question regarding PH adjustment / aero

**Ralphie** · 07-24-2007, 07:18 PM

I recently started a grow with Master Kush from Nirvana.. 5 in the aerogarden, 5 in soil.. All sprouted and seem to be doing well with the exception of 1 or 2..

I havent added any nutes to the aerogarden until today (day 6 from seed).. I added foxfarms recommended nutes at half strength.. Then I adjusted the PH to 5.5, an hour later it was right back up in the 6's.. I brought it back and screwed up and made it too low (my first out of soil grow).. Then i had to bring it back up.. I finally got it back to 5.5.. A couple hours later, it was right back in the sixes.. Should i be worried about this? This water is a fresh nutrient solution. Shouldnt it be more stable?

Is it safe to adjust it numerous times a day as long as im changing the water weekly and topping off with nutes one day and fresh water the other day?

How much PH solution is considered the right amount to use for such a small tank of less than a gallon? I started off with a little too much, then moved down to eyedrops worth.. If anyone can give more info itd be appreciated thanks. I'm new to hydro and dont want to mess this up

**potroast** · 07-25-2007, 01:04 AM

Yes, mixing less than a gallon of water will require a dropper for the pH down.

You don't want to adjust pH that often, once a day at most. The rebound that you see is too unstable. I take it your tap water is pH > 8.0. What are you using to lower pH?

Maybe try this, mix your gallon of nute solution, and don't adjust pH. Let it sit with an airstone, or water pump in it, for 24 hours, and then adjust pH to 5.5, and feed your plants.

HTH

**Widow Maker** · 07-25-2007, 07:22 AM

Good advice PR. +1

Edit: Sorry. I have to spread some love around before I can love you again.

**Ralphie** · 07-25-2007, 09:45 AM

+rep great information.. thanks alot, i am using general hydroponics ph up/down.. I went the first week without adjusting PH at all, I am assuming once I added the nutes the plants sucked em up quick, causing my PH to jump right back up.. I adjusted it 3 times yesterday

I am using Poland Spring water which is about 7 or so PH,

Since ive had to adjust it to much, i'm gonna change my reservoir in a couple days

So basically I'm gonna get a gallon bottle cut a litle slit in the cap for the tubing and run a air pump in there for the day before i use it.. then finally adjust the ph before adding. sounds like a great idea