10049 General Hydroponics pH Indicator, pH Down, pH Up, & Test Kit

To maximize plant growth, the pH of your nutrients should be slightly acidic. Experienced growers consider the ideal pH for most crops to fall between 5.5 and 6.5. Users of General Hydroponics nutrient products generally do not experience problems maintaining the proper pH range because our formulas are pH buffered. However, some important exceptions do exist. Acid content can reach unacceptable levels when nutrient solutions are mixed with poor quality water, or when pH unstable media – such as rock wool or gravel products – are used, or when high plant growth rates destabilize the nutrient mix due to rapid nutrient absorption by the crop.

Features

• This concentrated pH Test Indicator is simple to use and offers dependable results that are easy to read.
• Three drops of pH Test Indicator for every five milliliters of solution will determine the acidity or alkalinity of a plain water sample or nutrient solution; the resulting color of the sample corresponds to the pH chart included on the bottle.

• pH control is essential for stimulating vigorous plant growth.
• Nutrient solution pH that is too high (basic), or too low (acidic), cannot be properly absorbed by plants.
• Incorrect nutrient solution pH can cause slow growth, sickly plants and low yields.
• The pH scale measures acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14.
• Below 7.0, the pH is acidic.
• Above 7.0, the pH is alkaline(basic). 7.0 is "neutral".
• The best pH for plant growth is generally in the range of 5.5 to 6.5 -- slightly acidic.
• There are several causes for incorrect nutrient solution pH. Tap water used tomix nutrient solution often contains minerals and impurities that can affect nutrient pH.
• Rapidly growing plants consume different nutrients at different rates, thus altering the solution's original pH.
• Growing media such as RockWool or construction grade aggregate (pea gravel and shale) can dissolve slowly, greatly affecting the nutrient pH and causing it to rise or fall significantly.
• By maintaining nutrient pH within the range of 5.5 to 6.5, you can assure your crop "maximum availability" of all nutrient minerals. This will give you higher growth rates, higher yields, and healthier plants --- healthy plants are more resistant to insect infestation and disease.
• Test and adjust nutrient solution pH after mixing fresh hydroponic solution (or fertilizer for soil cultivation) and again every few days to maintain correct pH.
• For best results, discard and replace hydroponic solution regularly.

• Simply fill a test-tube halfway with nutrient, add a few drops of pH Test Indicator, and observe the coloration of the liquid in the test vial.
• Many experienced growers prefer our pH Test Kit to expensive electronic meters because of its reliability and ease of use, which are important factors when the health of a valuable crop is at stake. Use 3 drops per 5mL of solution.