PH and PPM question! Please help =-(

Hi there!
Super noob here.

We're using distilled water and the technaflora starter kit in a one gallon res in an Aerogarden Extra.
Without adjustment, our PH is around 6.2 if we add PH down to adjust it to a good range our PPM spike to over 2k! To be honest, we are just using aquarium PH down, though what I've read all PH downs are the same substance.

Two questions:
1. Is the increase PPM from the PH down harmful? (They're still babies =-( )
2. Any suggestions of how to adjust our PH and still get an accurate PPM of our nutes?

Thank you so much for any help! Really appreciate it <3

Are you taking the ppm reading immediately following the ph dose? If so, make sure that you are mixing it in well or not sticking the ppm probe right where you perhaps poured it in and didn't stir. Check it again later and see if the ppm level has dropped. Something to try anyway. I'm not sure that all ph downs are created equally. I use Gen. Hydro Ph down with no troubles. It lasts forever and is very stable.

Double check the meter and calibrate as well as the note above speaks loud and clear of the other suspicion .

Second question , check your ppm before adding the down as it only raises it slighty

Thank you! But we checked the pH in the res this morning after adding the ph down yesterday and the air pump should keep everything mixed.

I think that maybe it's because it took a lot of pH down to get the water in a good range. It was like 20 drops for a gallon of distilled water. Is it maybe just shitty ph down?

Also, do you know what's the general wisdom for using natural adjusters (vinegar)?

Anyone?
I'm really nervous about the high ppm hurting the babies =-(