pH Problems using GH 3-part

[NewGrowMan]

Im fairly new to growing, and havent got many under my belt, however I know that I am encountering pH problems. I have a PPM and pH meter and am growing in my own soil mix. 3 parts ProMix, 1 part MiracleGro Organic, 2 parts Perlite.

The seedlings I have now are showing severe deficiencies, specifically Magnesium and Nitrogen. Now here is my problem. The water I am using to mix up my nutrient solution is a stable 6.9, but when I mix my GH 3 part 3-2-1 style, the pH drstically drops to the low 5's around 5.3-5.4 (The same is true for the 1-2-3 Bloom formula I use)

Im a bit confused as to how the pH could drop so drastically. Am I missing something? I have a small bag of granular Dolomitic Lime and tried to dissolve small amounts to add to the Nutrient mix, but with very little effect.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how the pH could dive so low? Or any advice on how to raise my pH back to the mid 6's?

It would be Greatly appreciated! Thanks

-ngm-

 

[Blackvelvet]

You add a base to your water. I use 100% sodium hydroxide. Its sold under the name roebic heavy duty crystal drain opener. You can get it at lowes. You might put 1 teaspoon in a gallon jug of water then use this diluted water to add to your nutrient solution slowly till you get the right ph. Avoid getting it on your skin cause it will burn.



Potassium hydroxide you could also use. You would find this at a hydro specialty store. It is no better than the drain cleaner.

Since your soilless growing and not really soil, adjust the ph of the fert water after adding everything to about 5.8 to 6



.

 

[NewGrowMan]

Well Im not a very expert grower but wouldnt the Sodium Hydroxide be harmfull to the plant. I know that Sodium Bicarbonate is a base as well, but is not usefull for purposes of growing due to the extremely high sodium content. Wouldnt Sodium Hydroxide have the same problem? Potassium Hydroxide would aslo be providing P for the plants when in bloom so that may be the better one to use if my thinking is correct.

If Im wrong then please let me know, but I dont want to kill the plants with salts.

 

[Blackvelvet]

Because sodium hydroxide is a super strong base, you add very little sodium. Actually, sodium in small amounts is beneficial to plants because it can perform most of the same functions as potassium. Your right, sodium bicarbonate is not suitable. Potassium hydroxide adds k not p.

 

[Blackvelvet]

The sodium hydroxide doesnt affect your ppms at all. I know it sound crazy for stoners like us to be messin with this stuff but it really does work.

these are serious chemicals and shoulh be handled with care. No children should try this its for advanced growers ONLY!!!!!

 

[Sleepy]

sounds to me like you could be over feeding them.

how old are the seedlings??

if you have access to the nutes you have, you should be able to find some quality pH up in the same place.

your pH is pretty much in range...i like 5.5-6.5 myself, as long as i can avoid any drifting one way or the other...

have you calibrated your meters lately?

got any pix?

best of luck on getting them sorted.

 

[NewGrowMan]

BlackVelvet: Thanks, I certainly will look into Sodium Hydroxide. Do you have any idea how much to add to raise the pH certain amounts? Say 1 tsp to 1 gal = +1 pH or anything like that...

Sleepy: I highly doubt overfeeding is the cause, as my PPMs have been very low even for vegetative growth. I was a bit scared to overfert as I have done it in the past. But yes, meters were calibrated today right before I tested them. My PPM on my bloom formula was 759 and the pH was 5.4

You are right about the PH Up being available. I dont have access to any local Hydro stores, but I found a good online retailer of GH products that carries their pH UP Dry product. I have a feeling that wil be my next purchase.
As far as the pH being in the right zone, I cant imagine that 5.5 is the right level for soil. Have you realy had success in soil in the mid 5's?

Im hoping to get this sorted out as well.

 

[Sleepy]

Sleepy: I highly doubt overfeeding is the cause, as my PPMs have been very low even for vegetative growth. I was a bit scared to overfert as I have done it in the past. But yes, meters were calibrated today right before I tested them. My PPM on my bloom formula was 759 and the pH was 5.4

You are right about the PH Up being available. I dont have access to any local Hydro stores, but I found a good online retailer of GH products that carries their pH UP Dry product. I have a feeling that wil be my next purchase.
As far as the pH being in the right zone, I cant imagine that 5.5 is the right level for soil. Have you realy had success in soil in the mid 5's?

Im hoping to get this sorted out as well.

i tend to have trouble with my pH...i am happy if i can keep it in the range of 5.5-6.5...

i will keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Guest]

BV,

What ever happened to just using PH up from a hydro supplier?

If one has access to GH Flora 3 part... surely they can buy a litre/pint of the many ph up/down liquids available intended for growing????

 

[NewGrowMan]

BV,

What ever happened to just using PH up from a hydro supplier?

If one has access to GH Flora 3 part... surely they can buy a litre/pint of the many ph up/down liquids available intended for growing????

Yeah Im a bit leery of using a Drain Unclogging product on my babies. I looked at GH's pH +. The 1.5 lb dry tub seems to be an amazing deal. Im sure it will be usefull as I dont plan to stray from soil quite yet.

I was originally hoping for some kind of home remedy, but Baking Soda just is the worst idea ever.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and help... I love this site. Glad I stopped lurking.


Sleepy: Thanks a bunch! BTW, what strain are those? Those girls certaintly are looking delicious.