pH Levels - FAQ's
The most commonly asked questions about the pH of your grow system
What is pH?
It is based on a scale of 1 to 14, where anything under 7 is acidic and anything over 7 is alkaline. 7 is neutral and is the pH of pure water. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that a pH of 9 is ten times more alkaline that a pH of 8. The same applies to acidity, for example a pH of 4 is ten times more acidic that a pH of 5.
What is the best pH level for Hydroponics?
The ideal range for almost all hydroponic growths is between 5.5 and 6.5.
How do I adjust the pH?
The pH is adjusted by adding an acid to lower it or a base to raise it. There are many pH Down and pH Up products that can simply be added to the nutrient solution.
How does this affect the growth of my plants?
There are 16 atomic elements that plants need for growth and the pH affects the availability and absorption of these. As mentioned above, the best pH range for plant growth is between 5.5 and 6.5. When outside of these levels the availability of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N, P, K) is reduced and the absorption of micronutrients can become toxic.
When should I adjust the pH of my solution?
This can be done before or after mixing the nutrients. If you are trying a nutrient for the first time it is worth mixing the nutrient, letting it settle for half an hour then check the pH of the solution. Where it is outside of the recommended range of 5.5 to 6.5 it can then be adjusted using a pH Down or Up product.
Make a note of how much of this is added compared to the amount of nutrient and the volume of water for future reference.
In addition, the temperature can affect the pH levels so keep this consistent.
How often should I check the pH level?
To begin with it is worth checking the pH level on a daily basis until you are sure it has been stabilised within the recommended values. Continue to check it on a regular basis because the pH can remain stable for a fairly long period then rise or fall rapidly when a nutrient needs changing. Hard water can mean the pH will go above 7.5 and it can be reduced either by adding acid or using filtered water.
How much pH Down or Up do I use?
Typically lest than a millilitre is needed per litre of water although this can be slightly more for hard water.
The pH drops after cleaning and refilling
To overcome this simply add a small amount of pH Down or pH Up to stabilise it. Ensure that you keep a clean system with frequent nutrient changes and this should reduce the problem.
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