{"product_id":"aptus-base-1","title":"Aptus Base","description":"\u003cp\u003eAptus Base is a dual-stage base nutrient built for high-demand cultivars, and it covers the whole NPK requirement from the beginning of vegetative growth through to the end of the fruiting and flowering phase. Most growers meet it as the mineral core of an Aptus feed: one concentrated bottle covering both grow and bloom rather than a separate formula for each, on a dilution rate that barely changes across the cycle. The real point of difference is what has been deliberately left out. Base carries no chlorides and no ballast salts, the inert load that contaminates a growing substrate without feeding anything, so what goes into the medium is nutrition the plant can actually use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is a 100% mineral-based fertiliser, and it supplies the essential macro and micro elements a fast-growing crop needs: nitrogen for chlorophyll and the plant's amino acids, phosphorus for root development and flower formation, potassium as the core of ATP and the controller of respiration, and magnesium sitting at the centre of the chlorophyll molecule itself. Behind those come the trace elements - boron for healthy cell wall formation, molybdenum to convert inorganic phosphorus into organic forms inside the plant, iron for chlorophyll and critical enzyme formation, manganese for root growth and resistance to root zone pathogens, zinc for the auxins that regulate growth, and copper to activate enzymatic reactions. One element is missing on purpose. Base contains zero calcium, which makes it a Part-B, paired with a Part-A that brings the calcium and magnesium: either Massboost, the organo-mineral option, or Mineral-Calmag, the clean mineral one. The formula itself was updated after two years of research and development to help balance the cation exchange effect seen through weeks 3 to 5 of flower; the earlier version could appear blue or green depending on light, temperature and age, with no difference in how it performed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause there is no chloride or ballast load in the bottle, the EC of a mixed Base solution reflects nutrient the plant can take up, and that is exactly why its recommended EC sits much lower than most NPK formulas. Read it against the Aptus feeding programme rather than the number you are used to from another brand, or a correct feed will look weak. It suits every major medium, soil, coco, perlite, hydroton, peat moss and rockwool included, as well as hydroponic systems, and goes in as a root drench. Combined with Mineral-Calmag it holds for a minimum of 14 days in a reservoir or nutrient tank and leaves fertigation lines clear of blockages and salt residue, though recirculating systems still need topping up daily or every second day with further Mineral-Calmag and Base to replace what the plants have taken out. Choosing the Part-A is the decision worth making before you order: Massboost brings an organo-mineral input alongside the calcium and magnesium, while Mineral-Calmag keeps the entire feed mineral and is the pairing used in deep water culture, recirculating hydroponics and fertigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e Base contains zero calcium and must be used with either Massboost or Mineral-Calmag. It is a concentrated fertiliser that may damage fertility or the unborn child, causes severe skin burns and causes serious eye irritation. Wear gloves and eye protection, and always add it to pre-dispensed water rather than adding water to the product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aptus","offers":[{"title":"1 L","offer_id":67551600410782,"sku":"600173416396","price":99.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5 L","offer_id":67551600443550,"sku":"PLACEHOLDER910110","price":329.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20 L","offer_id":67551600476318,"sku":"PLACEHOLDER910111","price":974.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/5261\/6094\/files\/Aptus_Base_1L.png?v=1790318487","url":"https:\/\/www.hydrooasis.com.au\/products\/aptus-base-1","provider":"Hydro Oasis","version":"1.0","type":"link"}