PH Nightmare!!!!!

[Alex Delarge]

I have had really bad luck with PH adjustment for hydro solution. In summer I thought I had bacteria due to high temperature of solution. Still have same problem, no matter how often I adjust it down. Tap/well water comes out 7.6, I adjust it down to 5.6, and overnight it could be up to 8. Using distilled white vinegar, and 10 gallons of water. Probably using 10 ounces of DWV a day.

Could my water supply (tap water) have a bacteria condition? Have to order a test kit online, so I will know in a week or so.

Does anyone know about chlorinating water, and how much to use? Could chlorinate and let it sit for a few days to de-chlorinate.



Thanks

 

[Alex Delarge]

If anyone is interested, clorox says 5 ml of straight bleach, not scented, for 10 gallons. That is for contaminated water, with no cloudiness. An air pump will speed up de-chlorinating.

 

[kamikaza]

try using h202, if the PH stop rising, you will know it was bacteria activity....

and i whould suggest you to use proper PH down, not DIY. i use GHE, does the job.

 

[Alex Delarge]

Tried that again last night. Used 20 ounces for 10 gallons, and it slowed it down a lot, but did not stop it from rising.

 

[kamikaza]

Hi mate.

is it some kind of DIY willma system? so there is external res, pipes and water flow back to the res?

i think your problem is ALGEA. even if you don't see it.

the pipe are exposed to light. HID light will penatrate the white plastic pipe, and algea can form there. cover it with aluminium tape.

the bottom of the trays. each time you flood, there is water. and when not, it's humid. algea can grow there.

and it is exposed to light.

get a peace of panda film (the black and white nylon) and cover it like blanket, with holes for the plans. the white side facing up, so it will reflect light, and keep temp low.

is your res light proof? think of a car headlight next to it. would it penatrate the plastic? if so, it's not light proof. cover it with aluminium foil.

here are few examples, block light completly!

 

[Alex Delarge]

I think that must be it!!! Some of the rockwool cubes are green, the water always clouds up, and reservoir gets slimey. Does algae definetly raise PH? Can anything be added to kill the algae, without hurting the plants?

Thank you very much!!!!

 

[longcanon]

yea kamikaza is right cover that pvc good eye great advice

 

[Taviddude]

I would have said it was the hydroton. Unless you properly treat, and soak that shit it will rocket your PH up to 8 daily. Looks like you've got a drip feed setup, and all that solution is just getting jacked through that hydroton. It will take FOREVER for that shit to stabilize. Kind of wish it warned ya on the bag, huh? Kinda wonder why they don't.............

 

[Taviddude]

Did you pre-treat the hydroton?

 

[Torched]

You can run H2O2 through the system with the plants in there it should be strong enough to take out the algea without hurting the plants. You may also want to switch to a regular ph adjusting product. I believe things like vinegar do not have additional buffering capabilities (Carbonates?) so it can cause wider swings as conditions change in the res.