PH Down - Why do I need so much for WELL water, but literally drops for RO

Michael Huntherz said:

I would not say it is bad, myself. Maybe beneficial, maybe pointless, and we all have our reasons. Never heard of potassium silicate, but I am not much of a chemist. Cheers

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Potassium silicate is the main ingredient in most pH up products. As it is for Si supplements also...

It tends to react poorly with Ca and other K products used for nutrients.....Certain nutrient lines will have a precipitate problem with it.....Many never notice that, and then wonder why they have imbalance problems.

churchhaze said:

It's pointless in hydro too... (still waiting for someone to show what a silicon deficiency looks like)

So you'd skip 2 macro nutrients in favor of something that's not used at all... Nutrient ADHD.

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I agree!
Use is ok but, not needed.. The total buy in by people falling for focused advertising. Is interesting but, sad at the same time.

Increase in cell wall density is far less then people understand. Your increasing the materials you don't want to smoke. They increase the discolored ash, among other things.
The ability of Si to regulate P uptake, is actually negatively affected by increased Si amounts over normal, available soil levels.... Why does advertising for Si use quote only that it helps the plant regulate P?

You might choose to use a very little amount in hydro but, you don't need to at all!

Dr. Who said:

Potassium silicate is the main ingredient in most pH up products. As it is for Si supplements also...

It tends to react poorly with Ca and other K products used for nutrients.....Certain nutrient lines will have a precipitate problem with it.....Many never notice that, and then wonder why they have imbalance problems.

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I rarely need to adjust pH of my solution at all these days, the right mix of RO, tap water and nutrients keeps me in range for soil and coco. I have a full bottle of GH pH up here, never touched it. Thanks for the education, I will avoid the K2Si04, myself, my base nutrients are a one part formula that precipitates if I look at it funny.

churchhaze said:

A strong acid will easily break a carbonate buffer.

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Your closer to the truth with the interactions of strong and weak acid/alkalis. Chemistry at its purest....

Lots of great technical info here boys thank you