***Low Alk , High pH - NEED HELP***

[jbb_00]

My Alk is hovering around 6 - 6.5 dKH while my pH will not drop below 8.4 . During the day when the lights are on I am getting pH readings around 8.6 - 8.7 . I would like to raise my Alk to proper levels , but anything I add immediately sends the pH climbing .

:frusty:
I have tried brightwell aquatics reef code B , and BRS soda ash with the same result. I was under the impression that soda ash would help lower the pH. Is that not correct ?


Any help would be great.

Current levels

cal - 460
dKH - 6.48
Mg - 1480 (always reads super high)

 

[backpack]

Have you tested your ph test or sensor against something else? you could also dose seltzer water or vinegar if its actually that high. seltzer water is instant so start slowly and wait for it to even out. vinegar takes a while to convert.

 

[jbb_00]

I am reading off of a reef keeper elite. The probe is about 2 years old , but I just calibrated it yesterday to make sure it was reading as accurate as it could. I have questioned this, but it was very close to the API pH test kit as well. (I will admit , I have trouble with reading the color change kits)

 

[redfishbluefish]

First off, I’m having a tough time believing a pH of 8.7, so I too question your pH probe.

If you wish to lower pH while maintaining alkalinity, you don’t use soda ash (sodium carbonate). You want to use plain old baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). I’m assuming you’re using two part, so mix 2 ¼ cups baking soda to one gallon of RO/DI water. Then you’re good to go.

 

[Mrfresh]

Open a window and have a fan blow on ur tank.

Do a water change and have the alk higher in the fresh mixed water to raise it.
If ur current alk is 6.6 get ur water mixed and check it. I would get ur alk pretty high up there over 12. Bc remember it won't be an typical average, ur not doing a 50/50 water change. A if u do a 20% and its 12 and ur alk is 6... Ur not going to end up with 9... Ur more like 7.5...

Don't worry about ur ph being high just make sure it's stable.
It's worse to have ph go from 7.8 to 8.8 then later in the day back down to 8.1 then back up to 8.6...
Consistency is key to success.

 

[jbb_00]

Part of the problem is keeping the pH stable. It will be 8.1 in the morning , and 8.6 by late afternoon. I will continue with tiny doses to at least try to keep the alk where its at or maybe raise it a little at a time . I just ordered a new pH probe with new cal solution , along with a Milwaukee pH pen to compare my readings , they should be here by Friday so hopefully this will be fixed soon. I have a new batch of water mixing now to see what the levels are there . I will report back once I have some numbers . Thanks again to those that have helped so far.

 

[Reefing Madness]

What is your flow in the tank? DO you have a lid on the tank?

 

[pickupman66]

WOAH Mr fresh.... Careful there. you dont want that alk to go up but about 1/2 a point per day. otherwise disaster will ensue due to the drastic increase in the dKh.

Baking soda does a good job of raising the alk, but not swinging the PH drastically. Mix a tablespoon of this in a gallon of water and SLOWLY drip it into your system. test when you are about 1/2 way thru the mixture to see where you are. your water volume will have alot to do with how much of this you actually need. for my 180, a gallon worked really good.

Dont chase your PH either. just keep it from swinging. proper alk will prevent this. My PH runs in teh 8.01-8.25 range only fluctuating that much in a weeks time. alk is 8.5 dKh. ive seen many successful 7.8ph tanks.

 

[jbb_00]

What is your flow in the tank? DO you have a lid on the tank?

Flow is good (I think) MP20 reefcrest mode @100% (about to upgrade to MP40es) , 2x Tunze 6025 (both point at surface) , return pump is Quiet One 6000 (also feeds reactors).

 

[jbb_00]

Tank size 48x20x21 , 40 breeder sump , if it matters.

 

[pickupman66]

OK. So 90. Do 1/4 of the ggallon of mix and then test. If it didn't budge, do 1/2. Baby steps here. At most do 3/4 of a point each day.

Sent from my Galaxy S 3 with Tapatalk.

 

[jbb_00]

Will do , thanks so much for the help

 

[pickupman66]

YUP. take it slow and all will be good. the brand of baking soda dont matter either. ive used the generic.

 

[jbb_00]

UPDATE : pH pen came in today. Current calibrated (OLD) pH probe is reading 8.62 , New calibrated pH pen is reading 7.9. I am still waiting on the new probe to show up, tracking says tomorrow . So I will get started on the Alk situation now that I have a better idea of what the pH actually is. Big thanks to those that offered up the help, I really do appreciate it.

 

[kes]

make sure to use 2 types of test kits, especially for alk if possible. perform large water change to help get it back to stabilization