Having trouble with PH

[Briko03]

I have a relatively young reef, only about 5-6 months old. I started noticing that my ph was quite low, actually around 7. I have been using a pinpoint monitor connected to my reef keeper lite.

I read that it can be affected by poor air exchange so I adjusted my return to encourage that process, along with some fresh air from a nearby window.

That got it back up to about 7.5

I have been considering adding some baking soda to my top off to raise it slowly back up. But I decided to buy a test kit to test my other parameters before doing so.

They are:
Alk 7.6 dkh
Mg 1600+
CA 470

Please go easy on me, this is my first time testing these parameters, I did the test twice on each so I think it is relatively accurate.

I just bought the two part kit from BRS as well to help with the dosing process.

Thus far I haven't added anything other than water changes.

 

[racin2438]

How long ago was the probe calibration done. I have same pin point monitor and I had to do a recalibration like 6 months later...since then it's been fine.

Maybe recheck ...a thought?

 

[JimWelsh]

First, in general, don't chase pH. Make sure you are measuring alkalinity accurately, and keep it between 7 - 11 dKh. Your value of 7.6 is just fine, if it is accurate. I target 8.0-8.3, personally.

Second, if you are going to measure pH, then make sure your meter is calibrated.

Third, ambient CO2 levels can dramatically affect pH. Keep that window open.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don't believe that pH 7 could be accurate for a reef aquarium, and pH 7.5 probably isn't either. I would recalibrate the meter before doing anything else.

This has more:

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 3: pH by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

and

Low pH: Causes and Cures by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[glb]

I don't believe that pH 7 could be accurate for a reef aquarium, and pH 7.5 probably isn't either. I would recalibrate the meter before doing anything else.

This has more:

The “How To†Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 3: pH by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

and

Low pH: Causes and Cures by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Agreed. Randy really helped me with this problem. His articles are great. I would definitely recalibrate the meter.

 

[beaslbob]

1) agree--check the calibration.
2) measure pH just before lights out.
3) If still low add macro algae (usually in a refugium).
my .02

 

[glb]

It could be a high concentration of co2 in the water. That was my issue and a combo of kalk and a skimmer aerating the water helped.