SUGAR SYRUP CALCULATOR
Adding Thymol
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How to Use the Sugar Syrup Calculator
This Sugar Syrup Calculator is an essential tool for beekeepers looking to create the perfect sugar syrup recipe for their bees. Whether you’re preparing 1:1 sugar syrup for spring feeding or 2:1 sugar syrup for fall feeding, this calculator makes it easy to get the ratios right. Understanding the correct part-to-part ratios, such as 1 to 1, 2 to 1, or even 1:2 sugar syrup, is crucial for providing your bees with the nutrition they need throughout the year.
Steps to Use the Calculator:
- Select the Unit System: Choose between Metric (Liters and Kilograms) or Imperial (Gallons and Pounds) based on your preference.
- Enter the Syrup Volume: Input the desired amount of sugar syrup you wish to prepare, whether you're making a small batch for a few hives or a large batch for your entire apiary.
- Set the Sugar Percentage: Adjust the sugar concentration to suit your bees' needs. The default is set to 66.66%, which works well for most sugar syrup recipes, but you can adjust it to create a 1:1, 2:1, or other sugar-to-water ratios.
- Check the Sugar and Water Values: The calculator will automatically compute the exact amounts of sugar and water needed to achieve your desired syrup consistency, whether you're preparing 1 to 1 or 2 to 1 sugar syrup.
- Adding Thymol: The calculator also determines the correct amount of thymol and 91% isopropyl alcohol to add for preventing mold growth in the syrup, creating a thymolized syrup that is safe and healthy for your bees. To prepare the mixture, dissolve the thymol in the isopropyl alcohol by stirring until fully dissolved. Then, add this mixture to your sugar syrup and stir thoroughly to ensure it is evenly distributed.
Benefits for Beekeepers:
- Accurate Measurements: Ensures you mix the correct ratios of sugar and water, avoiding over- or under-feeding your bees. This is particularly important when creating specific sugar syrup recipes like 1:1 or 2:1 ratios.
- Prevents Mold: By adding the right amount of thymol, the calculator helps you create a thymolized syrup, which is effective in preventing mold in sugar syrup, especially in humid conditions. This is vital for both spring feeding and fall feeding.
- Saves Time: Quickly calculate the necessary ingredients for large batches of syrup, reducing preparation time and ensuring your bees get the nutrition they need, regardless of the season.
- Supports Bee Health: Thymol has been shown to have beneficial effects on bee colonies, especially in preventing issues like Nosema, a common bee disease. Properly mixed sugar syrup, whether 1:1, 2:1, or any other ratio, helps maintain the health and productivity of your hives.
ENJOY BEEKEEPING
Changing to well-bred queen bees can create calmer, healthier, and more productive colonies.