Watering with high ph - Orchid Board

dmacch · #1 12-27-2009, 03:49 PM

I water my orchids with water out of the tap through a dosatron injector. My ph out of the tap is 7 after going through the dosatron it is 8.2 much too high for good growth. How do I lower ph of water coming out of the tap? Thanks.

Dom

trdyl · #2 12-27-2009, 04:03 PM

Years ago I knew of a commercial grower that would lower his pH with phosphoric acid.

stefpix · #3 12-27-2009, 05:31 PM

what about a few drops of vinegar or lemon or coffee?

Des · #4 12-27-2009, 08:46 PM

What fertilizer are you using in the dosatron ? If you are using the correct fertilizer the PH should be below 7

Undergrounder · #5 12-28-2009, 08:26 AM

what's in the dosatron? fertilisers tend to be acidic if anything..

Anyway my tap water is 8.5, and i lower it down to neutral with my fertiliser and a little phos acid

dmacch · #6 12-28-2009, 10:09 AM

I am using a combination of 20-20-20 water soluble and fish emulsion.

Des · #7 12-28-2009, 10:52 AM

My suggestion would be to rather use a balanced (chemical) hydroponic feed (visit your local garden shop )If you still want to add an organic feed then I find it better to use a seaweed emulsion. It is possible that the fish emulsion is raising the PH. A simple PH test of both fertilizers will tell you where the problem lies

dmacch · #8 12-28-2009, 11:30 AM

Thats a great idea. Thanks

orchids3 · #9 12-29-2009, 12:32 AM

I think citric acid is a good pH dropper and is safe to use. Try to avoid acids that can be hazardous.
Jacks has both pH uppers and downers as do many hydropnonics stores.
Jacks ( Jack Peters) has been in the buisness for three generations now - I tend to like his product.
Can supply the web address if you will send me a private message requesting it.