when to worry? when plants stop eating!

Hi all,
Got a nice grow going and for the past few days they pretty much stopped eating( ppm not dropping)
Prior to stopping they where consuming anywhere from 50 to 100ppm per day. I did some defoliating 5 days ago and from there it started.
I know when defoliation happens they get a little stressed out but recover after a few days, im on day 5 and they are now down to consuming 10ppm a day which is basically nothing.
My auto top off is just plain water, this is how i know exactly how much they are consuming.
Now, when should I start to worry?
** ppm 1040 ph 6.2 water temp 70 ( res changed yesterday at 7pm ) now after 15hrs ppm is exactly the same, ph has gone up from 5.9 to 6.1 and thats due to them drinking and not eating as my top off water is just 3 stage filter.

Plants look super healthy and happy, however, i am trying to learn and pick up on signs of stress and how to deal with it, this is why im asking now. It might be nothing and they might bounce back in a day or so, but i rather be proactive.

BobThe420Builder said:

View attachment 4625990

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i have that posted on my wall
However, since i have auto top off and water level is always the same, its hard to judge with this chart since ph going up is due to me topping off with higher ph water then whats in the res.
I guess i can shut of auto top off and see what happens to ph and ec.
but in general, when do you guys get worried if you notice your ppm is no longer dropping ?

If you can't monitor pH swings or water level, it's kinda hard

I don't check that stuff much, I watch the girls, and my past grow experience usually tells me what's up

BobThe420Builder said:

If you can't monitor pH swings or water level, it's kinda hard

I don't check that stuff much, I watch the girls, and my past grow experience usually tells me what's up

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This is my second grow and a much larger setup, so i have very little next to zero experience , so im asking you guys the experts for help

I'd shut of the valve for a few days to see what is REALLY going on

Would give you a better idea

But

If plants are healthy and still growing, it may not be an issue

BobThe420Builder said:

I'd shut of the valve for a few days to see what is REALLY going on

Would give you a better idea

But

If plants are healthy and still growing, it may not be an issue

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Good idea

Your setup is very clean and your plants look great. I wouldnt sweat it unless you begin seeing problems with the plants.

I sometimes see that my plants arent eating much, but its usually due to the heat issues I often have in summer. As soon as things cool down for a day or two, they will start eating up the nutes again.

F_Dupp said:

Your setup is very clean and your plants look great. I wouldnt sweat it unless you begin seeing problems with the plants.

I sometimes see that my plants arent eating much, but its usually due to the heat issues I often have in summer. As soon as things cool down for a day or two, they will start eating up the nutes again.

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It seems like i over reacted to the situation, I think they took a little longer then usual to recover from my heavy defoliating. As of today they are back on track and eating like normal
Thank You all for your comments and help.
cheers and may the bud gods be with u lol

Learn this...Nothing is going to happen in an hour for a plant that is under 4 feet tall.

twistedwords said:

Learn this...Nothing is going to happen in an hour for a plant that is under 4 feet tall.

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Well it was about 4 days that they stopped eating well so little over your hour mark and I don't get the under 4ft reference

Darknes01 said:

Well it was about 4 days that they stopped eating well so little over your hour mark and I don't get the under 4ft reference

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I wouldn't pay attention to PPM coming out of your pot. The plants tell you and you will learn this with experience. Keep chugging along and a few years under your belt you will get your own personal system that fits you. I have been doing this for 30 years BTW.

The taller they are the faster they grow. I have watched a ten foot plant grow a foot in one day!