bennies is just a shorter word for beneficial bacteria... Capulator, a forum moderator here actually makes the bennie packs and then sells them through his website.. He is extremly helpfull and full of knowledge... im not an expert on them but i can tell you they help grow roots faster and stronger and reduces the chance for algae and pests to invade your hydro system/soil...
I consider them like a root zone conditioner... Most people choose to run a "sterile" system which means they use a chemical such as Dutch master zone,
Cultured solutions roots or H2o2... Using these products will kill all of the bad stuff in your water like algae and micro elements that will be harmful to your roots... these products are similar to how people use chlorine in their pool,they use the chlorine to keep all the nastyness out of the water...
The beneficial bacteria/bennies is the complete opposite, using the bennies are considered to be running a "alive" system, meaning that the bacteria multiplies and and kills all of the bad stuff.. After killing it, it turns the dead stuff into food for the roots.. Think of the multiplying bacteria the same way as when you get sick with a stomach flu.. The first few hours you wont feel as bad but as the bacteria multiplies in your system you will start to get sicker and sicker... Another good thing about the bennies is i have learned that they work very good in warmer waters 68-72degrees... It is almost impossible to keep your whole system "sterile" with dm zone or the others if your water temps are in the 70s... This was the main reason i made the switch to the bennies and im sure happy i did..
I have seen a unbeliveable difference in using the bennies.. I plan on using them forever... I have been recomending them to all of my friends...
Sry that post was so long..