TL;DR
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Yes, you can run fully organic hydro – you’ll just use organic nutrients instead of a sterile salt soup.
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Budget alert: expect 15-35 % higher upfront cost on bottled certified-organic feeds, but DIY brews even things out after a few grows if you decide to go down this path.
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Growth is a touch slower in veg, yet bloom weights and flavours rival mineral salts.
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Maintenance matters: bio-filters, bigger drippers and weekly line flushes keep clogs away.
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Scroll on for costs, upkeep hacks, DIY recipes and the best organic gear from Dr Greenthumbs. 🌱
What does “organic” mean once you ditch the soil?
In Australia, certification bodies like ACO and NASAA approve hydro inputs under “Hydroponic – Category O2”. In plain English: everything that hits your reservoir must be plant-, mineral- or microbe-derived. No synthetic urea, no heavy-metal chelates.
Cost showdown – mineral vs organic vs DIY
|
Scenario (per 100 L feed) |
Up-front spend |
What you get |
|
Two-part mineral salts |
$25-49 |
Fast uptake, near-zero sludge |
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Certified-organic liquid trio – eg. Professors Nutrients Organic Grow + Organic Bloom + microbes |
$65~ |
20 % dearer, needs 200 µm filter |
|
DIY worm-tea + kelp + Root Roids™ |
$34-$48 (set-up) |
24-hour brew; bio-filter essential |
Prices in AUD, Oct 2025.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
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Higher flavour, aroma and °Brix.
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Microbes buffer pH swings and improve nutrient uptake.
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Closed-loop ethos (fewer mined salts).
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Produce can command a premium “organic hydro” price.
Cons
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Bio-film can clog emitters under 1.6 mm.
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Nutrient analysis less exact – occasional Ca/Mg tweaks.
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Bottled organics cost more and expire faster.
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Reservoir temps need to stay 18–22 °C for aerobic microbes.
Maintenance tweaks you’ll need
|
Task |
Mineral hydro |
Organic hydro (what changes) |
|
Full res change |
10–14 days |
7 days (higher respiration) |
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Line flush |
Monthly with H₂O₂ |
Weekly – warm water + System Cleanse |
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pH range |
5.8–6.2 |
5.6–6.4 (microbial buffer) |
|
EC strategy |
Static |
Bump target +0.1 mS if bio-film thickens |
Pro tip: Upgrade to 2 mm drippers or open-flow rings – they’re clog-proof and still precision-feed.
DIY brews vs bottled blends – choose your adventure
DIY brews
Worm-cast tea, kelp, fish hydrolysate. Cheap, earth-friendly and smells like Vegemite on a humid day. Perfect for hobby NFT rails.
Bottled certified blends
Grab a veg-to-bloom combo like Organic Grow and Organic Bloom from Professors Nutrients. Pair with Bio Diesel Rhino PK in late flower for heavier fruit set. Best for commercial drip-to-waste or recirculating coco.
Hybrid approach
Run mineral salts at half strength, then top up with organic additives such as Fulvic Tonic to boost flavour without sacrificing pace.
Three stubborn myths (busted)
|
Myth |
Reality |
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“Organic nutrients always clog systems.” |
Only if you undersize filters – 200 µm mesh + weekly flush keeps lines clear. |
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“You can’t hit 1 g/W organically.” |
Yes, you can. Like anything, theres learning curves involved switching from salt to organic nutrients. |
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“Plants can’t absorb organic molecules directly.” |
Root-zone microbes mineralise organics within hours, making nutrients plant-ready. |
Quick-start recipe: organic DWC bucket
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Sterilise bucket once with 3 % peroxide.
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Add 2″ air-stone (aim 6 mg/L dissolved O₂).
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Dose 1 mL/L Organic Grow.
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Stabilise pH at 5.9.
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Weekly top-up: kelp foliar + 5 % reservoir top-off.
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At flower flip, swap to Organic Bloom + 2 mL/L Rhino PK.
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Keep temps 20 °C and enjoy the terp boost.
Recommended gear (click to shop)
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Veg base: Professors Nutrients Organic Grow – thin viscosity, clog-safe.
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Bloom base: Professors Nutrients Organic Bloom – guano-derived P & K.
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Flower enhancer: Bio Diesel Rhino PK – organic sea-mineral PK spike.
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Microbial kick-start: Root Roids™ – builds a living bio-film buffer.
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Explore the full range: Organic Hydroponic Nutrients collection.
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DIY option: Grab the Make-Your-Own Fertiliser Bundle and brew to taste.
FAQ
Will organics block my Autopot valves?
Not if you pre-filter and flush weekly. Upgrade to 2 mm valves for peace of mind.
Do I need an air pump in organic hydro?
Absolutely. Microbes chew oxygen – aim ≥ 5 mg/L dissolved O₂ 24/7.
Can I sell produce as “organic hydro”?
Yes, provided all inputs are certified and you maintain traceable records. Check ACO or NASAA for specifics.
Final word
Switching from mineral salts to organic hydro is like swapping instant coffee for a slow-drip single origin – more ritual, deeper flavour, a smidge dearer, and totally worth it. Keep your biology bubbling, your filters clear and your drippers wide, and the plants (and your taste buds) will reward you.
Ready to feed your system the good stuff?
Dive into our Organic Hydroponic Nutrients collection and start growing cleaner, greener and tastier today. 🌿
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