the best advice your going to get is to flush right now.until u can determin your ph.u dont have to go balls out with a digi meter,u can pick up ph paper test strips at any pool store
'i use these in conjunction with my ph pen,im paranoid about electronic instruments" u can also buy sun leaves or gh brand dropper tests for around 3 dollers at a hydro store.if u dont have a hydro store in your town,find a pet store and go to there aquatic dept,they will have ph strips they are for fish,these will work just fine.how old are the plants?