Gold Label Custom 80/20 Mix 50 Liter (60/Plt) *In-Store pickup only

Gold Label Custom 80/20 Mix is a pre-blended growing substrate combining 80% hydrocorn (expanded clay aggregate) and 20% coco fiber, with added mycorrhizae. Formulated with extremely low sodium and chloride levels, it delivers consistent, stable performance across the life of your crop and is the tested and recommended growing medium for Flo-n-Gro hydroponic systems. Available in 50-liter bags, sold by the pallet (60 bags).

Gold Label Custom 80/20 Mix Specifications

The following table summarizes the key product specifications derived from manufacturer documentation and the canonical product data for Gold Label Custom 80/20 Mix (SKU HGC713760).

Why Choose Gold Label Custom 80/20 Mix

Gold Label Custom 80/20 Mix addresses a common challenge in recirculating hydroponic systems: finding a substrate that combines the drainage and aeration of expanded clay with the water-holding capacity of coco, without introducing ion imbalances that destabilize nutrient uptake.

• Balanced drainage and water retention. The 80% hydrocorn component provides rapid drainage and large air pockets around the root zone, while the 20% coco fiber fraction retains enough moisture to buffer short gaps between irrigation cycles. This ratio suits systems that flood and drain on timed intervals.
• Extremely low sodium and chloride levels. Many coco-based substrates carry residual sodium and chloride from the coconut husk processing. Gold Label Custom 80/20 is formulated to minimize these ions, which means fewer interference issues when running precision nutrient programs. The substrate behaves predictably from fill to final harvest.
• Added mycorrhizae for root colonization. Mycorrhizal fungi are incorporated into the mix to support root-zone development. These beneficial fungi form associations with plant roots and can improve nutrient uptake efficiency, particularly phosphorus, in the early stages of a crop cycle.
• Tested and recommended for Flo-n-Gro systems. Gold Label specifically lists the Flo-n-Gro platform as the tested application for Custom 80/20. Growers running Flo-n-Gro can use this substrate with confidence that the media characteristics have been validated against that system’s flood depth, pump timing, and container geometry.
• Stable behavior throughout the crop cycle. The blend maintains its structural integrity over time, resisting compaction and breakdown that can reduce drainage in long-cycle crops. Consistent substrate structure supports repeatable results from one run to the next.

Best Uses for Gold Label Custom 80/20 Mix

Custom 80/20 is suited to growers running recirculating and flood-and-drain hydroponic systems who want the structural benefits of expanded clay combined with improved moisture retention from coco fiber. Its low ionic load and stable physical properties make it a practical choice across several setups:

• Flo-n-Gro recirculating systems. Gold Label identifies this as the primary recommended application. The substrate fills Flo-n-Gro containers well, drains cleanly between flood cycles, and maintains enough residual moisture in the coco fraction to keep roots hydrated between irrigations.
• Flood-and-drain (ebb-and-flow) tables. The high proportion of expanded clay ensures rapid drainage when the table recedes, preventing standing water and anaerobic conditions in the root zone.
• Top-fed drip systems with coco-style programs. Growers using coco nutrient programs (targeting EC 1.5–3.0 depending on stage) can apply those same programs to Custom 80/20, since the 20% coco fraction responds similarly to pure coco in terms of cation exchange and moisture behavior.
• Commercial pallet-scale grows. Available in 60-bag pallets, the format suits cultivation facilities that need consistent substrate in large quantities. Buying by the pallet reduces per-bag cost and ensures lot consistency across all plants in a run.
• Crops sensitive to substrate salt load. Because sodium and chloride levels are controlled to be extremely low, Custom 80/20 is appropriate for varieties where even modest ionic interference from the substrate can affect leaf tissue quality or flavor.

For growers who want to compare growing container options to pair with this substrate, the Smart Pot 20-gallon fabric pot and the Smart Pot 3-gallon fabric pot are compatible choices for soil-less and mixed-media setups in the same growing category.

Sources & Further Reading