the problem with ph being to high and low is that it makes the plants basic living elements unavailable,its kinda like being stuck in the desert with out water,your still alive but are dehydrated and sick.different ph levels lock out different micro nutes and metals that are normaly available.i have to add a gallon cap of ph down every day in order to stay at a between 5.5-6. it will creep up to a cool 7 with 6 waterings per day at 15 min intervuls,and i only use hydroten and one rapid rooter to get em started.