PH testing-how is it done?

[greenpassion]

I grow all my orchids in S/H, and have had a pretty good track record considering that I consider myself a newbie at least for the next few years. Anyway, I have to admit a dark secret I have never considered nor done anything about the pH aspect of S/H. I use RO distilled water flushing and watering, but feel like the pH factor is something I at least ought to know about. How do I test the Ph. levels and when should I do this?

[billc]

I use a test kit I bought at a local hydroponics store for about $7.00US. It comes with a small bottle of solution and a little vial. You fill the vial with the water you want to test, and add 3 drops of the solution, shake it and match to the supplied color chart. You can test your pre-irrigation water or test the water after you've watered. I use collected rain water for the most part and I was surprised at how acidic it was.

Bill

[phragguy]

there is also ph metres on the market