Ph and ppm constantly rising

jkwrestling13

Well-Known Member
Running 16 power kush in a flo n grow using house and garden nutes.

The ph rises by about .4 every few hours. I will check it, come back 4 hours later, and it will be quite a bit higher. Is this normal? Im running a 50 gallon res.

Also, my ppms rise by about 50 a day on the 500 scale. Starting the week ill be at 1000. Next day 1050, right now its up to 1200.

Any help is appreciated. The plants are very healthy. Pictures can be found in my grow journal here:

https://www.rollitup.org/Journal/jkwrestling13.895121/
 

Major Blazer

Well-Known Member
My familiarity with house and garden nutrients is nonexistent. It would be a good idea to read all of your labels and/or contact manufacturer about issue. Also, you didn't mention where you are getting your water from. Consider that if using city tap water, ph buffers may be in place causing the swing in ph. And lastly, you didn't mention the age of your plants. I couldn't open your journal so i cant say but if the plants are mature, they could be consuming high amounts of water, thereby raising your ppm as the water is taken up. Just guesses using the KISS theory, hopefully you get it figured out.
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
Running 16 power kush in a flo n grow using house and garden nutes.

The ph rises by about .4 every few hours. I will check it, come back 4 hours later, and it will be quite a bit higher. Is this normal? Im running a 50 gallon res.

Also, my ppms rise by about 50 a day on the 500 scale. Starting the week ill be at 1000. Next day 1050, right now its up to 1200.

Any help is appreciated. The plants are very healthy. Pictures can be found in my grow journal here:

https://www.rollitup.org/Journal/jkwrestling13.895121/
Running 16 power kush in a flo n grow using house and garden nutes.

The ph rises by about .4 every few hours. I will check it, come back 4 hours later, and it will be quite a bit higher. Is this normal? Im running a 50 gallon res.

Also, my ppms rise by about 50 a day on the 500 scale. Starting the week ill be at 1000. Next day 1050, right now its up to 1200.

Any help is appreciated. The plants are very healthy. Pictures can be found in my grow journal here:

https://www.rollitup.org/Journal/jkwrestling13.895121/
"Change the Solution
The ppm of the nutrient and water solution in the reservoir rises as you add more fertilizer to the hydroponics system. Topping off the reservoir as the water evaporates may lead to higher ppm of fertilizer salts, which can damage your plants. The simplest method of maintaining an even level of nutrients in the reservoir is to change the solution regularly. A weekly water change removes the excess salts and nutrients, ensuring that the reservoir's pH level remains between 5.5 to 6.5, and that the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels are consistent."

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ppm-rise-reservoir-using-expanded-clay-rocks-102237.html
 

jkwrestling13

Well-Known Member
My familiarity with house and garden nutrients is nonexistent. It would be a good idea to read all of your labels and/or contact manufacturer about issue. Also, you didn't mention where you are getting your water from. Consider that if using city tap water, ph buffers may be in place causing the swing in ph. And lastly, you didn't mention the age of your plants. I couldn't open your journal so i cant say but if the plants are mature, they could be consuming high amounts of water, thereby raising your ppm as the water is taken up. Just guesses using the KISS theory, hopefully you get it figured out.
Sorry about that, using city water. Ph comes out around 8.5. Ppm comes out around 350.
The plants are approaching the end of their third week of veg.
 

jkwrestling13

Well-Known Member
"Change the Solution
The ppm of the nutrient and water solution in the reservoir rises as you add more fertilizer to the hydroponics system. Topping off the reservoir as the water evaporates may lead to higher ppm of fertilizer salts, which can damage your plants. The simplest method of maintaining an even level of nutrients in the reservoir is to change the solution regularly. A weekly water change removes the excess salts and nutrients, ensuring that the reservoir's pH level remains between 5.5 to 6.5, and that the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels are consistent."

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ppm-rise-reservoir-using-expanded-clay-rocks-102237.html
I change my res every thursday with 50 gallons of water. Even the first day after res change, the ph drifts from 6.0 to aroumd 6.3 within a couple hours.
 

Grandpapy

Well-Known Member
Diluting parts A&B before mixing and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes, then very slowly blending together will help stabilize your mix tank.
 

bellcore

Well-Known Member
I'm in the same boat. Bubble buckets, 8.1 ph 210 ppm tap water. PH drifts upwards on a daily basis after initial PH'ing. I'd really like to use tap water. How about 50% tap/50% RO?
 

jkwrestling13

Well-Known Member
I'm in the same boat. Bubble buckets, 8.1 ph 210 ppm tap water. PH drifts upwards on a daily basis after initial PH'ing. I'd really like to use tap water. How about 50% tap/50% RO?
Ill try 50/50 and let you know how it goes, as my res change is tomorrow and i really dont want to accumulate 50 gallons of ro water tomorrow.
 

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
when I was doing dwc, pH would always drift upwards if things were going OK. set it at 5.5 and by the end of week, it would be around 6.1

ppm going up like that means you are feeding too strong. they are drinking more water than eating and the ppm will go up. you want your ppm to either stay the same or drop slightly.
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
I'm in the same boat. Bubble buckets, 8.1 ph 210 ppm tap water. PH drifts upwards on a daily basis after initial PH'ing. I'd really like to use tap water. How about 50% tap/50% RO?
I just read a piece stating to save costs to try this. To see if it's usable measure your PPM and pH going in (your base water). The article suggested a 2:1 ratio (2 parts tap to 1 part RO) as a benchmark to start. Adjust from there. Obviously you want your water to be as free of any mineral as possible to use as a base.
 
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