The Perfect pH?

CitrisDiesel

I've heard different things from different sources about the right pH to use in a hydro garden, and after a year I have a range that I shoot for about 5.8-6.2, but of course there are fluctuations a little greater than that at times (low 5's to high 6's). I'm trying to refine my technique of adjusting the pH to keep it more consistent and have had some success. I'm sure it's probably specific to the strain, but is that kind of range around 6 pH pretty standard for most varieties? I read a post that explained the curling of the leaves in one of the pics was due to feeding 5.7 rather than 6.2 by mistake, and I've at times seen some curling, especially early on, and I'm thinking maybe it's my pH, lol. Is there a rule for veg vs flowering of having higher or lower pH's during one or the other? I seem to notice the pH being higher in the begining of the week right after I do a resevoir change, and it drifts lower toward the end of the week, and near the end of flowering I see some big changes over even 24 hrs that I monitor and adjust for on a daily basis. Is this normal, as the nutrients are removed or something?

Anybody have any success with any types of automatic adjusters?

I also have to add about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water to my resevoir everyday due to evaporation, and I think the loss of water also effects my pH, so I'm thinking of setting up a seperate ten gallon container to pump in a gallon or so a day to keep things topped off. Maybe if I PH the water to 6 or whatever I'm going for than that might helpt to stabalise things too. I'm curious what other people may have tried.

Jakenbake

Hey diesel about the PH, iam sure many growers would agree 5.8-6.2 is perfect, but about your leaves curling, the PH doesn't directly cause that, either heat or nutrient burn/deficeincy would cause something like that, the PH would affect the availability of certain nutrients which then could lead to your leaves curling, but the PH of the water itself does not affect the plant in that way. Also about the flowering and veg PH, advanced growers do indeed change the PH during certain stages, but thats because they have worked out a successful nutrient regiment that gives them control of what their girls are taking up and when. O ya and how the hell are you losing that much water do to evaporation! I live in phoenix and i still dont know how that much could get sucked up but ya does your res have a lid on it? It should......will definetily help with your PH adjustment issues as well as water level probs.... Hope I helped a lil ?

tokinGLX

for the most part, curling is due to a low humidity with high heat or having the plants too close to the light, or any one of those things depending on if you have a picky pheno/strain.


if you are having that much evaporation, then there very likely is sediment buildup in your res, you are as well leaving it open for contamination. cover that sucker up however you can
chlorine comes loaded in tapwater, usually dissapating from an open container within a couple days, the evaporation of that will cause odd fluctuations in your ph if you are not taking it in to consideration

as far as the ph, 5.5-6.5 is doable in hydro, 5.8-6.0 is optimal

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CitrisDiesel

Ok, ok, sounds like putting a lid on my resevoir will be a top priority in the next couple days. I wasn't sure it'd make much a difference and I just haven't gotten around to it because the 4x4 flood and drain tray just sits 3 or 4 inches above the top of the resevoir. I'm sure a top would certainly help though. As far as how much evaporation is taking place it doesn't matter where I live or that its 20 degrees F outside because its a tropical paradise in my grow room. Heat certainly isn't the issue. I keep it 85 degrees 12 to 18 inches directly under my 1000HID with an air cooled reflector and fans. The humidity on the other hand has maybe been too low. I keep it around 40-50% with a dehumidifier that pumps the water back into the resevoir. Maybe thats good for flowering, but should I have it a bit higher during vegging? I use the Hesi Hydro nutrients and its pretty simple and complete, so I don't think that's the problem. I've had incredible results from the very beginging with the Hesi system, even though I had absolutely no experience growing in hydroponics or even soil. Though with the fluctuations in the water level there is obviously some changes in the nute concentration, but no sediment salt build up or anything really. Thanks guys. I'm going to get a top ASAP for sure at least, and I feel better about what I've been doing with the pH around 6.

HighSeeker

Keep that PH BELOW 6.0 in hydro.

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CitrisDiesel

Below 6 ph you say? Like 5.5 to 6? Do you change the range for flower vs vegging?

iamcannaclubmember

You seem to got ur shit straight...u almost sound like me 5 yrs ago on cc and mari hemp network... in the end u will have to decide what is best for you...strains/light levels/hum/temp all play a factor in hydroponics.

I ve been doing aeroponics for 3 rys now and have found that a majority of strains prefer a ph of 5.5 to 6.2... but as tokin said cover ur rez and watch the ph...it should stable out..... i always go for the 5.8 mark....good luck

latewood

I concur. I always shoot for the 5.8 mark. I do however; when I have the time. Manipulate the ph in flower, down to 5.4 in week 2-3, and raising it .1 each week, until finish, but that is a whole different story.