Another great info from Biobizz
Hello again Andy J
That sounds great!
Some tips that might help you for eventual future problems:
-pH testing: when you calibrate your pH meter, make sure the calibration fluid is at 20°C. When you test the pH in the water, or in your nutrient mixture: again, always make sure it is at 20°C. A pH pen is laboratory equipment, it requires a delicate hand to work well
-When you are in doubt about the problem with your plants: first and always try to give LESS INSTEAD OF MORE. When you think you see a deficiency, it could also be an overdose. So your first guess should always be to give less nutrients instead of more. Plants don’t die if they get a bit less nutrients for some time. But for sure you can kill them with an overdose. So keep that in mind for the next time when your plants show signs of problems.
-As an alternative for pH+ you can use an airpump, like you also find in aquariums. Put this pump in the nutrients mixture and let it bubble for an hour or so. That will raise the pH a little, because the nutrients will start to oxidize. Not longer than an hour or else the nutrients oxidize to much
-A little bit of pH+ will not really be a huge problem. But basically, when your pH is between 6,1 / 6,2 and about 7,0/7,2 you are better off just doing NOTHING. Just allow the soil to buffer and decompose the nutrients in the substrate and you will have a naturally educed pH of about 6,0.
-When the pH is lower of higher than the indicated parameters we just mentioned; adjust the pH with as little of pH correction liquid as possible. As long as you are within the parameters you will be fine. The less you fiddle around, the better the soil will do the work for you.
-For now, we recommend you give only water for at least one week. Because the soil needs to digest all the stuff you have given it before. If the pH of your tabwater is like 8 or higher: let the water rest for 48 hours. It will lower the pH a bit and then you could always consider to use a little bit of pH correction
You did not make a mistake with Plagron. They produce high quality substrates and all the bags that have a Green color desing ( Royal Mix, Bat Mix and All-Mix) are organic and have certificates. But we are sure you will know what to chose on your next run, or at least we hope so!!^^