FOWLR PH @7.4 question .

[ajiisss]

I am having hard time maintaining PH in my FOWLR aquarium my ammonia nitrites and nitrates are all zeroes . Whats the best,cheap and easy way to raise it above 8? no matter how much buffer I add it reduces after few days

 

[lapin]

Ph is related to the air.
The more Co2 in the air, the lower the Ph. Adding a buffer is only a temp solution and short lived.

 

[davidcalgary29]

And be certain that your pH is actually that low. What test(s) are you using?

 

[ajiisss]

And be certain that your pH is actually that low. What test(s) are you using?

Yeah I use api and redsea

 

[davidcalgary29]

You can try an airstone, but the cleaning the resulting salt encrustation from the salt mist is a hassle. I raised my pH .1 to .2 doing this.

I was regularly struggling with pH readings between 7.6 and 7.8 for a few months after I started my tanks this past January. I then ditched the chemical tests, bought a Hanna meter (and a couple of Seneye probes), and realized that my pH was actually hovering between 8.0 and 8.3. If you've cycled your tank within the past three months, I'd just keep up with the water changes, as your pH will likely rise as the tank stabilizes.

 

[ajiisss]

You can try an airstone, but the cleaning the resulting salt encrustation from the salt mist is a hassle. I raised my pH .1 to .2 doing this.

I was regularly struggling with pH readings between 7.6 and 7.8 for a few months after I started my tanks this past January. I then ditched the chemical tests, bought a Hanna meter (and a couple of Seneye probes), and realized that my pH was actually hovering between 8.0 and 8.3. If you've cycled your tank within the past three months, I'd just keep up with the water changes, as your pH will likely rise as the tank stabilizes.

My tank is 5 month old I think ould it be because of biopellets .. my nitrates reduced to zero

 

[davidcalgary29]

What do you mean by "biopellets" -- is that an additive or manufactured ceramic objects that provide greater surface areas for bacteria?

You can also try to cultivate macroalgae in your tank (or sump if you have one). I don't like chaeto myself, but many people have success in using it for nutrient export and/or to help with pH issues.

You should also look at gas exchange. Does your build have a canopy? Do you have sufficient movement to break up water tension? Adding a powerhead may address some of those issues.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I have had several FOWLRs over the years, and have pretty much never tested the PH. (Am I an oddball?)

 

[ajiisss]

What do you mean by "biopellets" -- is that an additive or manufactured ceramic objects that provide greater surface areas for bacteria?

You can also try to cultivate macroalgae in your tank (or sump if you have one). I don't like chaeto myself, but many people have success in using it for nutrient export and/or to help with pH issues.

You should also look at gas exchange. Does your build have a canopy? Do you have sufficient movement to break up water tension? Adding a powerhead may address some of those issues.

It's a carbon source ... I tried cheato it kept dying ... this one worked

 

[ajiisss]

I have had several FOWLRs over the years, and have pretty much never tested the PH. (Am I an oddball?)

That's my another question do we really care?

 

[davidcalgary29]

That's my another question do we really care?

If your fish are healthy, then probably not.

I'd also recommend a cheap indicator coral, such as a duncan coral or -- I can't believe I'm suggesting this -- a Kenya Tree. They will let you know -- quickly -- if water params are really off, and then you'll know that you probably do have some issues to address. Beware of Kenya Trees, though: they spread like wildfire. Even moderate lighting is fine for a Kenya Tree.

 

[Mical]

That's my another question do we really care?

As long as temp and salinity is good, don't worry about it.