If getting the ph pen, you might want to think seriously about getting the calibration solution, and the shit they sell to keep the electrode wet. If the electrode dries, it skews the results and will need to be replaced. Unfortunatelly, getting it wet again doesn't work. For now you might want to go with the aquarium ph kit, but keep in mind you won't be able to get an accurate runoff ph. (tints in the runoff skew the color-coded results)

Once you've got the potential ph issue resolved the leaves above the canoeing fans will turn a pale greenish yellow/purple. After this, normal color and growth should return.

If water ph shows ok, keep in mind that it might be a lack of lime in the cheap soil, or the lime (a ph buffer in soil and soilless mixes) might already be depleted. :thumbsup: