protects plants from this metabolic imbalance and helps produce sturdy stems with short inter-nodes and an abundance of buds, flowers and fruits.
Sweet contains a unique combination of all natural compounds and essential elements that are directly involved in plant photosynthesis and respiration
A. Carbohydrates are the end products of photosynthesis. Carbohydrates are broken down during respiration to release large amounts of chemical energy which is utilized by plants for biosynthetic reactions. Sweet™ contains optimal concentrations of glucose, fructose and sucrose.
B. Essential secondary elements are included in the formulation because they are obligatory co-factors for some of the enzymes involved in photosynthesis and respiration.
The quality construction of the Premium Cool Tube by Hydrofarmfeatures the best European reflective aluminum interior reflector, and an optional exterior mounted reflector, for directing light more precisely over a growing area. The Premium Cool Tube offers the most compact and effective way to get bright light over, or in, your growing area. Due to their streamlined design, cooling airflow can move unimpeded, keeping growing area temperatures lower and allowing you to position your lamp very close to your plants.
The securely mounted 5KV mogul socket is totally pre-wired inside a protective wiring channel and junction box. The multi-point hanging system allows the unit to be hung horizontally or vertically for different growing applications. Now included is the patented Lock and Seal 15′ heavy duty lamp cord allowing you to conveniently plug into any Hydrofarm or Xtrasun ballast.
Hydrofarm Premium Cool Tube
6″ diameter by 19″ long accommodates most lamp types up to 1000W
Superior packaging protects unit during shipping and handling
Internal and external reflectors included
Highest quality European aluminum
15′ 600v cord and mogul socket included; easily attaches to any Hydrofarm ballast
The most compact and effective way to get bright light over, or in your growing area
Streamlined design allows cooling airflow to move unimpeded, keeping growing area temperatures lower and allowing you to position your lamp very close to your plants
Can hang vertically down into the plant canopy and is ideal for enclosed growth chambers
House & Garden Nutrients is located in the small town of Almere, just outside of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Owner William Can de Zwaan has been in the horticulture industry his entire life resulting in his passion for gardening as well as creating the highest quality fertilizers available on the world market. William’s family owns several greenhouses which produce roses for sale at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the world’s largest flower auction. Before designing the House & Garden line of nutrients in 1990, William Van de Zwaan spent time developing other leading fertilizers in Holland, no doubt giving him the expertise he used to create the nutirents line he branded with his family name.
House & Garden is the only fertilizer company that maintains its own laboratorygiving them a clear advantage in the field of research and developing new products. House & Garden constantly test each batch of fertilizer for consistent quality as well as test each new product in their greenhouses before sending them to market. House & Garden also maintains its own fertilizer manufacturing facility further ensuring you receive the highest quality products available.
House & Garden offers complete nutrition for all plants with their cutting edge formulations. The House & Garden nutrients line offers some familiar products that have been improved upon as well as some unique formulations exclusive to the House & Garden line. House & Garden has gradually become the most reliable and successful supplier and producer of plant nutrients. This success has been achieved in close cooperation with scientists, laboratory technicians and physicists, each of who are specialized in different branches of botany. These nutrients, which are made of an entirely new composition, structure, and method of preparation have turned out to have hit the bull’s eye and have attracted a substantial number of loyal and satisfied users worldwide.
Check out where the magic that is House & Garden nutrients happens!
The Ecoplus Pump 230 is a powerful water pump that can move massive amounts of water. External pumps are good for systems that require a lot of power. Capable of moving water to five feet in elevation at a rate of 11 gallons per minute with a discharge pressure of 35 PSI, the Ecoplus 230 is ideally suited for use with water fountains, ponds and waterfalls. These powerful submersible units are also perfectly suited for hydroponic systems.
There are three types of hydroponic water pumps; submersible, non-submersible, and a cross between the two (”semi-submersible”). A submersible pump site and pumps water completely submerged in the nutrient solution. A non-submersible pump is an external water pump that is outside of the nutient solution. A semi-submersible pump sits in the solution to pump, but the top of the pump must remain dry.
temperatures lower and allowing you to position your lamp very close to your plants.
