Low ph help

[bakbay]

Update — as you can see, before & after CO2 media replacement last night. I’m now hitting the peak at 8.4’ish. This stuff does work!

 

[Jphvav90]

Before we jump into the deep end and conclude that a low ph of 7.8 was the leading cause of coral death, can you please share water parameters? What were the big three and more importantly, N&P? If your N&P bottomed out, I suspect that they were likely suspects vs “low” ph.

Phosphate is at .03 ppm (hanna ulr)
Nitrates at 23.1ppm (hanna)
Alk at 9dkh
Calcium at 445 neptune trident
Magnesium at 1350

 

[bakbay]

Phosphate is at .03 ppm (hanna ulr)
Nitrates at 23.1ppm (hanna)
Alk at 9dkh
Calcium at 445 neptune trident
Magnesium at 1350

That is very interesting— your params look like fine to me. Was there a spike in Alk? I’ve lost SPS due to Alk spike and/or zero nutrients but not low pH.

 

[Jphvav90]

That is very interesting— your params look like fine to me. Was there a spike in Alk? I’ve lost SPS due to Alk spike and/or zero nutrients but not low pH.

Alk never over 9.1 but sometimes at night it will hit around 8.8_ 8.5 the lowest I have changed over night dosing to help with that drop it's been closer to 8.8

 

[Jphvav90]

That is very interesting— your params look like fine to me. Was there a spike in Alk? I’ve lost SPS due to Alk spike and/or zero nutrients but not low pH.

Also what do you use to dose alk cal mag?

 

[branbray07]

Just use kalk for you top off. Works wonders

 

[ToxicMel]

I do a few things for raising pH. Kalkwasser dosed overnight, recirculating Co2 scrubber on the skimmer, reverse lighting my fuge, and trying to keep doors and windows open as much as possible. I'm definitely noticing the difference to my corals who are loving the pH boost.

 

[bakbay]

Also what do you use to dose alk cal mag?

CaRx — super low maintenance! Yes, pH takes a small hit hence I counter-balance using recirculating CO2 scrubbing. Mag is manually dosed twice/year. I’ll put Mg media next time I top off CaRx media

 

[Jphvav90]

CaRx — super low maintenance! Yes, pH takes a small hit hence I counter-balance using recirculating CO2 scrubbing. Mag is manually dosed twice/year. I’ll put Mg media next time I top off CaRx media

Is Carx is expensive to set up?

 

[Dburr1014]

Is Carx is expensive to set up?

Yes, but cost of running is low.
I bought a used system for cheap. Love it.

 

[bakbay]

Is Carx is expensive to set up?

I have a GEO CaRx — when coupled with a decent regulator and reliable peristaltic pump, things are super consistent and with little/no touch - for months! Just need to put more media — depending on your SPS/Coralline algae consumption — once a year maybe?

Yes, high initial upfront cost but cheaper long term. The huge benefit for me was the maintenance — I suppose my time might worth more than mixing jugs of 2-part and/or kalk. Been there, done that — ain’t doing that no more! lol

 

[924er]

I struggle with keeping Ph above 8, its usually 7.7-7.8, U run my alk at 9ish, My corals dont seem to care although I think higher PH will give me better growth

 

[bakbay]

I struggle with keeping Ph above 8, its usually 7.7-7.8, U run my alk at 9ish, My corals dont seem to care although I think higher PH will give me better growth

Have you tried recirculating CO2 scrubber? It will definitely boost your pH. You can also try sucking in outside air or vent your house, but only get marginal results. Dripping Kalk will also help since its pH is 12.4 but it will raise Alk and Ca.

To me -/ the cleanest and best solution is CO2 scrubber. Good luck

 

[Jphvav90]

I have a GEO CaRx — when coupled with a decent regulator and reliable peristaltic pump, things are super consistent and with little/no touch - for months! Just need to put more media — depending on your SPS/Coralline algae consumption — once a year maybe?

Yes, high initial upfront cost but cheaper long term. The huge benefit for me was the maintenance — I suppose my time might worth more than mixing jugs of 2-part and/or kalk. Been there, done that — ain’t doing that no more! lol

Doesn't it requir a co2 tank

 

[Dburr1014]

Doesn't it requir a co2 tank

Yes. Sometimes you can find them used also. Or Amazon.

 

[bakbay]

Yes. Sometimes you can find them used also. Or Amazon.

CO2 canister is "cheap" -- I think $18'ish(?) that should last me a year. I get mine from a local beer brewer when I swap out beer for my kegerator, which is almost every month/two! lol

 

[Jphvav90]

CO2 canister is "cheap" -- I think $18'ish(?) that should last me a year. I get mine from a local beer brewer when I swap out beer for my kegerator, which is almost every month/two! lol

Can you send me a picture of complete set up? What kind of pump is used to pump the water

 

[Dburr1014]

Can you send me a picture of complete set up? What kind of pump is used to pump the water

I use the kamoer parastalic pump. Solid.