Skip to main content

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the easiest growing method for beginners?

If there was just one, the rest wouldn’t exist. Generally, it begins with a pot, an inert growing medium and a watering can or self-watering system. The best way to start growing indoors is to buy a good grow guide and get an idea of what appeals to you. Equally, your local hydroponics shop will be staffed by people eager to get you growing successfully.

Read the answer Close the answer
What is a substrate?

Essentially, it is any medium (or media in plural) in which plants grow. Soil, coir, peat, perlite, and rockwool are the most commonly used substrates or growing media.

Read the answer Close the answer
My PK Warrior has a very distinctive aroma; is this normal?

Yes, this is perfectly normal for PK Warrior. Sulphates naturally off-gas and build up under the bottle lid. If you leave the lid off, they’ll eventually dissipate.

Read the answer Close the answer
What is the shelf life of SHOGUN products?

Unopened and kept in warm, temperate conditions all of our products can last for several years.

Read the answer Close the answer
I want to try some products; can you please send some samples?

Our 250ml bottles offer growers the chance to try out our products individually, or give our multipacks a go for the chance to see the full range in action. We partner with large scale commercial operations in some cases; so please email us if you’re interested in a partnership.

Read the answer Close the answer

PH + EC

What is the importance of pH measuring?

Measuring pH is essential as it affects the availability of nutrients to plants. We recommend a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Read the answer Close the answer
Why do I have to pH test my plant’s water?

pH levels can change dramatically due to a number of factors, including the quality of the water you’re using. Testing the runoff water can give you an insight into any problems your plants might be having in taking up nutrients.

Read the answer Close the answer
Why do I need to maintain pH levels, particularly when adding nutrients like silicon and calcium?

High concentrations of silicon will precipitate out of a solution at low pH. Calcium is the opposite, precipitating at a pH above 7. It’s important to find and maintain a balance. Diluting your nutrients in 1L of water before adding them to the tank helps to prevent precipitation from occurring.

Read the answer Close the answer
Does PK Warrior balance pH?

PK Warrior does not balance pH. With the nature of the formulation, it will increase pH marginally and may or may not need adjustment thereafter (depending on the water supply). Once all liquids are diluted with water, the final step is to check the conductivity and pH and adjust where necessary.

Read the answer Close the answer
I'm using PK Warrior and I'm finding the pH level in the reservoir drops over the course of about 36 hours from 6.1 to 5.5. Is this normal?

It’s perfectly normal for this to happen. When you add PK Warrior, the potassium requirement increases relative to the other nutrients. The uptake of potassium can cause some pH reduction, but this will slow down as you move into week six.

Read the answer Close the answer
What should the EC be for a CalMag foliar spray?

At 10ml/L the EC should be 2.4 (24CF).
In soft water with a background of 0 CF.
At 15ml/L the EC should be 3.6 (36CF).

Read the answer Close the answer
What’s the difference between the CalMag and Geisha Foliar sprays?

CalMag is a nutrient based application that supplies calcium and magnesium, improving nutrient uptake and translocation. Geisha Foliar enhances and initiates flowering receptors, increasing the production of flowers.

They are two very different products that can be used in conjunction for maximum effect, although it’s better to alternate their application rather than applying them both at the same time.

Read the answer Close the answer
Your feedcharts say to drop the EC level in week five of flowering, but most other charts say to drop it in week six; why is that?

Our feedcharts recommend dropping it at this stage because it’s the point when vegetative development stops. The demand for nutrients is higher when the plants are developing stalks and foliage but reduces when vegetative development comes to a finish. It is only a guide though and some plants have longer flowering periods. What is important is that when the vegetative stage stops, you need to reduce your nutrient levels.

Read the answer Close the answer

Feeding and Watering

When should I start feeding base nutrients to my seedlings? Should I feed them CalMag and silicon and if so, at what rate?

Seedlings need a gentle feed; Shogun Start is designed with exactly this in mind. Silicon and CalMag aren’t necessary until your seedlings have become established and developed three sets of true leaves.

Read the answer Close the answer
What does “A&B” mean?

Splitting a nutrient feed across two bottles prevents micronutrients from binding to one another over time whilst in storage. Parts A and B are the two halves of the same nutrient feed.

Read the answer Close the answer
When and for how long should I be using Sumo Boost?

Start applying Sumo Boost twenty-one days from the start of the flowering period, and continuously thereafter if you’re using a pure hydroponic system (NFT, Rockwool, DWC).

In soil, use it every other watering, and follow the guidelines on the feed charts.

In coco, Sumo Boost can be used continuously. At around week six of the flowering period, you should start to drop down the overall feed strength as the plants will have stopped taking up the nutrients so readily.

Read the answer Close the answer
Is SHOGUN Silicon like other brands of silicon? Does it have the same benefits?

SHOGUN Silicon is similar to other brands in that, when diluted properly, it forms mono-silicic acid that plants can uptake as a silicon source, however, SHOGUN Silicon is exceptionally concentrated: 1ml/L will provide 30mg/L of silicon to your plants, giving the customer unbeatable value for money.

Many soils contain silicon (it is the third most abundant element on earth) but unless you can be sure about the content of your chosen media, a silicon supplement, with all the associated benefits, is the sensible choice for your plants.

Read the answer Close the answer
In what order should you mix nutrients? Do I mix in the order suggested on the feed chart or should I add silicon and CalMag then the base nutrients?

Always add silicon before any base nutrients. CalMag and PK Warrior should be prediluted before being added to your nutrient solution. After adjusting the pH to 7, you can add the rest in any order you like.

Read the answer Close the answer
Why do I have to use different nutrients for the growing period and the flowering period

Plants require different ratios of nutrients depending on the period, phase or stage of growth. For example, growing stems, branches and leaves during the vegetative stage, or growing period, requires more nitrogen, whilst growing flowers and fruits during the fruiting phase, or flowering period, requires more phosphorous The NPK ratio is marked on the bottle.

Read the answer Close the answer
How will I know when to start giving my plants the flowering nutrient?

Following our feedcharts is a good place to start. Plants generally need a minimum vegetative period of two to three weeks, but you can extend it for as long as you need to train and shape your plants. A longer growth period can have a very positive effect on yield.

Read the answer Close the answer
Should I flush my plants before giving them Dragon Force in the final two weeks, to wash out the old nutrients, or can I use it alongside other feeds and boosters?

Unless you’re experiencing overfeeding, there’s no need to flush beforehand. Dragon Force replaces your other nutrient feeds; it’s designed to act as a death signal to your plants, informing them that their life cycle is coming to an end.

Read the answer Close the answer
What happens if I mistakenly use Dragon Force too early?

Give your plants a good flush and they should be fine. You may see the plants start to yellow, as Dragon Force contains high concentrations of sulphur. One application shouldn't cause any serious problems though.

Read the answer Close the answer
I’m using your full range of products for hydro hard water following your nine-week flower feed chart. How could I amend this to suit a seven-week flower grow?

Reading your plants is always the best guide. Look at the run off; when your plants stop taking up nutrients the CF will increase or remain the same as when you put it in. This is the point at which to reduce the feed.

In this case, treat week seven as week nine. Start reducing the feed after week five of flowering, then use Dragon Force in week six.

Read the answer Close the answer

Coco

Are your coco nutrients pH buffered?

No, not on purpose. They do not contain a buffering system, though many people find their pH does remain stable when using SHOGUN.

Read the answer Close the answer
When mixing coco nutrients for the first time a very soapy looking foam formed on the surface. Is this normal? I use a Bubblegen to oxygenate my reservoir; will I end up with a bubble bath?

The AquaZen that is incorporate into the coir formulation will foam slightly if over aerated. An MJ1000 pump mixes the whole tank, where an air stone, or similar item, bubbles in one spot, so it may be a better choice than a Bubblegen. If the problem persists or gets worse, send us a picture and we’ll take it from there.

Read the answer Close the answer
Why do you recommend watering every day with your coco nutrients? Is this specific to your brand or can I just water my plants when needed?

It’s always best to listen to your plants. You don’t necessarily need to feed them every day. You can use our nutrients however they suit you and your plants.

Read the answer Close the answer
I’m growing in coco using SHOGUN nutrients and I’m starting to get a nitrogen deficiency – what should I cut out?

Nitrogen deficiency is relatively rare, but underfeeding is becoming more common these days with the increased use of LED grow lights.

A proper diagnosis requires a full picture of the particular grow. What stage of the life cycle are your plants in? What is the EC and pH of the input and the EC and pH of the run off? What is the running temperature and relative humidity of the day and night cycles of your grow? With this information, we or your local hydroponics shop should be able to give you a more informed diagnosis.

Read the answer Close the answer
I’m growing auto flowering seeds in coco; what nutrients would you suggest I use?

Auto flowering plants require a lot less nutrients; we recommend you follow the feed chart at half strength. Samurai Coco is ideal for this grow. Use some Katana Roots to get those roots going!

Read the answer Close the answer

Zenzym

Is Zenzym good in Deep Water Culture and recirculating hydroponic systems?

Yes, it is. With DWC there may be an increase in bubbles and slightly more foaming if the air pump and stone are overrated for the system.

Read the answer Close the answer
Does Zenzym or any of your other products affect any of these products; Ecothrive, Neutralise, Flawless Finish by Advanced Nutrients, and pH Down by Growth Technology?

Zenzym does not impact the performance of any of these products.

Read the answer Close the answer
Can you use Zenzym to reuse coco or flush?

Zenzym is perfect for reusing coco. It can be used in flush, but we generally recommend only water at this stage. More advanced growers can apply some water availability stress pre-harvest.

Read the answer Close the answer