Why we should use pH pens in a hydroponic setup

Using pH pens (or pH meters) in a hydroponic setup is essential for maintaining healthy plant growth and nutrient availability. Here's why:

🌿 1. Nutrient Availability Depends on pH

• In hydroponics, plants absorb nutrients directly from the water solution.
• If the pH is too high or too low, certain nutrients become chemically unavailable to plants—even if they’re present in the water.
• Ideal pH range for most hydroponic crops: 5.5 – 6.5
• Below 5.5 → nutrients like calcium and magnesium become less available.
• Above 6.5 → iron, phosphorus, and manganese get locked out.

⚗️ 2. Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies & Toxicities

• A wrong pH can mimic nutrient deficiencies (yellowing, poor growth) even when nutrients are sufficient.
• Constant pH monitoring with a pen helps prevent misleading symptoms and the risk of overcorrecting with additives.

💧 3. Stability in Recirculating Systems

• In recirculating hydroponic systems (like NFT or DWC), pH can drift over time due to:
• Plant uptake
• Microbial activity
• Chemical reactions in the reservoir

• A pH pen lets you quickly check and correct before drift causes harm.

✅ 4. Fast, Accurate, and Easy

• A pH pen gives instant, precise readings, unlike paper test strips or color charts which can be subjective.
• Digital pens also allow for frequent monitoring, which is key in active systems.

🌱 Bottom Line:

Using a pH pen in hydroponics ensures that your plants are growing in optimal conditions, maximizing yield and preventing avoidable issues. It's one of the most critical tools in any hydroponic grower's kit.

pH pens and testing kits that are available can be viewed here or feel free to give us a call for more information!