How do I raise PH

Fafaflunky · Jun 17, 2016

I've had my 120g tank set up for about 6 months now and am having trouble raising the PH in it. Currently it is at 7.55 and I'm using a Kent product, but after several doses, it still has not gone up.

What is the best way to raise PH?

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 17, 2016

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/

redfishbluefish · Jun 17, 2016

Don't chase pH. If you have a CO2 problem, the easiest way to solve this is to run your skimmer air pickup outside. Do not use these "buffers" they sell without testing your alkalinity levels. They will raise your alkalinity. (I personally wouldn't use them). If you are currently using two part, consider switching to kalkwasser (easiest in your ATO reservoir). And finally, the pH could possibly be 7.5, but I'd also want to verify that by having a friend test it of taking a sample to your LFS.

Fafaflunky · Jun 17, 2016

thanks...good information...

morpheas · Jun 17, 2016

How are you measuring your pH? Like mentioned above I would verify the number. I agree with not using buffers, low pH could mean a few things and I would first find the reason (I suspect in this case, partly erroneous reading partly CO2?).

Also, this is what I implemented and saw a 0.2 increase approximately.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/an-easy-way-to-increase-your-tanks-ph-with-a-co2-scrubber.57609/

FishOfHex · Jun 20, 2016

Fafaflunky said:
I've had my 120g tank set up for about 6 months now and am having trouble raising the PH in it. Currently it is at 7.55 and I'm using a Kent product, but after several doses, it still has not gone up.

What is the best way to raise PH?

LIreefguy106 · Jun 20, 2016

Kalkwasser IMO

Fafaflunky · Jun 22, 2016

So after checking myself and taking water sample to LFS it appears that my seneye is not working correctly. PH looks to be around 8.0-8.2 from manual test kit and results from LFS.

Any ideas why seneye is reading such a low number? PH is down to 7.51 according to seneye... Anyone else encounter this issue?

chefjpaul · Jun 22, 2016

I haven't calibrated my probes in a year. Don't even know what my ph is.

redfishbluefish · Jun 22, 2016

Strange pH reading

NanaReefer · Jun 22, 2016

How old is your slide? Been running Seneye for a year, never encountered a reading like yours yet.

bobman · Jun 22, 2016

The way I test for ph is stick you finger in the water. Taste the water if it tastes salty your ph is perfect. No honestly I rarely test my ph and never ever ever ever chase it. If you do you will pull all your hair out and it still wont be right. IT can read different depending on the time of day, by the weather outside, insidcoditions i.e. are you cooking, many many things effect ph in the tank. Way to many variables to try and chase

LIreefguy106 · Jun 22, 2016

As a side note, for my own information, (and I don't mean to hijack this thread) which is preferred: kalkwasser or 2-part?

bobman · Jun 22, 2016

For maintaining ph Kalk for maintaining alk and cal well it depends on your tank. Kalk is cheaper and better imo

chefjpaul · Jun 22, 2016

LIreefguy106 said:
As a side note, for my own information, (and I don't mean to hijack this thread) which is preferred: kalkwasser or 2-part?

There are numerous threads on the chemistry forum regarding this subject.
It get quite detailed.

LIreefguy106 · Jun 22, 2016

I knew I was opening Pandora's box with this one. It's one of those long disputed debates I'm sure. Correct me if I'm wrong but from the research I've done and the in depth videos that BRS has on the BRS160, it sounds like kalkwasser is preferred for replenishment in the short term but the 2-part cal-alk solutions are preferred in addition to kalkwasser for long term benefits. Do I have that right?

chefjpaul · Jun 22, 2016

LIreefguy106 said:
I knew I was opening Pandora's box with this one. It's one of those long disputed debates I'm sure. Correct me if I'm wrong but from the research I've done and the in depth videos that BRS has on the BRS160, it sounds like kalkwasser is preferred for replenishment in the short term but the 2-part cal-alk solutions are preferred in addition to kalkwasser for long term benefits. Do I have that right?

Depends on consumption, length of time in conjunction with consumption.

Adamwheel · Jun 22, 2016

I drilled a hole in the side of my house and ran braided tubing to my skimmer intake. Aquarium runs a little warmer this time of year but peace of mind with perfect Ph is worth the work.
I remember having people over and seeing the Ph in basement go as low as 7.45.
It will work if you do it.
Cheers,
Adam

Fafaflunky · Jun 23, 2016

NanaReefer said:
How old is your slide? Been running Seneye for a year, never encountered a reading like yours yet.

Slide is about 3 months old. I'm thinking it needs to be replaced, so I ordered new ones. But from what everyone is saying I probably don't need to worry about it. I was just concerned because I want to start adding corals to my tank.