low PH problem

[jgraz]

Problem:
So I have been noticing a pretty steep drop in PH ever since starting the Calcium Reactor. I regularly see 7.7 at night and 7.85 during the day. Prior to adding the reactor it was normally 7.9-8.0. Oddly enough the reactor has a second chamber that is said buffer the water back to a normal PH. I can't imaging what it would be like without the second chamber. To compound my issue, my sump and all filtration is in the basement where CO2 is probably quite high. While I was fine with the PH before the reactor, 7.7PH is just to low for my liking.

Combating the issue:
I do run a reverse light cycle on my refugium and macro appears to be growing quite well. I know this can help so I leave as is. Would running 24Hrs help more?

I had though of running the air line from my skimmer to the outside but this is something that is not easily achieved with the skimmer in the basement and the air line on the SWC skimmer is pretty narrow to begin with, I imaging running a long airline might just restrict it.

CO2 Scrubber-I had considered this but considering my situation I imagine I would be going through the media pretty quick. Cost wise It would not excite me.

Kalk-I was thinking of adding Kalk in one way or another. I know there are reactors, stirrers, drippers and such. I am a set it and forget it guy so I was considering just adding to my top off reservoir.

Finally, back to dosing. This is something I am seriously considering.

Thoughts everyone?

Just wanted to add that my probe was just recalibrated last night, twice to make sure. and then checked against the fluids to ensure a proper reading.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I've read a few of Randy's articles to help me through my pH woes. What is your Alkalinity reading? I am guessing this will be low as well.

I have heard Calcium Reactors causing low pH and CO2 does the same. Ventilation is key and you may need to up your Alkalinity depending on your numbers.

Be sure to post back!

 

[jgraz]

Alk has been holding steady in the 8.5 range. During the brief period where my alk was higher 9.5-10 the ph was still in the same range.


I should add to above that up to this point I have seen no ill effects to the tank and its inhabitants. And my PH probe was just recalibrated last night.........twice just to make sure.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The best option in this situation may be limewater (kalkwasser) top off.

Switching to 24/7 refugium lighting might help (if you keep the nighttime photosynthesis and add the daytime photosynthesis), or it might hurt (if you just move part of the photosynthesis from night to day, when it is less needed).

Second chambers on reactors are not nearly the big benefit that some think because it isn't really the pH of the reactor effluent that matters, but how much CO2 you are adding every day overall. You may use a bit less CO2 when using a second chamber simply because you are making more efficient use of the CO2 you are adding, so you add less.

 

[jgraz]

Thank you Randy. I also posted this on my local reef club and this is one of the conclusions I arrived at also.

Just a quick question on kalk. I usually just refill my top off reservoir whenever I'm in the area. All I have to do is turn a valve. If I go with the kalk should I mix it up prior then add to the reservoir or is there any down side to adding a large about of kalk to the reservoir and let it mix as I add more RODI? I figure since only a certain amount will go into solution anyway as long as my pump is suspended out of the slurry there would be no harm..........right?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How big is the reservoir? Mine is over 100 gallons, so I just mix up a batch and use it until the limewater is gone, then make a whole new batch.

 

[jgraz]

How big is the reservoir? Mine is over 100 gallons, so I just mix up a batch and use it until the limewater is gone, then make a whole new batch.

Only 20 gal.
I store RODI in a large brute. From there I fill my 20gal reservoir. I rarely let it get even close to empty. Usually when I'm in the basement during my daily checks I turn a valve to fill it up. Which is why I was wondering about dumping a large amount of kalk and kind of just filling over and over till it's used up. I guess kind of like a kalk reactor works.

 

[reefbeard]

If you wanted to raise PH without the effects of kalk to your chemistry you could run a Co2 scrubber. A canister with added soda lime connected to the air inlet of your skimmer. The downside is you would probably go through quite a bit with your setup in the basement.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Only 20 gal.
I store RODI in a large brute. From there I fill my 20gal reservoir. I rarely let it get even close to empty. Usually when I'm in the basement during my daily checks I turn a valve to fill it up. Which is why I was wondering about dumping a large amount of kalk and kind of just filling over and over till it's used up. I guess kind of like a kalk reactor works.

Yes, that can work, but is a bit more time consuming than making it up only once a month or so.

 

[jgraz]

If you wanted to raise PH without the effects of kalk to your chemistry you could run a Co2 scrubber. A canister with added soda lime connected to the air inlet of your skimmer. The downside is you would probably go through quite a bit with your setup in the basement.

I would burn through Soda lime like crazy here. Def going with the Kalk top off if i stay with the Cal RX

 

[jgraz]

Well the last 2 nights saw lows of 7.65PH. All is still well with corals and fish.

I have not yet made any adjustments since i'm leaving on vacation tomorrow and want to be around when I start anything new. Plus i decided to pick up a new ATO since the Avast one i have tends to have to much fluctuation in lvl. I don't want to have to much added at once. Plus Im still seriously considering going back to dosing 2-part. I have a week in Tennessee to think about it.

 

[Myka]

You do have the effluent of your calcium reactor going into the venturi of your skimmer, right? This can help with the CO2 issue. Also, is your skimmer located inside a stand or inside a fish room? If so, try adding a hose to the air intake of the skimmer. Just run it to the outside of the stand/fish room. It doesn't always have to run outside the house to make a difference. If this means you have to add more than 2-3 feet of hose, use an adapter close to the skimmer and attach 1/2" or 5/8" hosing so you're not restricting airflow. If you do add a bunch of airline to get outside, say 15' or more, then you may need to use much bigger diameter hose. Certainly do not add 15' of 1/4" tubing!