How can i lower and higher my pH and does perlite affect pH?

[Ganja_man95]

Hey im a first time grower and i am just wondering how to alter my pH levels and if perlite affects the pH as i am using this with MG all purpose compost, does anyone no?

[canadianhemperor]

With ph up and ph down you buy at hydroponics store. Be careful with ph down it's acid!!! And gradualy lower or increase ph. The better way of keeping ph adjusted is adjusting theph of the feeding solution or water. you can add dolomite lime to the soil , keeps the ph of the soil stable for long!!!

[Ganja_man95]

okay thanks

[canadianhemperor]

about the perlite are you a perlite maniac that puts 50 % perlite in is soil mix? All I know about perlite is it's always in soil mixes and too much is bad retains to much water and humidity and when exposed to light it's a magnet for green bio crap on the surface of the soil!

[Ganja_man95]

nah i put 1 part perlite to 4 part compost not much at all really, it seems to help the drainage alot tho.

[canadianhemperor]

:cool:yep volcanic glass is hard to compact, it's like styrofoam :thumbsup:

[CanGroIt]

about the perlite are you a perlite maniac that puts 50 % perlite in is soil mix? All I know about perlite is it's always in soil mixes and too much is bad retains to much water and humidity and when exposed to light it's a magnet for green bio crap on the surface of the soil!

I've found perlite to do the opposite of what you are stating.... When too much perlite is used with soil, you have too much drainage and have to water more often.... Perlite does retain moisture but also acts as an amendment so as to prevent soil compaction....and does not retain as much moisture as soil itself does....

That "bio-crap" is a sign a over watering.... It's telling you that you are giving the plant too much water/nutes/moisture.... So if you do see that green bio buildup....slow down on your water schedule for that plant....


CGI::::::

[canadianhemperor]

the green is caused by moisture i give you that but also contact with light if you prevent the soil from seing light with a little disc placed on pot it wont happen believe me!

[MEDEDCANNABIS]

i would look at the manufacters website they should have ph values as well as a plethora of other info. dont breathe that dust though you could end up in a hospital with some coal miners. my main concern is with your compost as it tends to be very rich(not good especially for young stock) thus you may want to dillute that down to one part with a light soil mix. that would depend a lot on the quality of the compost and soil you mix with. if they are young dont use it at all.