Exhausted with Low PH!

[Roy Arena]

I use BRS and Mrs. Wages.

 

[Roy Arena]

The only other thing I can think of is that is you're using TMCP the magnesium is quite high. It's typically around 1325. 1500 is Max on most test kits so maybe check you salinity or SG. If you're using a refractometer check calibration....it may be off.

 

[Brian_68]

CO2 is probably the issue, a $100 meter could let you know. I could not get my ph above 7.9 even with Kalk dosing for evaporation until I addressed the CO2. Running the skimmer air intake outside bumped it about 0.1 or so but not enough on its own. Closed house and CO2 above 1000 ppm I had a ph as low at 7.6, fresh air in the house and it hits 8.2.

 

[Chewbacca]

What I have done with a PH of 7.3. Is stop all dosing remove carbon and dose 10 ml calcium per 10 gallon for one week checking PH during. Then reduce to 10 ml per day when you reach you desired PH levels then run full test on all I have raised my PH in that time to 8.645 all other test in good parameters.

 

[Chewbacca]

That is with Britewell calcium as per stock supply instructions

 

[Ann Enomy]

Thanks For all the replies, I will start adding Kalk in the ATO reservoir and will just have to keep a close eye on parameters. Back when I used to use Kalk, when I first started reefkeeping, I did not have the water change routine that I do now. As in I never did them, oops. Maybe the 20gal a week will help keep calcium in check. Also I need to aerate better. If I can grab 0.1 increase in PH I should take it. Would an air stone in the sump do anything? Already have a gyre set close to surface of DT with lots of surface agitation.

 

[Chewbacca]

One air stone no. Maybe a full chamber of them

 

[TexAgReefer]

You mentioned dosing 2-part. Did you stop that or at least adjust while adding mall to your ATO? Doing both would certainly drive up your Alk/Cal.

Stop the 2-part, add kale, then add 2-part back in as necessary.

 

[Ann Enomy]

You mentioned dosing 2-part. Did you stop that or at least adjust while adding mall to your ATO? Doing both would certainly drive up your Alk/Cal.

Stop the 2-part, add kale, then add 2-part back in as necessary.

I just ordered the Kalk, should be here by end of week. I will start testing KH daily and adjust accordingly.

 

[Ann Enomy]

The only other thing I can think of is that is you're using TMCP the magnesium is quite high. It's typically around 1325. 1500 is Max on most test kits so maybe check you salinity or SG. If you're using a refractometer check calibration....it may be off.

I supplement Mg to keep it high. I was under the impression that high Mg helps control GHA. I used to have a problem with it 2 years ago and finally kicked it. Kind of afraid to go back to lower Mg.

 

[Roy Arena]

That's understandable. If I remember correctly elevated magnesium or elevated phosphate levels will also impact your Alk and Can. Lou from Tropic Marin just spoke on this at MACNA. The video is on BRS. Either way you're going to get this figured out. And kudos to you for staying on top of your water changes.

 

[Ann Enomy]

You mentioned dosing 2-part. Did you stop that or at least adjust while adding mall to your ATO? Doing both would certainly drive up your Alk/Cal.

Stop the 2-part, add kale, then add 2-part back in as necessary.

I prefer Spinach over Kale

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

First post here but a 5+ year veteran to reefing. Let me start by saying that my PH probe is calibrated and overall the system is stable, I just cannot get PH over 7.9. I know there are many that say don’t worry about it however I suspect that this is the reason that I am not able to keep any stony corals long term (3+ years). They stay in my tank, look ok, accept food but just do not grow and eventually die. Soft corals, Zoas, shrooms, Anenomes and gorgonians thrive.
The tank is in my medical office so I suspect CO² is an issue but do not have operating window or option to feed skimmer fresh air. I have tried to use a CO² scrubber and when using can hit 8.0-8.1 for the first 2-3 days but then drop again. The cost seems prohibitive. I have tried to dose kalkwasser in the makeup water which gets the PH up but then Calcium and alkalinity gets way too high(650+, 11+ respectively). Any other ideas are welcome. Also I am questioning the recirculating skimmer. The longer dwell time helps get the junk out but does it have less of an aeration effect? would I be better going with a standard pass through?
My system:
120gallon with 40 gallon sump, Rollermat, Reef Octo classic 200ext recirculating skimmer with 130GPH feed rate(per apex fluid monitor), Clearwater CW-100 Algea turf scrubber ( 16 hr opposite light schedule). Carbon reactor, Cermedia large block and 4 quarts of balls, BRS 2 part, Carbon Dosing (60ml vinegar daily dosed on the hour automatically).

My parameters: all taken from average over 3 months as recorded by APEX. I test weekly. I have done ICP testing and everything fell in the “green"
PH 7.7-7.9 daily fluctuation
Alk 8.96
Ca 50O
MG 1500
Nitrate 4
PO4 .035
Salt. 35

My Habits:
5 gallon water change 4x per week, I vacuum the gravel each time
Scrape ATS every other week
Change carbon monthly
Test Alk, Ca, Mg No3 and PO4 weekly

You know, I use real ocean water and the pH is 8.1 so you're not off by much
Proof is in the pudding they say. Here's my children of the sea Carnation corals, if you look them up you'll see what it takes to keep them alive.

2 of 32 carnation corals, dendronephthya sp.