Help, plants are getting sick (pics)

[stinkyattic]

Lots of pH meters need calibration. In fact, most do. You'll want to follow the manufacturer's instructions with fresh pH buffer solutions (typically a 4.01 and a 7.0), plus a check solution if you have one available.
12.1 sounds very unlikely; if it IS 12.1, you need to call the city sewer&water utility and let them know that they SUCK at their jobs, lol. More likely is that your pH meter is off. It's not a Hanna perchance... ?

[Magoo2003]

it is a hanna(is that bad?)- i calaberated it useing a freinds. but it has been a while so i will double check it. I do live in the middle of no where so maybe we have dirtier water?

It seems to work well. I add PH down and the PH goes down so it works but maybe its off ill look into that i guess.

What about Fiji water just wondering.(at least untill i can get calmag next week or permanantly?)..i happened to drink some today and the specs on the back say

typical analysis in mg/liter
Silica- 85
calcium- 17
Magnesium- 13
PH-7.5
Bicarbonattes-140
Total dissolced solids- 210

[Rusty Trichome]

I have calibration liquid, but still do a side-by-side comparison with my old stand-by...the (liquid) aquarium water ph test kit. ($6.00) I test the water with my ph pen, then test same sample of water with the test kit. Gives a good idea how close your pen really is. :thumbsup:

I just checked...drain opener has a ph of 12.
Household bleach is a 12.5
Baking soda, 8.4

The MSDS HyperGlossary: pH

A ph of 12 just doesn't seem likely, tho. Even a high-range ph test kit for saltwater aquariums only goes up-to 9.5 or 10.
If your city water is 12, call a lawyer. If you have your own well, and it's at 12...you'll want to look elsewhere for your water.

[stinkyattic]

Hannas aren't known for reliability. One of these days that company is gonna sue my ass, lol...
Liquid testers are accurate and reliable. They don't read to like 2 decimal places, but this isn't an exact science! As long as you can tell it's in range you're fine.
Bottled drinking water is not good for plants. I bet your tap water isn't NEARLY as bad as you think it is. Grab a $10 liquid test kit from the aquarium supply shop and see what the real numbers are.