effects of low temp on ph reading

[tcarter1936]

I'm trying to cure my diy reef rock.going on 6 weeks now.my ph is still high but temp is 55°.I am wondering if low temp is a contributing factor.please note I'm using fresh water still.didnt see the point of using salt yet until the ph drops below 9-10.

 

[tcarter1936]

I'm looking for a low alkali cement for future attempts.I'm only willing to use homemade rocks if I can maintain stable ph and phosphate in tank separate from my.tank.

 

[tcarter1936]

Bump

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Temperature effects pH measurements in a number of ways (detailed in the article below). But the issues are not going to cause pH 7 to look like pH 10. If it reads 9-10, it is high (assuming it is not pure RO/DI water, where you cannot measure pH accurately).

FWIW, pure calcium carbonate will push the pH of fresh water to about 10, so it is not necessarily an indication of a problem to get a value like that.

Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[tcarter1936]

Thanks a bunch for the response.I just di a 10% wc on my 180 and use d my tank water so now I've got salt water.just worried about it pushing my tank ph up .its about sixty pounds .in you opinion what reading should I wait for before I should feel safe

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is an important concern to wash the rock well!

The pH in salt water is more easily interpreted, and it would be good for that to not get over 8.6.

 

[tcarter1936]

Thanks again .and I just ordered a ph pen from bulk reef supply. I don't really trust the api Drops.