the nutes i use buffer the solution and keep it low at 6.0 max with 1.0 ec. a good chance that with higher EC you will have an easier time with pH. it's a pain i know, you really gotta watch over it, and try to look for ways to keep it down. i really don't know others but would love to hear more. Also, if you use tap water, the scale in it is also buffering it up. so filtering it or using bottled RO water may help too.