Ph fluctuations in 5 gal hydroponic bucket

[Dave1960]

Thanks for the add.. This is my first hydroponic grow..I'm starting up a five gallon bucket / top feed...I put in my nutes / PH to 5.7....Came back after the dark phase and tested PH and it was 3,5...Check calibration of meter ...Re checked PH 3.2...Add 1.5 mil of PH Up re checked PH and it was 7.2 , checked PH with a PH dropper test kit and it's was a correct measurement of Over 7.0...So I removed sprouts from grow bucket....This morning I checked PH and it was 6.4. ...Nutes used, Flora Series from GH / add Hyrdroguard all at quarter strength...Question : how do I control my PH fluctuations...? And how to store Rapid Rooters, I've got a tray of 50 and need only 2 ..?.Thanks

 

[Grinder]

Storing rapid rooter is a simple as keeping them in an airitght, moist container. Ph fluctuations happen. If you plant is healthy then don't check the ph. Set the Ph in an acceptable range and go with it. As long as your plant is healthy you don't need to obsess about the ph.

 

[DW2]

Welcome Dave1960, What are you using to adjust the pH? I'm on my fifth hydro grow and I agree with Grinder, don't try to over control the pH. I did that during my third grow and almost killed my plants. I tried to change the pH too closely and wilted the plants. It turned out ok, because I drained the reservoir and started over fresh. Both You and Your plants will have less stress.
Good luck with your grow.

 

[gbauto]

Welcome, Dave. Just put the Rooters in a freezer bag-they will be perfect.
What type of medium are you growing in? I use a rockwool cube in my RDWC buckets and will get some fluctuation. Make sure that you flush your media before using it to reduce pH changes. Like others have mentioned-make small changes and wait. The plant will tell you when it's happy or not so try not to chase your tail. This is supposed to fun, RIGHT..

 

[Monkey Allen]

Personally, I check and adjust my pH daily keeping it around 5.6/5.7. Sometimes I check in the am and again in pm. I use advanced nutrients, which is supposed to produce a stabilized pH, but in my experience does no such thing. The pH starts off perfectly at 5.6, but then fluctuates rapidly. Maybe other nutrient lines are more stable. Idk

i have also used Botanicare Kind nutes, and that too required daily pH monitoring and adjusting.

 

[Dave1960]

Thanks...

 

[Dave1960]

Rock wool...