Run-off ph problem?

[2ShedsJackson]

I'm prepping my Coco/perlite for my next indoor auto grow but can't get the run-off ph lower than about 6.5. I'm flushing with ph5.5 over & over but doesn't seem to make any difference. Am I missing something or am I doing something wrong?

[golfnrl]

Take this for what it is worth, google AI says that 6.5 is actually a good number. If you have that steady reading while doing a flush that means the coco has reset itself to a stable starting point. I don't know if that is entirely accurate or not, but it sounds logical.

Do you have a way to measure the EC? google AI and another coco specific web site also say that EC is a better measurement because it measures the salt buildup in the runoff. That is accurate.

I grow in a 50/50 blend of coco/perlite. When I wash my used coco I use plain PH'd tap water and then a Ph'd solution of water/cal-mag, but haven't ever measured the PH in the runoff. I usually let the runoff drain away entirely simply because of the volume of water.

[2ShedsJackson]

Thanks for the reply. I'm making a point on this grow of following only ONE SITE for advice and assistance which is GWE. The info says to aim for 5.5 - 6.5 ph for coco and I'm assuming that is measured at run-off. I don't have an EC meter but use a TDS instead. Rainwater+ lemon juice going in sits at about 35 and coming out the bottom of the pot is about 130. I'm kind of wondering just WHY I don't seem to be able to get the run-off ph any lower.
Reading the GWE tutorial on ph & water it implies that the only place it's measured is in the added water, no mention of run-off.

[golfnrl]

I am seeing the same as you on GWE. Everything I know about growing weed I have learned here. Either from GWE or the members of this forum or both. I do look at coco for cannabis when I have something that cannot be easily answered at GWE. I think TDS can tell you the same thing as EC just stated differently. My guess is the 6.5 PH with clear runoff is OK.

[Smallgrow]

That a great tip for everyone starting out 2ShedsJackson. Pick one source of quality grow info to follow and stick with that one. There’s so much info available I see people all over the place making it much harder to figure out when your learning m

[Bluey]

Don't worry about pH runoff. I never measure it anymore and it is not representative of the pH at the roots which is what matters.
Coco has a pH of 6. Start feeding at that input.
I hope your flushing with a calmag buff..coco needs that