New Grower How Long to Runoff?

[Heavily Medicated]

When I feed until I get 15% runoff or so, how long are we waiting to determine that the runoff is "over". Are we talking minutes, hours or how long. I will have alot more runoff after an hour or so than just shortly after feeding. Also, to check ph of runoff, should I catch the very first runoff that comes out, and as long as I have sample enough to stic the tester in, is that enough? I've run 3 grows paying no attention to ph what-so-ever, so this area is all new to me. I really didn't notice any problems with my previous grows, but I may have been missing out and not even knowing it. Thanks for any help.

 

[Happy Horticulturist]

When I feed until I get 15% runoff or so, how long are we waiting to determine that the runoff is "over". Are we talking minutes, hours or how long.

Until it's over. Depending on your medium. I don't really ever do 'run off' myself but I would guess we're talking more than minutes, less than hours.

Also, to check ph of runoff, should I catch the very first runoff that comes out, and as long as I have sample enough to stic the tester in, is that enough? I've run 3 grows paying no attention to ph what-so-ever, so this area is all new to me. I really didn't notice any problems with my previous grows, but I may have been missing out and not even knowing it. Thanks for any help.

Generally yes you just want the very first bit of the run off.

The better way to test pH is to do a 'slurry pH test'.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSbUcr37xoQ

Although really the best time to do this is after harvest because it involves taking soil from close to the root zone and mixing it with distilled water than pH testing that for the most accurate pH test for your soil / soiless medium.

Generally the run off test is okay. If you want to spend a couple hundred bucks BlueLabs make a soil pH pen which kicks ass.

For now a pH run off test and then a slurry test after harvest to double check is a lot better than nothing

 

[Happy Horticulturist]

Thanks for the rep bro. If you ever need my help feel free to PM me!