First grow... Water quality questions (pH, TDS, Hardness)?

[EvilCartman]

it will be Fox Farms Ocean Forest 80%, Perlite 20%... and possibly a small dose of lime.

I like the idea of the lime. Seems like cheap insurance. Mixed well, it certainly does no harm. :thumbsup:

I also see that Fox Farms soil is at like 6.3 - 6.5 or something. I understand a target pH in soild should be right in this range, about 6.3 - 6.8? So, I'm wondering what pH should I adjust to for my regular waterings?? 7.0 to be neutral.... or 6.5 to aim for the target?

You're right-on with the pH of the FFOF. My own and the local aggie school test put it at 6.5.
I've ph'd every feeding/watering to 6.5 and have not seen any problems. This is my first time with the FFOF. Mine is mixed similar to what you state. I added vermiculite, none needed! :i feel stupid:

Also, I haven't tested my tap water, which is what I'll be using (after a 24-48 chlorine evap/temp stabilization period). So, I'm guessing if it's above 7.0 I'll need some pH Down? What do I want to set my pH to for regular waterings? What about when I start adding nutes?

You should have both on hand IMO (pH up + down). Depends on your starting water pH and choice of Nutrients. For example, starting with pH7.2 water, the FF nutes I'm using will drop the pH way down. I need to add pH Up.

Oh yeah, I don't plan on adding ANY nutrients until maybe week 3-4. Then during flowering I plan on feeding MINIMALLY

Your set nute-wise for a month with the FFOF! For sure.
Can't help much on the feeding, I'm only using the FF stuff for the first time myself. No complaints, the girls are lapping it up full strength, but the jury's out 'till the curtain falls.

HTH