NEW Grower!! Bottom leaves dying while new leaves grow

[SourBubba101]

This is my first grow and the bottom leaves on my plants all seem to be shriveling up while new leaves are growing. I recently found out that the tap water I have been giving them had a 7.6 ph which I know is too high so I switched to a 6.3 ph spring water. Could this be the cause of the slow growth and withering leaves?

 

[spek9]

What medium? Lights? Temperature? Humidity? Nutrients?

Looks like nutrient burn, but you'll need to provide more information.

 

[SourBubba101]

What medium? Lights? Temperature? Humidity? Nutrients?

Looks like nutrient burn, but you'll need to provide more information.

Soil, 4 CFL 60w bulbs, temp is about 75F on average, I don’t have a humidity gauge so unsure about that, and I have botanicare grow and bloom nutrients on standby but was waiting for the plants to grow a bit more to start using them

 

[SourBubba101]

If anyone can send my advice my way it’d be much appreciated!!

 

[TreeFarmerCharlie]

Based on what you’ve posted I’m guessing the high pH of your water may have been the problem. 6.3 pH is fine for soil, although I go slightly lower for young seedlings. It’s also possible that they have been over or under watered. How often and how much have you been watering them?

 

[TreeFarmerCharlie]

I just noticed you said you are lighting those up with 4 60W CFL bulbs. If they are too close to those seedlings they you could be burning them. I know CFLs are less efficient than quantum boards, but I only use a single 65W quantum board above my seedlings and I keep it 18” - 24” off them.

 

[SourBubba101]

Based on what you’ve posted I’m guessing the high pH of your water may have been the problem. 6.3 pH is fine for soil, although I go slightly lower for young seedlings. It’s also possible that they have been over or under watered. How often and how much have you been watering them?

I definitely believe I overwatered in the beginning but have been waiting until the solo cups feel light before giving them about 2 ounces of water each. The lights are hung about 6” away from the plants. I read that CFLs need to be kept close

 

[CannaCountry]

Your soil looks like it's mostly made of bark / mulch...which most likely carries little nutrition. It also looks very dry.

Keep a handle on your pH, don't be afraid to feed your plants and at some point it may be best to upgrade your soil. Good luck