Always low Alk with high ph?

[dankreef]

Hi I'm having issues with my dkh. I have a very open area where my tank is so the ph reads about 8.5 most of the time. I have my Ca reactor pumping with about 50 small sps . No matter what I do my dkh sits right about 7.6. I really like and always have liked 8-9 range. Should I just accept this is where my tank wants to be ? Everything looks great . I can dose up to 8.5 but the next day it holds strong at same spot. Im assuming it's being held back by my high ph ? Also tried raising mag .

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How and when are you measuring pH? If accurate, more aeration will bring down the pH.

 

[dankreef]

I've used two apex probes to measure. So more bubbles will decrease it? I thought bubbles increased it? I don't run a skimmer but I will plug in the bottom part of one if you think that will lower it? Is it good to lower it? I always thought higher ph was faster growth . I want high ph and dkh lol

 

[CoralWealth]

cant you just turn your CA reactor up? I definitely wouldnt wanna lower my PH, most people would die to have high PH like you haha.

DKH at 7.6 is fine for SPS and if youre SPS are looking great, why change it?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I've used two apex probes to measure. So more bubbles will decrease it? I thought bubbles increased it? I don't run a skimmer but I will plug in the bottom part of one if you think that will lower it? Is it good to lower it? I always thought higher ph was faster growth . I want high ph and dkh lol

I don't think your pH is that high, at least not all the time. If by a calcium reactor you mean CaCO3/CO2, I suspect it is measurement error. Those tanks run low in pH.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Aeration will drive the pH to be in equilibrium with the air used for aeration. It can raise or lower it depending on the circumstances. If the pH is high and alk is not high, the pH will drop.