It is essential to get a suitable soil pH if you plan to grow healthy plants. Different plants require varying pH levels to maintain the correct nutrient absorption levels, resulting in healthy growth and high yield. The ideal pH for most plants falls between 5.5 to 6.5.
pH control kits usually contain a pH indicator, pH Up and pH down, nutrient charts, and vials to carry out tests. They contain all you need to test your soil and hydroponics system and correct the pH levels. General Hydroponics pH control kits also tell you the nutrients deficient so that you can fix them appropriately.
The pH levels are affected by various factors such as climate, topography, and mineral content. That’s why it’s essential to carry out soil tests before you start planting because different plants have different pH level requirements. The soil is warm and humid environments are usually acidic due to leaching.
Soil with high clay content is more resistant to pH changes, so you may need to apply more pH control before getting the desired pH level. Sandy soils are more susceptible to pH control.
The Best pH Control Kits Are Reviewed Below
Table of Contents
1
General Hydroponics pH Control Kit
The general hydroponics ph test kit is the first on the list and provides the most comprehensive pH control available to you. The correct pH level is essential to healthy plant growth, so this pH control kit will help you maintain the proper pH you need.
The General Hydroponics has 8 ounces of both pH up and pH down, with an ounce of an indicator. The kit comes with a vial, which you can fill with the nutrient to be tested, making testing easy. The results are as accurate as those from a pH meter.
Key Features:
- pH up
- pH down
- test tube
- dropper
Specification:
- Brand: General Hydroponics
- pH up volume: 8 oz.
- pH down volume: 8 oz
- Indicator volume: 1 oz.
- Weight: 1.5 lb
Pros
- The test results are as accurate as an electronic pH meter.
- Easy to use.
- It comes with a handy vial for tests.
- It can be used on both hydroponics and soil.
Cons
2
Viagrow VLPTK4 Test Liquid Nutrient Adjusting Solution pH Control Kit
The Viagrow VLPTK4 control kit is a concentrated and very effective pH control kit for plants. It is food grade and can be used for various crops and plants without adverse effects. It can measure between pH between 4-10 and can be used to carry out up to 160 tests.
Key Features:
- pH up, pH down
- 10 ml vial
- Broad range indicator
Specification:
- Brand: Viagrow
- pH up volume: 8.45 oz.
- pH down volume: 8.45 oz
- Indicator volume: 1.35 oz
- Weight: 1 lb
Pros
- It is a food-grade acid and base materials
- It is very affordable
- It has a broad range of pH value
- It is very concentrated, so tiny amounts are needed to adjust the pH
Cons
3
General Hydroponics pH Down Liquid Premium Buffering For pH Stability
The General Hydroponics pH down for hydroponics and soil is made from food-grade acid and helps your soil maintain proper pH level.
Key Features:
- pH down liquid
Specification:
- Brand: General Hydroponics
- Volume: 8 oz
Pros
- It is food-grade acid
Cons
4
General Hydroponics pH Up Liquid Premium Buffering For Stability
If your soil or hydroponic pH is too low and you need to raise it without buying an entire kit, you can opt for the pH up from General Hydroponics. It comes in an 8 oz container and can be applied easily.
Key Features:
- pH up liquid
Specification:
- Brand: General Hydroponics
- Volume: 8 0z
Pros
- Helps soil pH stability
- It is food-grade
Cons
5
General Hydroponics GH1516 Indicator
The General Hydroponics indicator is. Fill a vial with a nutrient solution sample and add some drops of the indicator to the solution to determine the pH. This indicator is accurate and not as expensive as getting a digital pH meter.
Key Features:
- pH indicator
Specification:
- Brand: General Hydroponics
- Volume: 8 0z
- pH range: 4-8.5
Pros
- The solution is easy to use
Cons
- The indicator can detect very high and low pH levels.
Buying Guide Questions
Are you ready to purchase your pH control kits but still have questions? We have compiled all the questions you may have in mind, and we have done our best to answer them.
How do you use a pH control kit?
When you purchase your pH control kit, you will be provided with detailed instructions on using it appropriately. A pH control kit contains everything you need to measure your soil or hydroponics solution’s pH or how to adjust it.
To test your hydroponics solution, take a sample of the solution and test its pH level with the indicator provided. If you want to test the soil, scoop about three spoons of the soil and mix it with distilled water. Drain the water into a clean glass vial and test with a pH test strip or indicator.
Depending on the test result, you will need to apply pH up or down to your soil or hydroponic solution. A water pump is the best way to apply pH control to your hydroponic solution, so check out the best air pumps and water pumps for hydroponics
You can watch this video that describes how to use a pH test kit
What is pH up and PH down?
pH up and pH down are used to control the acidity and basicity of soil or hydroponics and bring it to the desired level. pH up a base, usually potassium hydroxide, while pH down is acid, and phosphoric acid is commonly used.
How do I bring my pH down? Can you use vinegar to lower pH in hydroponics?
To bring your pH down, you need to add acid to the soil. However, don’t go by adding just any type of acid to your soil or hydroponic solution. You can lower your pH by using pH down from your control kit. However, you can also use vinegar. Vinegar is acetic acid that’s been diluted.
Add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water and water your soil, or you can use an injector to spread the acid evenly. Make sure to carry out soil tests to determine your soil pH before applying vinegar to it.
Can pH down burn skin?
pH down is acid, so there’s a possibility of it burning your skin. Take safety precautions when handling pH down. pH down can cause severe burns, itching, discoloration, and stinging sensation.
If your skin comes in contact with Ph down, make sure you seek immediate medical help. But read the label on the container for first aid to apply, which may include washing the affected area with water or adding a base solution.
How can I test the pH of my water without a kit?
It is easier and more accurate to use a kit to test your water pH level. However, you can use red cabbage to test it. Grate the cabbage, then add two cups of boiled distilled water to it, stir and let it sit for about half an hour.
Strain the water after this duration, and it should be reddish-purple. The water will serve as an indicator, so get the water you want to test and put it in a vial, then add a few drops of the cabbage water indicator to it.
The water will change color depending on the pH level. Red indicates a pH of 0-3; purple is 4-5, violet is 6-7, all of which represent acidic water. If the water turns blue, then the pH is between 8-9, blueish-green represents a pH of 10-11, while greenish-yellow means the pH is between 12-14.
How do I test my pH levels?
The most accurate method of pH testing is by using a digital pH meter. The meter accurately measures the amount of acid in water and displays the accurate value. You may like to check these pH Meters
You can test your pH levels by using the homemade red cabbage indicator. But it’s often best that you use pH control kits like the general hydroponics ph control kit. These kits contain accurate indicators and instruction manuals on how to use them. Also, you get pH Up and Down to adjust the pH levels.
Should I pH my water before adding nutrients?
You should add water to your nutrients before you attempt to adjust the pH with your ph control kit for soil. The reason for this is because water has its pH, likewise the nutrients. So prepare the nutrient solution first and test the pH levels, then adjust it as needed.
If you are using a kit, then follow these steps:
- Prepare your nutrient solution and set it aside.
- Fill up a test vial with the nutrients solution and add three drops of the indicator for every 5ml of the nutrient.
- Add pH Up or pH down to the solution you set aside earlier to get the appropriate pH level, then take another sample and retest by repeating the step above.
- Repeat till you get the desired pH
Can you use pH up and PH down together?
You must not mix both pHs up and pH down together because they will cause a reaction that may result in injuries. Asides from this, the resulting solution will be neutral. However, you can use them on your soil and hydroponic solution in succession till you get the desired pH level. If you add too much of either, you can correct it by adding the other to neutralize it.
How long does it take for pH down to work?
You can change your nutrient solution’s pH immediately by adding pH Up or pH down to it. pH down starts working immediately you add it to your soil or hydroponic solution; however, the process can take up to a year or two depending on the product used.
What can I use to lower pH in hydroponics?
To lower the pH in hydroponics, you can make use of the ph up and down kit. There are regular household items you can also use, such as vinegar, to lower the pH. However, make sure you measure the pH before adding anything to lower or increase the pH. A general hydroponics ph control kit has all you need to lower pH in hydroponics. So be sure to pick one up today, as it will make everything easy for you. You can reduce the acid content of your soil by adding lime and applying organic material rich in magnesium and calcium bicarbonates.
Conclusion
When you have a hydroponics system or plant crops in the soil, it is essential to ensure they retain the normal pH levels to promote the natural and healthy growth of the plants. Soil pH levels are influenced by climate, land use, and the sort of vegetation naturally found. If you frequently use nitrogen fertilizers on your soil, the pH will be reduced or increased over time, depending on the type of fertilizers used.
To check your pH level, just get a soil sample, use a pH meter, or use the indicator that comes with your pH kit. Read the steps we discussed above to understand how to use the general hydroponics ph control kit.
pH control kits for soil and hydroponics work the same way the ph control kit for pool works, so if you have ever had to pH control your pool, you already understand how it works and what it does.
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If the pH up or down gets into your eye or touches your skin, seek immediate medical assistance.