Is this the right way to treat my water?

[Spanky]

Hey BlueBudz,

I think I get the idea of what you are proposing. Basically it's making a diluted PH up or down solution? If that is correct, it is an ingenious idea. You should patent it!

Thank you for suggesting it!

 

[BlueBudz]

Ya exactly what I mean! The by using half the container it’s half a drop, or quarter etc..

 

[UrbZ]

I'm pretty sure weedpharma shared this info with me on one of my earlier posts. I did a little searching and found a few more references and little more info backing it up.

 

[oldjarhead100]

I switched from ph up or down to citrus flakes and baking powder works good and its not as harmful to the girls

 

[Paracelsus]

Rather than thinking what your doing is the wrong thing consider that the above procedures with have results that affect flavor, taste aroma and yield as well in a positive way
.

 

[Paracelsus]

Great idea BB, I wish we could like the comments, that's where all the nuggets of knowledge seem to be.

 

[Vapo69]

Is it o.k to use silicon to bring the ph up if you go too far with the ph down?

 

[Spanky]

I was wondering if anyone who lets their treated water sit before doing a PH test could weigh in on how long it should sit after adding each additive?


I reread Nebula's PH and nute tutorials. I had read them before, but this time I was struck by the concept of PH ranges. I guess it was too technical for me on the first go when everything about growing was new to me. This time, I came to the understanding that our plants absorb different elements when the PH is at different levels. So it is a good thing if our PH varies...within the acceptable range...with each watering!

Using her methods and the good advice I gained from this thread, my first cal/mag/nutrient watering of my new born seedlings PHed at 6.0. Runoff was the same! This time, no need for up or down!

I let the cal/mag water sit for about 30 minutes and then added Botanicare ProGrow. Then I let that sit for about half an hour. I gently rocked the jug to bring up anything that settled and did my PH test. Then I gave my seedlings their first drink. A few days later and everything looks fine.

Should I stick with a half hour of "sit" time for each additive?

Thank you!

 

[Paracelsus]

Great question, and I have read the articles. I have no experience but I imagine that all that would mater is the final PH after the nutes have all been given the time to rest. I could be wrong but I imagine when the ppm is right with the nutes then the PH could/should be addressed. I await more input from those with real experience.

 

[Sockfilter]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

My suggestion would be to keep doing what you are doing. Stay consistent with how you are doing it and fine tune from there in small increments. When we make a lot of drastic changes we really have NO CLUE as to what HELPED or did NOT help us.

I make up 1 gallon jugs ahead of time, with no rest in between cal-mag, micro, grow, bloom. No shaking, lite stir then test pH if ok I run with it, if jug last me 3 days, I will check pH again of the jug just to make sure the pH is ok before (yes a bit OCD) using. Sometimes I have to do a lite pH adjustment based on previous run-off pH.

That is what works for me, it is consistent and hard coded into my brain.

So again, stick with your consistent routine and YES, varying the pH within the range is fine. I like to see a small shift in pH as long as within the proper range..

Good Luck..

 

[D.A.A.S.69]

Hey Vapo69, I've used ANutrients Rhino skin silica before when I've used to much EarthJuice Crystals ph down, and didn't see any problems, don't think your supposed to but I did.,it will damn sure bring it up, just like molasses will bring it down

 

[D.A.A.S.69]

Hey Vapo, I tried to put it here, but I put it in the wrong place, this comment might not be in the wrong place too, its supposed to be above this one about using silica, maybe you can find it. I get confused some times.lol

 

[UrbZ]

Everyone is different as long as its working for you stick with it.

For example my watering routine is as follows. I use tap so I fill my jugs with water several days before i plan on using them.

once they have rested i mix my silica into the water the night befor. silica needs to break down in the H2O. Then I take my water upstairs into the warmer part of the house. My basement floor is concrete where i store my jugs Its like 50° to the touch. Temp will fluctuate pH as well. Once Im ready to feed I add in my nutes and additives with no gaps in between each. Then I pH and feed. ive noticed pretty good shift in pH with my line up of nutes and additives when it sits. If I pH right after mixing in advance Ive always had to re pH right before feeding. So I just eliminatined a step. plus too much pH up/down is poison.

 

[oldjarhead100]

hey Urbz I grow in my cellar as well ,I had this single electric burner ,I set it up in cellar and I take 64%water from the pot put it in a pan and bring to a boil then pour it back into the bucket of water this brings temp up to 70% I'm still fine tuning the amounts but i'm getting their .It sure beats lugging 5 gallon buckets up and down stairs lol Never knew that about silicon I will incorporate that into my watering as well thanks

 

[D.A.A.S.69]

Hey Spanky, I don't intentionally let my adjustments sit for any period of time, after I add nutrients an up-down, I use it , there's no need in waiting for anything, if you got it where you want it ,give it to your plants, no need in waiting.

 

[UrbZ]

Yes its already getting pretty tedious. Up and down with water all the time. Thats not a bad idea to bring the temp up though. Good idear sir.

 

[Vapo69]

Found it dude thanks......that's what I thought......when I use silicone in a feed, I still have to ph down!?!.....I think it's ok to use!

 

[D.A.A.S.69]

Hey Vapo69, I ain't never had no lock-out by using Rhino skin from Advanced Nutrients to raise my ph that was lowered to much by using ph down. I'm like you, I think it's ok.