Buffer PH level up every two days!

[Doug Johnson]

Our PH levels dropped from well water of 8.2 over time to 6.4. I am now constantly buffering the water up to 6.8. When it drops to 6.4 I buffer it up to 6.8. The problem is that this process happens every 2 days and it is a pain. I need something that will help keep the level more consistent over a week or two if this is reasonable, Input would be great....

[Kevin Gorham]

Try adding some calcium carbonate to your system. It should buffer on its own as needed. As the PH goes up, more of it will be released into the system.

[RupertofOZ]

Sprinkle some shellgrit through your grow beds... or hang in a "sock" under a water return....

 

Not an instant fix... but will eventually self regulate... well as long as the grit takes to breakdown anyway...

 

pH 6.4 isn't a bad thing for an AP system... in fact quite the opposite...

[Justin Taylor]

What about if your PH is at 6.0 consistently. Should I then buffer up with calcium carbonate?

[RupertofOZ]

Better to use Hydrated Lime... Calcium Hydroxide... and alternate it with a Potassium buffer... like Potassium Hydroxide... or Pottasium BiCarbonate...

[Rob Nash]

i like to add about 30% pea gravel or river rock, to your total media.