What is the best hydro ph?

[tyler_ hobbyist]

I keep my hydro bucket at 5.5ph but I keep getting signs of calcium def. What do people recommend for a ph?
or should I put it at 5.5 and the 6.5 every other day?

[FlyingDutchPaddy]

hey tyler,

better to let it drift in between.... between 5.5 and 6.5.

calcium becomes available at around 6.0 upwards.

different nutrients become available at different pH values.

https://www.growweedeasy.com/ph#hydroponic-soilless-pH

if you see the pH drifting downwards, you could start around 6.3 until it drops to 5.7, then correct back up again.
Same for drifting up, start at 5.7 and correct back down when its around 6.3.

an external source of info about pH can be found here: https://medteknutrients.com.au/ph-in-hydroponics/

[alltatup]

Also, you might give your plants a flush if you're seeing leaf symptoms; it could be nute lockout. https://www.growweedeasy.com/flushing-sick-cannabis

[DW2]

Howdy tyler_hobbyist, I have had the best results in the hydroponic growing when I let the pH vary from 5.5 to 6.5. I only adjust the pH of the nutrient solution to around 6.0. I do check the pH of the reservoirs before feeding or topping them off with water and adjust the feed/water accordingly. If the reservoir is over 6.5 to 7.0, I adjust the nutrient or fill water towards the lower range. I gave up 'chasing' the pH levels during the week (between feeds) when I almost killed off my plants (pH shock is real! LOL). Since then, I've had good results and 'happier' plants.