Ph Up&down

[F420]

http://www.hydrocentre.com.au/questions/hy...no_catagory.htm

 

 

Any acid will drop the pH and any alkaline with raise the pH.

 

The problem is what else will be added to the solution.

 

The only 3 substances that do not produce by-products are:-

 

1. Phosphoric acid which adds phosphorus only

 

2. Nitric Acid which adds nitrogen only

 

3. Potassium Hydroxide which adds potassium only

 

Strengths are an issue, as the reaction with sulfates as well as other molecules can break down the solubility of a solution. When you add pH adjustment solutions and you see precipitates (cloudiness) you are watching nutrients turn into insoluble powders, and the nutrient is damaged.

 

Phosphoric acid and Potassium Hydroxide need to watered down before pouring into the nutrient to avoid knocking nutrients out of solution.

 

Nitric Acid is way way too strong to use usually, and is not generally available.

 

To answer your question, yes you could adjust the solutions pH, but usually the damage produces worse nutrient deficiencies than if you had let the pH drift . Other compounds which can do the job often are so weak that you use litres of it to get even a marginal change e.g. citric acids, other foods and it doesn't really help. Heaps of lemon juice will change the pH but so many compounds cause problems, like sugar feeding root disease and algae... Its all too hard.