Does pH Down go bad?

[Help_Needed]

Like the question says...does it? I've put three full doses in my reservoir in the last three days. One dose *should* have dropped the pH by 0.5, but the combined total of all three has barely moved it 0.3.

I'm using the exact same set-up I've used in the past, so I don't *think* anything's buffering the pH. Could be wrong of course hehe.

[stinkyattic]

Nope- it's stable, capped tightly, indefinitely.
What's your medium? What's your nute system? Are you running calmag or silicates?

[JaySin]

Mine was stuck at a high PH for a while. Now after several doses (6 or so?) it is finally shifting to the PH it should be at.

It's my first hydro, so I think I messed up by adjusting the PH after adding the nutes. Am I correct in thinking this?

[Help_Needed]

Nope- it's stable, capped tightly, indefinitely.
What's your medium? What's your nute system? Are you running calmag or silicates?

Hiya Stinky. Long time no see :). While I was driving into work, the mass of cobwebs that doubles for my brain finally condescended to cough up the answer. I'm using tap water on this grow instead of distilled, which I haven't done before. I'm betting the lime in the tapwater is buffering the pH, so it's taking more adjustment than normal to get to "normal".

[eldorado22]

what type of ph reader are you using.elec readers need buffered every 5 days.and need new electrode evry 3 months.always keep reader with wet tipand not dry.i find liquid readers better than electro reader.you av 2 check ph every 3 to 4 days.ph down dont go off it acid and keeps for some time but dont leave in your grow room.as heat can spoil da content .remember to leave water for about an hour before rechecking ph level.let me know if this any help.gman corby town uk...peace

[eldorado22]

yes you are my friend.always adj ph before adding nutes.tap water also ok if it left to stand for a day first,this declorenates the water .u no wot am saying holmes.best not to use tap water straight as it claws your plants and gives you greif

[the image reaper]

I've also found that, after adding pH Up or Down, the first dose seems to make the most difference, additional dosing, not so much ... I don't say that is the case, just that it 'seemed' like it, in my limited hydro grows ... :jointsmile: