Basic nutrient mixing question

MissyGoddess

Well-Known Member
Newbie question, when exactly do I test for PPM/EC during the mixing process? Do you mix the recipe, check PPM/EC/Ph and then adjust pH as needed? Or do you adjust for pH first then check?

In my case, my nutes (roots organic in RO water) mix up to between 3.8-4.2 pH after 24+ hours of heavy mixing with powerheads and air stones. I have a Hanna Growchek meter, all calibrated, along with a pinpoint pH meter to double check, it is what it is. So I seem to get what I feel is a good PPM/EC reading but ph is really low, so I add pH UP to get it in the 6.2-6.3 range for soil. Once I get the pH correct I am left with an EC of 1.6-1.7 with a PPM pushing 1300 just from adding enough pH up to fix the pH problem. Do I ignore the PPM and EC readings after adjusting for pH or are those numbers really a concern? I seem to have just the slightest sign of nute burn on the tips of my leaves but nothing like what 1300ppm would do if it were all nutes. I am guessing the readings after adjusting pH aren't readings to go off of but would like to verify if that is true.
 

nfhiggs

Well-Known Member
Get to your desired PPM/EC then check PH and adjust as necessary.

Tip: When adjusting PH, do not add drops directly to your solution. I will cause pockets of ultra high/lo PH in the solution and cause nutrients, particularly calcium to precipitate out of the solution. This will be visible as whitish clouds. Add drops to about 6-8 ounces of water first, then add that to your solution.
 
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