I reference this mapping when dialing in my grow:
| Water Level | EC/PPM | PH | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static | Static | Static | Plant not feeding/drinking, change EC, check meters. Usually, lowering the EC a little should get the plant feeding again. |
| Static | Static | Rising | Ph buffers probably raising ph. This is usual. Having a static water level is not though, so again, a slight reduction in EC or a res change should resolve this. |
| Static | Static | Falling | Usual cause of this is when media has been rinsed at a lower ph than you require. The other possibility is that too much CO2 has been pumped into the water. See Note 1.Change your res and look at the volume of air pumped plus look at your air source. |
| Static | Rising | Static | Plant is leeching nutrition, raise EC. Note 2 |
| Static | Rising | Rising | Plant leeching nutrition, Raise EC. An unusual state. The rising ph is probably caused by what nutrient leeching back. If these are alkaline, it will lead to the rise in ph. Could also be ph buffers. |
| Static | Rising | Falling | As above but be aware of the acid rain effect mentioned in note 1. Res change, plus increase in EC. |
| Static | Falling | Static | Plant eating but not drinking. Not ideal. Lower EC or res change |
| Static | Falling | Rising | As above but rising ph is a better sign. Lower EC slightly or res change. |
| Static | Falling | Falling | Falling ph along with falling EC but no drop in water level suggests a res change. Could also be an acid rain effect as per note 1. Depending on other symptoms, lowering EC after res change. |
| Falling | Static | Static | Perfect conditions. EC and ph are at the correct level. |
| Falling | Static | Rising | Normal state most people encounter. Nothing to worry about, carry on doing what you are doing unless other plant symptoms. |
| Falling | Static | Falling | Res change plus a change of EC. Lower EC if over 1.4, raise EC if lower than 1.0 |
| Falling | Rising | Static | Plant is drinking more than eating, lower EC. |
| Falling | Rising | Rising | Plant is drinking more than eating, lower EC |
| Falling | Rising | Falling | Plant is drinking more than eating, lower EC. Also, res change due to possible acid rain problem. |
| Falling | Falling | Static | Hungry plant, raise EC. Very good situation to be in. Nute buffers are working and plant is taking a balance of nutrients. |
| Falling | Falling | Rising | Almost as above, usually considered almost perfect, raise EC slightly. |
| Falling | Falling | Falling | Res change. Potential acid rain issue but plant is still eating & drinking. Raise EC on new res. |