Did you calibrate the pH pen you used? I don't have a digital pen, but I know that many of them have to be calibrated using a solution with a neutral pH of 7. If it hadn't been calibrated, that's probably the reason you got such a high reading on both. If you're unable to get the calibration fluid right away, maybe think about picking up an aquarium liquid test kit, and using that on your tap water. If you're still getting a reading in the 12s, you'll definitely want to stick with the distilled water/CalMag. 12.2 is really high, so double check to make sure it's not your pH pen that's off the mark.

Edit: 6.6-6.8 is pretty ideal pH conditions for soil based mediums.
Mr. Clandestine Reviewed by Mr. Clandestine on . Help, plants are getting sick (pics) I have 2 White widows in soil. I used some cheap soil with nothing special in it. 80% soil, 20% perlite. the pots are approx 2 gallons. PLastic pots, good drainage, so good i must always dump out extra drainage. -2 tablespoons of fox farm "american" red bag are in the soil too -Im useing botanicareGro and superthrive- 15mlGro/gallon and .75 ml ST/gallon-6.7-6.8PH when watering-I diluted this 2 days ago when i began noticing the problem to half 7.5mlGro/.35mlST -I use distilled water Rating: 5