I am having a continuous problem with high ph. I used ph reducer and test the water but am questioning the test based on how my plants look.So I started researching calibration which indicates to used deionized water to calibrate which I do not have. Many threads I have read indicate itd ok to used distilled water to calibrate, but more importantly not to use RO water at all as it kills the ions on the electrode…yet it has been recommended here in the forum specifically to use RO Water as opposed to my well water (heavy farming community). So now I’m questioning everything including what to use as my water source.How do I get results I can trust consistently without destroying items in the process ?
Calibration is usually done with solutions pHed to 7 (first) and 4 (second.) The procedure will depend on which pH meter you have chosen.
I use this:
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Any water under about 50 ppm is unreliable with handheld electrodes. You can’t use D/I or R/O or distilled water for calibration. As stated you need calibration solution and I add a bottle of ‘Standard Reference Solution 7.0’ which I can dip the probe in to verify calibration. You ideally should store electrode in storage solution.
Do not store electrode in R/O, D/I or distilled water as all three will change the chemical composition of the glass electrode, rendering it useless.
If you want to PH water, don’t waste your time if the TDS is below 50 ppm as the media it’s poured in to will ‘overdrive’ the liquid instantly to the media’s PH. I never test my R/O before using. Once you add something it’s a different story. Then you can and do want to PH your water.
https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Scientific-Electrode-Storage-Solution/dp/B0071AR9XI/?tag=greenrel-20
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I have the powdered buffer packs to calibrate 4.0 6.8 and 9. Since I didnt have deionized water I used my RO to calibrate and it is right on but question the legitimacy of those numbers and - my nute ppms if I used incorrect water type to calibrate…my tap well water comes out at 8.4ph at 340 ppm so was advised to use RO for everything…is that faulty advice ?
RO is probably as close to deionized as you are going to get. Deionized water is made using a different process than RO is.
I don’t think @Myfriendis410 understood that you were using the recommended packets to make a calibration solution.
I would use RO for feedings. If you use your well water then you need to realize that 340 PPM of your PPM reading is not nutes and need to account for that. Always correct any feeding solution for pH after you’ve added your nutes.
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Gotcha. I used distilled when I used those packets.
Thank you for the response, so I received a few reasonable sounding answers with available materails…thanks much…sounds like I’m overthinking that part a bit…
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Thanks @Myfriendis410 going to order some tonight.
Hi…thanks for the help on the meter to you and @MidwestGuy for the assistance. Ordered the solutions…now gotta get the soil ph down…I already added earthworm castings and gypsum to the top bedding about 2 weeks back about 2 tblspns each (as suggested by another mentor) in 5 gal fabric (soil) pots. Ph still high though down to 7.28 from 7.6 a week or so back but still not fast enough…and my bubblegummer really suffering…any additional advice on that separate topic ?
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Fill out a support ticket and add some photos taken under natural light if you want help with the bubblegum.
I have a young bubblegum plant going right now. Can’t wait to try it.
Here’s a support ticket template:
Can you please fill out a support ticket? Please include what type of water you’re using.
COPY/PASTE the below list into your forum post.
Answer these simple questions the best you can.
If you do not know, or do not use something; Just say so; Or post
NA (non-applicable)
• What strain, Seed bank, or bag seed
• Method: Soil w/salt, Organic soil, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, KNF
• Vessels: Pots, Grow beds, Buckets, Troths
• PH of Water, Solution, runoff (if Applicable)
• PPM/TDS or EC of nutrient solution if applicable
• Indoor or Outdoor
• Light system
• Temps; Day, Night
• Humidity; Day, Night
• Ventilation system; Yes, No, Size
• AC, Humidifier, De-humidifier,
• Co2; Yes, No
Always try to upload a clear picture of any issues you may have to allow the community to assist you. Pictures taken under natural or white lighting are by far the best.
Add anything else you feel would help us give you a most informed answer should be included. Feel free to elaborate, but short and to the point questions and facts will help us help you in a more efficient manner.
What strain, Seed bank, or bag seed
Bubble gum, Gelato
• Method: Soil
• Vessels: 5 gal fabric pots
• PH of Water Solution 6.52,
runoff ‐Bubble gum 967, Gelato 1471
• PPM/TDS or EC of nutrient solution if applicable… going in 660
• Indoor or Outdoor… indoor
• Light system… 2 x hlg qb288xl rspec
• Temps; Day, Night, 78‐81, 64
• Humidity; Day, Night…50-65, na
• Ventilation system; Yes, ac cloudline infinity
• AC-No, Humidifier‐yes, De-humidifierno
• Co2; No
Ok so I got my new meter and test supplies today… I retested my remaining nute solutuon with NEW meter after calibrating…ph way off using new meter 5.45. Ph test paper i used as a back up seems to comfirm… been giving them wrong ph solutuon for who knows how long. …photo enclosed…small plant on left is bubblegum… bigger plant on right is Gelato
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A quality pH meter is worth its weight in gold. You can depend on it . Verify in a clean bottle of 7 pH solution before using , and go for it. Plants looking good.