pH problems

[ellensearps]

I am a newbie to growing. I have a hydroponic grow how do I lower it without using pH down? I had a pH of 6.2 and tried adding straight water and that didn't change anything. I tried adding more of my nutrient mix and that just made the pH go up to 6.3. I'm at a loss. The plants were just added yesterday so sure don't want to lose them. Have been having a very hard time with growing.

ellensearps Reviewed by ellensearps on 11-19-2012. pH problems I am a newbie to growing. I have a hydroponic grow how do I lower it without using pH down? I had a pH of 6.2 and tried adding straight water and that didn't change anything. I tried adding more of my nutrient mix and that just made the pH go up to 6.3. I'm at a loss. The plants were just added yesterday so sure don't want to lose them. Have been having a very hard time with growing. Rating: 5

[emilya]

you could use vinegar as a quick substitute... it is a very effective ph down, but not sure if it would be good for a hydro grow long term since I have no experience in that area. I like it in my soil garden as I tend to go with natural and cheap solutions to my gardening needs but again, I don't want to wreck your hydro setup with bad advice either.

[Farmer Rich]

Why don't you just go get some Ph down? It's pretty inexpensive.

[VickiR]

you didn't say where you get water from... if tap water , let that water sit for a day or two before you try to check or adjust.
vinegar will bring it down and not do any harm. ( 1 tbs : gal will normaly bring ph down 1 point )
ph down is also harmless , either way..