Can my media type be the issue why I'm having trouble with a high PH

[Jimmy Bell]

My PH stays around the 7.8 to 8.0. The media that is in the bed is limestone in one bed and large gravel in the other. Which I believe is causing my plants to not produce fruit as well as they should. It seams that with my cucumbers they start to grow then turn yellow and die. I have used PH down to try and lower it but I'm concerned that this stuff is not good for my system. My questions are

1. Does anyone feel that my assumption is correct that my plants are not producing as they should do to the PH being to high?

2. Should I stop using PH down?

3. Is it possible that my media is the cause of the high levels of PH?

4. Should I keep adding this stuff until the PH level is where it needs to be.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair]

Yes if the media is limestone it will raise the PH of the of the water in the system forever. You need PH neutral media to have successful grows. To test your media you can do the fizz test by putting some of your media in a glass of vinegar. If you see small bubbles coming from your media you know the PH is high.

[Jimmy Bell]

Ok thanks for that info. How about the gravel in the other bed, do you think it is suitable for aquaponics. What type of media should I use in the beds?

Thanks

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Jimmy,

Your media, if you insist on using gravel, should be stone of the Quartz type(inert). Have you tested your source/incoming water as well? With the Ph as high as you have, plants will show signs of deficiency 

[Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair]

Other types of media include: Hydroton or some other expanded clay product, expanded shale, growstones (recycled glass). I am about to buy this product for a project that I am working on: http://www.hayneedle.com/product/plantthorticulturalclaypebbles8mm1...

It is the best price I could find with cheap shipping for 45 liters of media.

[Jimmy Bell]

I have been using this media for 1.5 years with limited success. I have produced quite a few vegetables but feel I could be doing better. What type of media do ou recommend that is enexpensive. And where do I source it?


Harold Sukhbir said:

Hi Jimmy,

Your media, if you insist on using gravel, should be stone of the Quartz type(inert). Have you tested your source/incoming water as well? With the Ph as high as you have, plants will show signs of deficiency 

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Jimmy,

In my country we have Gravel sites supplied from Quarries. These depots stockpile different grades and types of gravel. I use the quartz type used for decorating plant/garden beds, they usually come black or white in color. I use a pea gravel. When you do find a supplier ask for quartz stone 1/8, 1/2, or 3/4 inch will do.

[sally cummings]

if you live in ct dc de ma md me nh nj oh pa ri va vt & wv New england Hydroponics sells Plant it Hydroton for 32.99 with free shipping for orders over 100.00