Hi, I started out with Lucas Formula a few years ago and got some really good results. I tried Ionic for 2 grows and I also liked the simplicity of a 1 part nute but had some problems with solid chunks forming so I went back to good ole' Lucas.
This is to SME: I saw in an old post you use a modified version. Could you elaborate please?
The only additives I use are AquaShield and Hygrozyme. Sometimes a P/K during flower.
Anybody else use Lucas?
My main question is: Would a bloom booster help? GH recommends the koolbloom dry and liquid for flowering. Or is LF good enough??
I have never tried a bloom booster. I'd love to get a sample of Atami Bloombastic. Alot of users swear by it.
Lucas also figured out that you could get the same results as the original 8/16 LF with 8ml/gal of GH FloraNova Bloom throughout the whole grow. There is also a different modified LF for growing in coco...
I've stayed away from most additives unless I get free samples at a grow expo. I like mycorrhizae + worm castings and old school superthrive during veg but those aren't really nutrients. I like to have some calmag+ around just in case. I don't like the idea of using the silica additives and I think the flavor enhancer products are probably BS to get more money. The guys at the hydro stores will sell you anything so I take their advice on that kind of thing with a grain of salt.
I've never done any side-by-side testing to see if any of the popular additives really help so it's just my 2 cents.
Disclaimer: I still use HID and I'm NOT an LED expert. All of my LED knowledge is from other parties or research so I can't say from first hand experience one way or another. I also run a medical grow consulting business in SoCal.
I was leaning more on the side of snake oils. The one thing I don't get is that bloom boosters are carbohydrates (at least I think so). Where in nature, towards the end of flower, do carbs even come into play?? Nutes, soil, water.
But, like you said, a side by side would be interesting.