another nugget pulled from riddleme's journal. read this pdf about ph.
http://www.growersunderground.com/pH_Manifesto.pdf
your ph should be about 6.4-6.7 otherwise some micro-nutrients can't be absorbed. 8.5 is way to alkaline. use ph down from a hydro store. I I use general hydroponics ph down. It is phosphoric acid and is very concentrated. I've read that vinegar only brings down the ph for a day then dissipates. It is volatile.
also, it is a good idea to let your tap water sit for 24 hours if it is cloudy. allows for chlorine and other contaminants to dissipate. If your water is cloudy then your EC/PPM is probably very high. I would not use the recommended dosage on your fertilizer b/c of this. Top it out at half to three-quarters strength once they are older and more developed. It might be a good idea to get a water filter or use rain water.
mm
