What Are Hydroponic Nutrients? A Complete Guide for Australian Growers
Looking for the best hydroponic nutrients for your setup? Whether you’re growing lettuce in Kratky tubs, herbs in coco coir, or tomatoes in a DWC system, the right nutrients make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down what hydroponic nutrients are, why they matter, and how to choose the best fertiliser for healthy, fast-growing plants.🌱 What Are Hydroponic Nutrients?
Hydroponic nutrients are water-soluble fertilisers specifically designed for soilless growing systems. Since hydroponic plants don’t have access to natural soil minerals, everything they need must be delivered directly through nutrient-rich water. This includes the three major nutrients—Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)—plus essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium.🧪 Why You Need Special Nutrients for Hydroponics
Not all fertilisers work in hydroponic systems. Most soil fertilisers contain slow-release additives or fillers that don’t dissolve well and can clog your system.✅ Fully water-soluble and fast-absorbing: Ideal for clean nutrient delivery without clogging tubes or pumps.
✅ Balanced with macronutrients and trace elements: Provides complete support for healthy growth and development.
✅ Free from sediment or organic waste: Keeps your hydroponic system clear and easy to maintain.
That’s why serious growers use hydroponic nutrient solutions made for clean delivery and immediate uptake.
💧 Best Nutrient Ratios for Hydroponic Plants
Different plant stages require different nutrient ratios:📦 Seedlings: Use a lower strength, balanced mix (e.g. 10-10-10) to avoid burning delicate roots.
🌿 Vegetative growth: Choose a mix with higher nitrogen (e.g. 20-10-10) to support leafy development.
🌸 Flowering and fruiting: Opt for higher phosphorus and potassium (e.g. 10-20-20) for better blooms and fruit set.
Our high-performance NPK 20-20-20 hydroponic nutrient powder is balanced for versatility and includes key micronutrients like iron, boron, and manganese.
⚠️ Common Hydroponic Nutrient Mistakes to Avoid
If your plants are struggling, it might be a feeding issue. Here are common mistakes:❌ Overfeeding: More isn’t better. Follow dilution rates carefully to avoid nutrient burn.
❌ Ignoring pH: Nutrients aren’t absorbed properly if your pH is off. Aim for a range of 5.5–6.5.
❌ Using poor quality water: Tap water can introduce salts or chlorine. Use filtered or rainwater when possible.
🌿 Why CompleteGrow Is Trusted by Hydroponic Growers
✅ 100% water-soluble with no residue: Perfect for NFT, DWC, Kratky, and drip systems.
✅ Balanced NPK 20-20-20 + full micronutrient profile: Supports all stages of plant growth.
✅ Odourless and mess-free: No fishy smell or sludge — just clean feeding every time.
✅ Trusted by Aussie growers: Used in home setups and commercial hydroponics across Australia.
They’re ideal for herbs, leafy greens, flowering plants, and fruiting crops.
Ready to Optimise Your Hydroponic Setup?
If you’re looking for reliable, easy-to-use hydroponic nutrients in Australia, our CompleteGrow NPK fertiliser is a great place to start. It’s trusted by indoor gardeners, backyard growers, and commercial setups across the country.Need help finding the right nutrients for your system?
Reach out to our team →