I just can't figure it out...ph

Twostepper4041 · May 26, 2014

I know everyone says not to chase ph... However it's disturbing to think my ph is at 7.4 and will only get to 7.9 with peak lighting.

Nitrates are around 3-4
Cal 440
Alk 8.1 trying to bring it up a tad
Lighting cycle is 9am to 9 pm
Salinity is at .26

I have a mp40
65 gallon display with 15 gal sump
Skimmer reef octo
Why am I having ph issues?

I just changed my probe and re calibrated it
Running apex system

Thoughts?

markalot · May 26, 2014

Newer house with AC on and no open windows? Could be a high co2 issue. I solved all my problems by not testing PH.

I know it's a good idea to monitor PH to catch dosing errors so I would just ignore your numbers other than to set a normal point. Is your tank exhibiting any issues?

Pete polyp · May 26, 2014

7.4 gets pretty nervous! Try extending the air intake tube to your skimmer out a window. It definitely sounds like high co2

mike007 · May 26, 2014

As stated you might try airing the house out a bit and also make sure that your power head is making the top of water to ripple. Is the top of the tank open or closed?

reefkeeper51 · May 26, 2014

What's your magnesium reading? All 3 work together...calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity. If all 3 are stable, and at the recommended range, I wouldn't worry about pH.

TruRacr314x · May 26, 2014

I had a similar issue when I started my tank...low PH. I raised my Alk to 9.5-10 and that seems to help keep my PH up. I'm not saying this is right or wrong...just what I've done and it seems to work. I know that higher Alk sometimes causes burnt tips on SPS, but I have no experienced that. A local reefer here fixed his problem with a DIY C02 scrubber connected to the intake on the skimmer. This is typically easier than try to run the intake outside the house. The online downside is that it's one more maintenance item as the media in the scrubber doesn't seem to last too long.

If everything looks healthy....I would recommend not worrying too much about it. In my experience, consistency is the biggest factor.

Pete polyp · May 26, 2014

I fixed mine by dripping kalk. The tank I was having issues with has no skimmer. It was in the dead of winter and I use gas heat. I did open the window and my Ph went up .3 within a couple hours.