PH Fluctuations in my resivor

AZPsyclops

AZPsyclops

Well-Known Member
I grow in aeroponics and I am periodically having PH down swings.
Setup and nutrients:
These are basic spray systems running about 150 gallons an hour per plant. The lids of the grow buckets are light proof.
I have been using GH nutrients for about three years at the recommended feeding levels, which includes powdered KoolBloom, GH in flower. I mix with well water that runs about 220 ppm, mostly calcium salts. There is no need adjust PH, with recommended mix, PH is approximately 6.6. consistently. Finished mix runs around 1250 ppm.
I change my reservoirs every week, which includes a scrubbing.
The strains are: AK-47, Headband Kush and a mystery Kush.
I have NO water temperature control and reservoirs can fluctuate between 60 to 85 deg. F in the summer months.

My PH can drop to a five or lower in a day. Current temp. swings are from 58 to 70 over the day.
The plants are only drinking about 3/4 of a gallon a day but even adding fresh water at PH of 8+ does not stabilize reservoir.
Can temperature swings be causing my PH fluctuations? Is it something-else you might know about?
 

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AKGrowAreo

AKGrowAreo

Well-Known Member
AZPsyclops said:
I grow in aeroponics and I am periodically having PH down swings.
Setup and nutrients:
These are basic spray systems running about 150 gallons an hour per plant. The lids of the grow buckets are light proof.
I have been using GH nutrients for about three years at the recommended feeding levels, which includes powdered KoolBloom, GH in flower. I mix with well water that runs about 220 ppm, mostly calcium salts. There is no need adjust PH, with recommended mix, PH is approximately 6.6. consistently. Finished mix runs around 1250 ppm.
I change my reservoirs every week, which includes a scrubbing.
The strains are: AK-47, Headband Kush and a mystery Kush.
I have NO water temperature control and reservoirs can fluctuate between 60 to 85 deg. F in the summer months.

My PH can drop to a five or lower in a day. Current temp. swings are from 58 to 70 over the day.
The plants are only drinking about 3/4 of a gallon a day but even adding fresh water at PH of 8+ does not stabilize reservoir.
Can temperature swings be causing my PH fluctuations? Is it something-else you might know about?
Click to expand...
Hi there @AZPsyclops . Temps above 68 degrees in your res can indirectly make your PH go up and down and can causing algae and or funk in your reservoirs. The first signs of algae before you can see it with the naked eye is an increasing ph level. If temps are your problem then I may have a solution for you...my DIY chiller cost less than $300 to make (probably more like $200 in your neck of the woods) and you could definitely run it cause I saw that you have a water source and drain in your grow area. I posted my chiller instructions in my thread and the link can be found in my signature.

Your ph fluctuations could also be caused by old or bad PH up or down. Ive heard of that happening quite a bit actually.

I have run many types of aero for years and my understanding is that the optimal ph level for nute uptake for aero is 5.8.

Hope this helps and holler if you need anything.
 
AZPsyclops

AZPsyclops

Well-Known Member
Thank-you for your response.
I have made a prototype chiller which keeps water temps at 60 F.
I believe you are correct and water temp. control will solve my problem.
I have also switched to Atami B-Cuzz and my problems in veg. have stopped.
 
AKGrowAreo

AKGrowAreo

Well-Known Member
AZPsyclops said:
Thank-you for your response.
I have made a prototype chiller which keeps water temps at 60 F.
I believe you are correct and water temp. control will solve my problem.
I have also switched to Atami B-Cuzz and my problems in veg. have stopped.
Click to expand...
Nice bro. That sounds like you're on the right track!
 
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