r/farmingthebestgreens • u/Respond-Repulsive • 17h ago

Trying to drop my pH from 6.4 to 5.8

My pH is stuck at 6.4 and seems to not want to budge despite my input target being pH5.8, I understand I am experiencing a strong buffering capacity (probably due to Water hardness) which is in my water source.

Are there any other reasons why my pH won't reduce? It's within the margin should I not worry too much?

I know the best way of fixing it is buying a load of distilled water which I will go through at a quick pace.

All my plants are healthy, no signs of deficiency or toxicity, my runoff EC is 0.3 under my input, just my pH is a little out

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2

u/Tismintheboof 16h ago

Are you in coco? I feed at 6.3 pH with about 30% runoff every day, the less pH down you use the better. I never lower my pH below 6.0 it gives you some play room with salts lowering the pH for you.

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u/_Litcube 16h ago

What are you using to drop the pH?

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u/Respond-Repulsive 16h ago

Your normal Hydroponic pH down

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u/420ChiefJeef 16h ago

6.4 to 5.8 is a decent drop and nutrient availability changes quite a bit. I use a few mLs of pH down to dial it in. Gotta ask - are you using pH strips or a sensor to take the measurement? 

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u/Respond-Repulsive 16h ago

I am using it pH down, I might lower my target. Sensor, and just calibrated it across a 4/7 and 11 pH buffers.

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u/420ChiefJeef 15h ago

I work with pH sensors regularly and I find they can be unreliable if not careful. I've had to throw away my fair share. Are you getting any response on your pH meter when you add pH down and mix?

1

u/Potatonet 16h ago

Citric acid, phosphoric acid generally seem to be the most normal outside of vinegar

1

u/jojomac08 15h ago

They are hungry. If your runoff Ec is lower than input, then bump the feed up a little. Id increase the runoff amount a little too.

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u/Express_Whereas_6074 14h ago

Is your ph tester calibrated if using electronic?
Always double check that first.

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u/Express_Whereas_6074 14h ago

Also check your total alkalinity level. High levels of alkalinity acts as a buffer to the acids that lowers pH levels.

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u/Officebadass 14h ago

Im surprised no ones asked, but ec are you running? Higher ecs can help some with ph shifts.

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u/SilentMasterpiece 12h ago

What are you using to measure pH?

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u/sleemanj 11h ago

Sounds like you are using a digital pH tester.

I would confirm with pH test drops (don't use test strips, they don't work well with hydroponic solutions).

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u/Illustrious_Sort3821 1h ago

Umm helicopters parenting maybe if there is no signs of dramas ya likey good only worry if signs start to show or double check your mixing practices amounts water quality if hard switch to ro or rain and add calmag by the time it’s all mixed it’ll may be ok I don’t know mate I’m just spit balling best of luck hey 🤙