Low pH

geko522 · Aug 20, 2024

Hello!

My pH is always around 7.8 and I can never get it about 8.0

I tried the open windows thing, I added powerheads to agitate the surface water and tried dosing kalkwasser and it doesn't budge.

Using a outside line to the skimmer isn't a option for me to do.

I thought maybe I should try @Randy Holmes-Farley 2 part diy. I was only going to try Sodium Hydroxide

Currently my parameters are
Alk 10.2
Calcium 508ppm
Mag 1220ppm
pH 7.9
Salinity 1.025

I appreciate any advice.

redfishbluefish · Aug 20, 2024

What are you using to measure pH?

redfishbluefish · Aug 20, 2024

I'd suggest reading this article from Randy:

pH and the Reef Aquarium

Bottom line, I wouldn't be concerned about a pH of 7.8, especially if everything looks fine.

killer2001 · Aug 21, 2024

I had a pH of 7.8 - 8.0 for the longest. Turns out the CO2 in the room where the fish tank is was around 1000-1200 ppm. Too high. I ended up getting an air exchanger and after many months I am now seeing 8.1 - 8.3 consistently. The CO2 in the room averages around 500-600 ppm so pretty much cut in half.

Reefering1 · Aug 21, 2024

And anything you add trying to increase ph, will also make your alk go even higher. Co2 is your problem

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 21, 2024

It is pH 7.8 At what time of day? It would be surprising for it to be unchanged 24/7.

geko522 · Aug 21, 2024

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
It is pH 7.8 At what time of day? It would be surprising for it to be unchanged 24/7.

Pretty much during the evening hours and during day time it tries to get to 8.0

geko522 · Aug 21, 2024

Reefering1 said:
And anything you add trying to increase ph, will also make your alk go even higher. Co2 is your problem

I haven't looked into to this, until I read your message and I ordered a Glass Drop Checker CO2 Kit. I also read about over feeding might be a cause also, and I think I tend to do that.