So if i went to a hydroponics store and brought a water sample wat should i ask them?

And the pH number so commonly referred to on these forums is the pH of the run-off?

Thanks stinkyattic i have read many many of your posts, im very eager to start my first grow and appreciate the help! you are an asset to these forums!!
dj00140 Reviewed by dj00140 on . Quick ?'s starting first grow! Ok so I have been reading reading reading for several hours a day and am buying everything to grow in couple weeks here, but i have a couple questions that werent clear in the threads i have read: 1. When testing pH is it just of the water being poured on the plants? or does the soil actually have a pH? 2. Whats topping and pruning? is it just cutting off the main cola or branches so they turn into 2 so u have a shorter bushier plant? 3. Is it possible to do an entire grow without using Rating: 5