Seedling Questions

[ezmaarc]

So I've got my new magical fabric pots and SF-2000 for my 2x4. On January 1, with schoolboy enthusiasm I got my FFOF and perlite all mixed up and gave em a nice soak with PH 6.5 water. After letting it sit for a couple of hours and testing again (at 6.2) I planted the 5 seeds I'd been soaking from the night before and all looking good.
In last 2 days they've come up with their cyclsofdsfdfs leaves and their tiny serrated ones looking happy to be seeing some sunlight...cute little buggers.
I tested the soil this morning and now I'm looking at PH 5.5 and one pot at 4.9. So here's my first question:
Since the pots are still pretty saturated with water (which is providing great humidity control) I don't want to risk overwatering them with PH controlled water to bring it back up. Or should I?
And if so, do I use a higher PH water to overcompensate for the low PH? Like say, 7.2?

Here is my second question set up: This new Spider Farmer light looks real nice and perfect for my 2x4. Great dimming and automation control. I've got the light at 30" over the pots and PPFD is about 275 with the dimmer at about 20%. However the manufacturers recommendations are 30-50% at 24 inches. Now the obvious thing is to go by the PPFD in my mind, but what do YOU think? The seedlings are stretching pretty high (about 1.5 to 2 inches) so I'm keeping an eye on them and may resort to either lowering my light for some more warmth, or increasing the light to manufacturers recommendations (50% at 24").
Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[Bluey]

I wouldn't adjust the pH until they need watering. I suspect you are getting inaccurate readings on the soil if your seedlings are happy. Sure, lift it a little when next water comes around but don't go overboard IF your seedlings are happy.

If your seedlings are stretching for the light increase it.

SF light height recommendations are often completely wrong so stick with your measuring regime. Raising it to 350umols should stop the stretch.

[Rwise]

I would mix some pelleted dolomite lime into the soil as a PH+ buffer, at 4.9 it would be good for blueberries.
Seedlings stretch when the light is weak

[bboyfromwayback]

First off, don’t over complicate things. You stated all seeds sprouted and now you have healthy sprouts. Why do anything? Let them be! Theres absolutely no need to check the ph of your runoff at this point, just make sure the ph is good when you water them. Tbh when I hand watered I never checked my runoff ph, never felt the need. As long as the plants are healthy who cares what the runoff measures

[ezmaarc]

Ha! I knew I could count on you all to keep me in check! Funny, I woke this morning and thought, "Dude, you're obsessing to much about this. The plants will tell you". All this sciencey stuff, though important, can get your head all messed up. Cheers!

[Rootsruler]

Helicoptering a grow is the fastest way to killing your plant.

[ezmaarc]

Yeah, newbie nerves! Gotta remember that it’s a plant, not a 6th grade egg baby

[bdeegan]

I have found the runoff to be inaccurate and started doing soil slurry tests. I also only check if the plants are showing signs of an issue. As others stated, if the plants are happy let them roll and don’t love them to death. You’ll get a system figured out for your setup; use others advice and what not to help find what works best for you. Best of luck!
✌️&💚