How to test my coco coir runoff?

[Rick Sanchez]

Hey again, I just watered my plants a gallon each as told (only calimag because I used nutes last time) and tried to test the water that came out of the fabric pots. When I tried to test it (GH pH test) the color of the water was brown - same as it was before I tested so I can't tell the pH. how do you guys do it?

[Canuck147]

Litmus paper.

[Rick Sanchez]

Don't know why I didn't think of that. I'll buy some today, thanks

[Rick Sanchez]

How do you fit 7 plants in a 3x3 tent? I have 5 in the same size tent and it's really tight

[Canuck147]

7 is too many, I thought I would fill it with autos and I did. Did some defoliating after this pic. Next time, just 4.

[Tika]

Hi Rick...it's Tika repeating herself again
my point exactly- when the waste has color it effects the drop testing accuracy in my opinion esp if adding floralicious, molasses etc. I have never used strips. I love my BlueLab pH pen. If take proper care of it BL will be a loyal and accurate friend

[Canuck147]

I agree with Tika, I use the BlueLab as well. Just have litmus paper for backup.

[Rick Sanchez]

That's $80, I'll buy it eventually but the $5 litmus paper works well for now, is it still as accurate?

[Tika]

I have not used the litmus papers so I cannot say.
yes, I understand that the BlueLab is 80 and then you will also need your hydrating solution and your calibration solutions ( 7 & 4). I ate a lot of brown rice for dinner after purchase. HOWEVER the payoff is without measure. It is not difficult to use, requires hydration weekly (no brained) and I end up calibrating about 1 a month- and it lets you know to do it.
one of the first , foremost, continuous questions on this forum regards pH. So many factors can be basically eliminated if you know your plain water pH, your PH after adding your nutrients, your pH achieved after probably pH down, and your pH of waste...and what pH you need for your medium
after that you can look for bugs
there are more expensive / difficult ones out there as well as cheaper
thanks for the ear.

[Flockshot]

Would the water you want to test clear up at all if you let it set for a while? Clear water to start with works best.