For hydroponic growers, pH is everything. Because if your nutrient solutions are not at the right pH, it could mean the end of those hydroponics crops you raised with such care. While adjusting your pH is a simple affair, you have to be diligent about it. Actually, hydroponics growers might actually find it easier to check and adjust their pH, because they are dealing with liquid-based systems.
The most inexpensive and basic method of checking the pH of your hydroponic nutrient solution is by using a paper test strip. They contain a pH sensitive dye that changes colour when dipped into nutrient solution.
Then there are different types of digital meters that help you measure pH levels in your hydroponics system. They are accurate when calibrated properly but need good maintenance to keep them working. Some meters have glass bulb electrodes that must be kept wet at all times. pH meters used to measure your hydroponics nutrients systems need to be calibrated very frequently so that they don’t give you wrong readings. pH meters can be moody and break down with warning, so it is a good idea to keep an emergency backup meter so that your hydroponics nutrient solution and subsequently your plants don’t suffer.
Once you have obtained a pH reading, you can adjust the pH so that it is ideal for your hydroponic plants. The most popular chemicals used to adjust pH are phosphoric acid, which lowers the pH and potassium hydroxide, which raises it. However, if you are a smart hydroponics grower, you won’t stay in the dark and will use products meant for the intelligent and focused – like pH Perfect.