Changing pH levels in a hydroponics system
Adjusting pH Levels in a Hydroponics System
Instructions for adjusting pH levels:
pH control is essential for stimulating vigorous plant growth. Nutrient solution pH that is too high (basic) or too low (acidic) cannot be properly absorbed by plants. Incorrect nutrient solution pH can slow growth, and can also lead to sickly plants and low yields. The pH scale measures acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14. Below seven the pH is acidic. Above seven the pH is alkaline. 7.0 is neutral. The best pH for plant growth is generally in the range of 5.5 to 6.5; which is slightly acidic. There are several causes for incorrect nutrients solution pH. Tap water used to mix nutrients solution often contains minerals and impurities that can affect nutrient pH. Properly growing plants consume different nutrients at different rates, thus altering the solutions original pH. Nutrient pH within the range 5.5 to 6.5 you can you can assure you are crop maximum availability of all your nutrient minerals. This will give you higher growth rates, higher yields and healthier plants. Healthy plants have much higher tolerances for infestation and disease. Test and adjust nutrients solution every few days to maintain proper pH levels. Change your hydroponic solution once every 2 to 3 weeks
1. The optimal pH level for most plants is 5.5.
2. Unpack the pH test kit.
3. Fill a sample of vital with water halfway from your hydroponic system.
4. Add 3 to 5 drops of pH indicator solution.
5. Shake or tap to mix contents and then compare the color to pH reference chart.
6. Add a few drops of pH up or pH down to adjust your pH level to 5.5.
Yellow to yellowish green indicates the ideal pH range for plant growth. If the test indicates any orange or red the pH is too low, add some pH up to raise the pH levels. If the test indicates any blue green or blue the pH is too low, add pH down to lower the nutrient pH. Repeat these tests to verify the pH is now within the correct range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Warning: Keep out of the reach of children. PH up with pH down can cause skin irritation. Flush from skin or eyes with plenty of water. Read the warnings on pH up with pH down labels for further information. Do not ingest or swallow.
For free hydroponics tutorial videos check look at this web site.
Hydroponics Grower http://www.homegrown-hydroponics.com
View more articles from Raphael Williams
This article is provided by Amazines.com – The ULTIMATE Article Database