I think the logical thing for you to do is go to Ebay and purchase another ph pen, calibrate it, and use it. I would concetrate on the water going in first. After you solve those problems then you can start checking the run off. If you can not get the ingoing water properly ph'd you will never get the run off balanced to your liking. I hate to be the one to break this news to you but the bottled drinking water that you purchase at the store more than likely came from a tap just like the one you have in your home and will have a ph of around 7.0.
ditdotter Reviewed by ditdotter on . pH problems.. read lots of info, still need help! Your Equipment: .1) Type and wattage of lights. 250w MH .2) Distance from tops? was very close.. <1 ft, I raised it up to 2ft this week .3) Reflector type? enclosed .4) Is there a consistent fresh air supply? yes .5) Do you have an exhaust fan and a circulation fan? yes .6) What are the bulb wattages, kelvin ratings, and schedule? 24/0 250w MH conversion in an HPS ballast Your medium: .7) Specific brand and type of soil, FFOF straight out of the bag Rating: 5