Christmas tree and low ph

[Chad3407]

Kind of an odd question but has anyone else noticed pH in their tank being abnormally low if they have a "live" Christmas tree? I run a CO2 scrubber on my skimmer and it consistently keeps the tank between 8.0 and 8.15. but ever since we set the Christmas tree up my pH is steadily started declining. I replaced the media and it had no effect . Currently it is at 7.8. Wasn't sure if the tree would be putting out extra cO2

 

[jda]

A tree should do the opposite of that.

It is more likely that the air in your home has more co2, which is common this time of year with less opportunity to open some windows and stuff.

 

[Cthulukelele]

Kind of an odd question but has anyone else noticed pH in their tank being abnormally low if they have a "live" Christmas tree? I run a CO2 scrubber on my skimmer and it consistently keeps the tank between 8.0 and 8.15. but ever since we set the Christmas tree up my pH is steadily started declining. I replaced the media and it had no effect . Currently it is at 7.8. Wasn't sure if the tree would be putting out extra cO2

Maybe I'm wrong, but wouldn't a tree in the house theoretically LOWER tank pH since it would increase availability of oxygen and exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the water?

 

[Chad3407]

Maybe I'm wrong, but wouldn't a tree in the house theoretically LOWER tank pH since it would increase availability of oxygen and exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the water?

I don't think that applies once the tree has been cut and slowly dying

 

[jgvergo]

Photosynthesis absorbs CO2 and produces O2. Since it has the effect of reducing CO2, that means there is less CO2 in your water. When CO2 is in water, it take the form of carbonic ACID. Acids have a lower pH. Sooooo, a tree will raise your pH.

 

[ca1ore]

Trees both respire and photosynthesize. During light hours the latter consumes more CO2 than the former produces; but at night it would be a net CO2 producer. Not sure how significant that would be to your tank though or how much a cut tree still works.

 

[Chad3407]

This is after changing co2 media

 

[jgvergo]

I don't think that applies once the tree has been cut and slowly dying

It's possible that photosynthesis will continue for many days after a tree is cut down, especially if it is watered regularly.

 

[Chad3407]

This was before media change

 

[theMeat]

If the tree is cut is not removing much if any c02. If the tree is still sucking up water it’s not completely dead, yet. Once the tree stops sucking up water it is dying and will release, not absorb, c02. Wouldn’t think enough to change your tank. Would think your spike in c02 is because it’s colder outside and your house is closed up tighter . Also worth checking your heating system to make sure it’s venting correctly

 

[Chad3407]

The temp in my area has been the same with the same activity in the house. We haven't been running any heat and have had no extra bodies in the house. I also pull air from the skimmer into the reactor as that normally helps keep the pH more stable.