Covered well, but I just can't seem to focus on all of it. Surely I am not the only one that has that problem at times.
Refresh me if you will..what is normal TA? We simply talking alkalinity on the PH strip? That easy? What to do if it's too high---?----dilute with RO right??
Thanks!!!
-go
TA is another way of measuring the amount of pH down it takes to lower pH one number....IE from 7-6. The dissolved minerals act as a buffer....and end up forming bicarbonates in the medium, which over time cause the medium pH to rise, leading to heap big trouble.
People test the runoff, see that the pH is high, so they pH their water down....but it doesn't help because of the Total Alkalinity. All that phosphorus in the pH down also messes things up.
So a good number for Total Alkalinity is 100 or lower PPM of Ca. (that's how TA is measured)
If your water is under 100, don't waste your time with CalMag.....you've got great micro's right there in your tap water, and the soil is a strong enough buffer so that you don't need to pH the water. Just water the damn plants.
On the other hand, if the TA is really high, you've got to dilute with RO until you get it to an acceptable level....100 or lower. Too low, and you'll need to add micro's.....so maybe shoot for 40-60.
This is what commercial nurseries do...they analyze the water, and design the feed and the medium around the water.
