Measuring and adjusting pH of your garden is easy with these simple tools. Remember to always follow manufacturers instructions for how your specific pH pen works. Today, we will be testing with the Bluelab pH pen.
Tools needed:
If using a pH Pen to measure:
Step One: Inspect pH Pen
Turn the unit on and ensure it is operating properly and the probe is not damaged or dried out (probe should appear clear not cloudy).
Step Two: Calibrate pH Pen
Your pen must be calibrated properly before use. Ensure that it is calibrated by checking it in a pH calibration solution. If it is not reading correctly you must calibrate it before testing your solution. Learn more about calibrating pH pens here.
Step Three: Stir solution and place pH pen into solution and wait for reading to appear
Stir the solution to ensure an even distribution. Follow the manufacturer instructions to get a reading. Be sure to keep the pH pen in a central location to ensure an even reading.
Step Four: If needed, add pH Up or Down to adjust the pH of your solution
You want to go very slowly to start here as you do not want to overshoot by adding too much of either pH Up or Down. If you do overshoot you SHOULD NOT add the opposite solution to correct but instead dispose of the solution and start over. It's recommended to have an instrument like an eye-dropper which can add small amounts of pH adjusting solution so you can slowly adjust.
Step Five: Take another reading
After adding a small amount of pH adjusting solution, take another reading with the pH pen. If more adjustment is needed repeat steps four and five until desired pH level is reached.
(optional) Step Six: Record your findings
It's a good idea to take note of the amount of pH adjusting solution you added. You should do this regardless of if it is a few drops or multiple ounces (depending on volume of solution).
This way the next time you need to adjust the same volume of solution you have a good idea of how much adjusting solution needs to be added.
Step Seven: Properly store pH pen
It's important to properly store pH probes in a storage solution to ensure they do not dry out and become damaged.
If using a visual pH checking solution to measure:
Follow the same steps above and replace the use of the pH pen with taking samples and adding the proper amount of pH testing solution to each sample. This is just one of the many tasks you'll have on a weekly basis in the grow room. Visit our blog for the complete guide on indoor growing!
Questions? Call 888-815-9763 or email support@hydrobuilder.com.
