My plant is 5 wks old. Keep getting browning tips that spread down the leaf. They aren't getting completely dried out and becoming brittle though. It started when I first began using Botanicare Pure Blend Pro. I thought I had put too much in but now I'm thinking I may not have enough? I've backed the PPM down to around 300 since the browning tips started. 300W LED at 23".... Started at 18". Two air pumps and two stones creating plenty of bubbly action. Water temps are between 68 and 70, and roots are healthy. The plant seems stunted. I'm fairly certain it should be much bigger than it is at 5 wks. Another strange thing is the PPM never seems to go down much if at all and I'm sure that's why growth is stunted and the tips are browning. Any advice is appreciate!
PPM does rise if anything, but not usually much. The water level doesn't seem to go down very fast either. I feel like the plant isn't get water or nutrients. The roots are growing much quicker than the plant is. They got stained from after I put nutes in the first time, but all new growth is white. I thought my solution was too strong as well, but I haven't had any better results since then. Is it possible I don't have enough nutes? I don't want to try and find out and kill it.
You really should invest in a digital pH meter. You won't kill the plant with only 300 ppm. Just leave it at that for a day or two and see how the plant reacts. However, if your pH is in fact out of range, then certain nutes are going to be locked out, and you'll continue to see deficiencies.
I know it....I have a digital pH meter but it has never worked. I didn't know you are suppose to keep it wet after you use it the first time. I will get another one. My pH has to be out of range...thanks guys.
Yea the blue lab I have comes with a storage solution and a cap. I've done the same thing and have always had problems with cheapo ph Meters. And aside from your light it's probably the 2nd most impt part to growing hydro. Because the difference between 6.1 and 6.3 can mean you are locking certain nutes out Yea the blue lab I have comes with a storage solution and a cap. I've done the same thing and have always had problems with cheapo ph Meters. And aside from your light it's probably the 2nd most impt part to growing hydro. Because the difference between 6.1 and 6.3 can mean you are locking certain nutes out
I have both the PH and the PPM meter by Bluelab. They work great when they work. Actually I've never had an issue with the PPM meter but I went through five PH pens before I ended up with one that worked. They were all under warrantee so it didn't cost me anything to replace them but by that time my local hydro store decided not to carry them anymore due to these issues with them. I actually have two different ph meters as well as a multi meter full time in my res. if they don't jive with each other I calibrate them till they do I agree with others about the PH prolly being your issue and the fact that proper ph is CRITICAL
I've been thru a few of the cheap ones. They don't work so well after I accidentally drop them in a res... As a matter of fact, they don't work at all. Now, I use a Hanna HI 98129 combo. I'm perfectly happy with it. Check out my thread if you'd like. http://forum.grasscity.com/hydroponic-growing/1365670-crankzs-corner.html