vinegar to adjust ph down?

stalebiscuit

Well-Known Member
vinegar is acidic; i read somewhere that soil ph treatment can be done with 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water as a safe ratio

if this ratio is good (if not what is a good ratio) can it be applied to hydro/aquaponics systems as well or would the vinegar corrode lines or cause problems for the roots? anyone have used it?
 

Cupboard guy

Active Member
Using vinegar is unstable because it is a foodstuff. It breaks down in the water and you ph will climb back up, plus it will leave behind slimy leftovers. Ok in a pinch but not for long term unless you know what you’re doing
 

spek9

Well-Known Member
vinegar is acidic; i read somewhere that soil ph treatment can be done with 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water as a safe ratio

if this ratio is good (if not what is a good ratio) can it be applied to hydro/aquaponics systems as well or would the vinegar corrode lines or cause problems for the roots? anyone have used it?
Do you have a pH meter?

Mix up a gallon batch of nutrient solution. Document pH. Add a half mL of vinegar. Test pH. Is it where you want it? If yes, you now know you need 0.5 mL of vinegar to get the pH where you want. If no, add another 0.5 mL until you are at your desired pH.

However, I do know that vinegar must be used in quite high quantities (way more than 0.5 mL per gallon), and too much will harm the plants.

Much better would be citric acid, even RealLemon in a pinch. You'll require a far smaller amount per gallon of H2O.

You could simply buy a bottle of pH down, too.
 

Shape Shifter

Well-Known Member
like i said i have no idea if the ratio is correct or not or if its applicable only to soil or if it can extend into hyro/aero/aqua systems
There is no perfect ratio. Everyone has different water. Buy a pH pen to adjust the pH of water. Then put a cup of vinegar in a gallon of water to verify its waaaay to much acid.
 

stalebiscuit

Well-Known Member
Do you have a pH meter?

Mix up a gallon batch of nutrient solution. Document pH. Add a half mL of vinegar. Test pH. Is it where you want it? If yes, you now know you need 0.5 mL of vinegar to get the pH where you want. If no, add another 0.5 mL until you are at your desired pH.

However, I do know that vinegar must be used in quite high quantities (way more than 0.5 mL per gallon), and too much will harm the plants.

Much better would be citric acid, even RealLemon in a pinch. You'll require a far smaller amount per gallon of H2O.

You could simply buy a bottle of pH down, too.
ya i have access to ph up and down, it was just something i read and im always looking for new things
 
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