To maximize plant growth, the pH content 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 pH unstable media—such as rockwool and gravel products—are used, and when high plant growth rates destabilize the nutrient mix due to rapid nutrient absorption by the crop.
pH Up: Base formulated using Potassium Hydroxide and Potassium Carbonate. Add a little at a time if your nutrient pH is too low in order to raise the pH to the proper level.
pH Down: This acid formulation uses food grade phosphoric acid to lower the pH to the proper level.
Grower's Tip: Most tap water is in the 7.0 to 8.0 range. Hydroponic nutrients are typically acidic and, when mixed in tap water, usually drop the solution into the proper range.
