look, i was not trying to be an ass but when ever a newbie ask a question we always get the use the search feature, not sure if you have tried this yourself but not much comes up at all. so i thought i would seek the advise of the experts, and still received vague answers. When you say add baking soda to your water how much would you say per gallon, I really do appreciate the info becuase I would be lost with out the site. I am also sorry that I rubbed you guys the wrong way not my intentions.
Fair enough. You don't need much to raise your ph.. and it's definately not as good as PH up that you can buy at any pool place and some bigger grocery stores. I have only used it when I slip with the ph down, and it's like less than 1/4 teaspoon at a time in a 10 gal. res. to adjust it as it was mentioned that salt is bad.
5.8 isn't a horribly low Ph I don't think.. I think soil prefers 6-7 ph .. I could be wrong on that and I'm sure if I am someone will correct it pretty fast. So you may be alright with it as it is. If you don't have a ph testor, it's a very needed invetment of like 20 bucks.
I'd say 90% of the problems I have had with my grow are PH, or nute (we all learn very fast that more isn't better). The other is mistakes during set up that have stunted their growth that you get straightened out pretty fast too, but you learn, and they are pretty resiliant little plants.
Just remember it's not that no one wants to help, or will try, but generally if you get help, and it's good advice and you tell the guy it was useless for him to bother trying to help, how would you expect the rest of us to respond? Ask nice and be thankful when you get assistance.. watch what happens next time you have a problem and you do it that way how much more information people will take the time to go over with you. Welcome to RIU.
Again, my opinions are mine alone, some agree, some don't. Won't change what I think which ever side of the fence you stand on. Thanks for taking the time to apologize.