First grow after a 40 yr break, 1 plant, DWC, LED 450W

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Currently the ph is 5.9 but I did drop it to 5.2 a couple days ago, although I got scared and am letting it rise back up on its own. That drop to 5.2 “could” be the culprit, the timing would be about right.

Here is my log for the last 10 days:

VPD control seems to be on target, First dip in temp was the night cycle, which I have programmed for the ambient heat of the day. Second dip was when I went inside the tent for maintenance.

I am really confused about the right ph to run. When I read this FAQ article (here on OG) it says that for hydroponics you will have deficiencies above a ph of 5.5 the range of 5.5 - 6.5 that I commonly see quoted appears to be for SOIL, HYDRO seems to be a different range according to this article.

I am “assuming” that a FAQ on this site has probably been vetted, but am I willing to gamble my grow on it? What to believe. I am looking for collaborating references, would appreciate any links to peer reviewed data if you have any.

dualph10

See full article HERE

I find other charts on the net that collaborate the 5.8 value, and yet others that support the 5.2 value. I can come up with multiple graphs from reputable sources that could support either value.What to believe??? The sources all appear to be reputable…

Source: https://www.blueplanetnutrients.com/how-to-adjust-ph

Source: https://www.commercial-hydroponic-farming.com/ph-hydroponic-nutrient-solutions/

On a side note, should I be circulating nutes through the bucket and providing air during the night cycle? Currently I have the nute pump and air pump on the same timer as the lights, so at night the bucket drains empty (almost like an ebb/flow ebb cycle). I can easily put a check valve in the line to prevent the bucket from emptying into the res through the pump. If so, do I need to run the air at night? Or I should I just let the nutes circulate with air 24/7.

I ask because I seem to remember reading something about not feeding the plants during the night cycle.

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