how much PH down should I use?

PJ Diaz said:

Not only that, not all pH 8.0 water is created equal either. In low ppm water you might only need a drop. In hard water above 300ppm out the faucet, you might need as much as 5 mL. That guy telling you to use 5 drops and calling people retards is a fucking retard.

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Mr.Ganja is right
I use 5 ml for a 50 gallon bucket of RO water to bring PH down from 6.5 to 5.8
p.s. i use generalhydro PH down, since its low concentrated....

most municipalities use chlorine bonded with ammonia, this doesn't "boil" out...peace

I second the boiling thing but if thats what you feel is a good thing then have at it. Be careful though its hot!!! lol. Oh and let it cool before using it as the plants burn too!! lol. I also have very hard water with a very high PH (limestone!) and I have to add a substantial amount of down depending on the concentration of the product. I now use sulphuric acid (not recomending it BTW so dont yell lol) in a low concentration as I have a hard time getting higher concentration PH down here. There are some really good charts on the levels of PH required before lockout occurs, I will look and see if I can get one posted.

Here's one! View attachment 2459984

My PH at tap usually runs between 8.0 - 8.2.

Normally, (this is a rough geuss, because I use a little plastic syphon tube thingy that comes with the Hydrofarm kits.) into a 20 gallon reservoir, I will put about 1/2 to 3/4's of a TEASPOON to get the water down to about 6.5 - 6.2.

That's just rough measurements because tap water can be different from different sources.... The best thing is don't assume anything, don't assume your water is 8.0 everytime.... don't assume that it will take the same amount of PH down to bring you to your mark.

Also, chlorine, some people take the worry about chlorine a little overboard. It's actually a trace element needed in very small amounts by plants and helps strengthen seedlings. (according to Jorge Cervantes)...

It's like chlorine is the LEAST of my issues. I understand with otherfolks water supplies, it can be horribly strong, but, don't let it get you to excited. If it bothers you that much, set up an outdoor rain catch for christ sakes instead of running to the store for distilled water.

Also, don't assume that your pH meter is staying accurate on it's own. I made that mistake once. Turns out what I thought was 5.8 was really closer to 5.0 for a couple weeks. Eek! Spend the $7 on calibration solution and calibrate weekly.

BenFranklin said:

Also, chlorine, some people take the worry about chlorine a little overboard. It's actually a trace element needed in very small amounts by plants and helps strengthen seedlings. (according to Jorge Cervantes)...

It's like chlorine is the LEAST of my issues. I understand with otherfolks water supplies, it can be horribly strong, but, don't let it get you to excited. If it bothers you that much, set up an outdoor rain catch for christ sakes instead of running to the store for distilled water.

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Chlorine is indeed a needed trace element, although I wouldn't go adding any as a supplement! However, chloramine is often used in water treatment and that stuff can be more detrimental to plants - especially potted, hand-watered plants. Unlike chlorine, chloramine will not evaporate or boil off, which is one reason they use it. If you are worried about that in your water, get an RO filter, buy water, use rainwater, or get an aquarium water dechlorinator.