Low PH

[John Rebman]

I am constantly having an issue maintaining a decent PH. Typically it is in the 7.9 to 8.1 area (Hanna Tester).
I am using kalkwasser and my dKH and Ca. are good. I am contemplating using a buffer to raise PH but have heard that is not advisable.
I have a Co2 scrubber on my protein skimmer but that does not seem to help much.
Any suggestions?

 

[WIReefer]

My ph runs Lower than that and also use kalk, and my acros grow just fine I wouldn’t chase a number and just let it be.

 

[John Rebman]

Thanks, I read others say the same, just seems like I should be able to maintain a bit higher PH. Some of my softies are not as open as they used to be.
My first SW tank was a 55 gallon with a plenium and aragonite substrate. It stay very consistent at 8.3 PH.
My current tank is a 150 gallon again with aragonite substrate and I have a hard time maintaining my PH above 8.
I guess I'll just concentrate on ALK, CA and Mg and see how things go.

 

[WIReefer]

Thanks, I read others say the same, just seems like I should be able to maintain a bit higher PH. Some of my softies are not as open as they used to be.
My first SW tank was a 55 gallon with a plenium and aragonite substrate. It stay very consistent at 8.3 PH.
My current tank is a 150 gallon again with aragonite substrate and I have a hard time maintaining my PH above 8.
I guess I'll just concentrate on ALK, CA and Mg and see how things go.

Keep all other parameters stable and you will be set!

 

[CrayHawk]

My pH is stable around 8 and I’ve never been happier with my tank. I think the more concerning issue is to maintain stability over time versus chasing numbers.

 

[John Rebman]

My pH is stable around 8 and I’ve never been happier with my tank. I think the more concerning issue is to maintain stability over time versus chasing numbers.

Thanks for the assurance!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think those pH values are OK.

IMO, the time to be concerned is if the pH is dropping to pH 7.7 or lower, and the lower it goes, the bigger my concern is.

 

[Rp8]

I'm struggling to get my ph up. I tested today, it is at 6.9 On hanna meter. Used a strip it is reading near the same. I have used a buffer that works temporarily. Cal 450 alk 9.1 mag 1250 sal 1.26. Corals look and act fine, but 6.9 is low. I am willing to dose more,just dont want to get to chasing numbers or cause other issues.
Is there something else I can use? I have heard of the kalwasser, just wary of it.

I think those pH values are OK.

IMO, the time to be concerned is if the pH is dropping to pH 7.7 or lower, and the lower it goes, the bigger my concern is.

@Randy Holmes-Farley, any advice?

 

[Flux Capacitor]

I'm struggling to get my ph up. I tested today, it is at 6.9 On hanna meter. Used a strip it is reading near the same. I have used a buffer that works temporarily. Cal 450 alk 9.1 mag 1250 sal 1.26. Corals look and act fine, but 6.9 is low. I am willing to dose more,just dont want to get to chasing numbers or cause other issues.
Is there something else I can use? I have heard of the kalwasser, just wary of it.


@Randy Holmes-Farley, any advice?

I wouldn’t dose buffer to raise the ph. It could be the excess Co2 in your house, try taking a sample outside airate it, and then test it see what it reads.

 

[Pistondog]

I'm struggling to get my ph up. I tested today, it is at 6.9 On hanna meter. Used a strip it is reading near the same. I have used a buffer that works temporarily. Cal 450 alk 9.1 mag 1250 sal 1.26. Corals look and act fine, but 6.9 is low. I am willing to dose more,just dont want to get to chasing numbers or cause other issues.
Is there something else I can use? I have heard of the kalwasser, just wary of it.


@Randy Holmes-Farley, any advice?

If its in a closed room with ac, people and pets, maybe co2 is high.
Windows open, co2 500, closed, over 2000 ppm.
Get a co2 scrubber or better, run the skimmer air line to the outside.

 

[Rp8]

I wouldn’t dose buffer to raise the ph. It could be the excess Co2 in your house, try taking a sample outside airate it, and then test it see what it reads.

I do have an enclosed canopy. Could that also be an issue?

 

[Flux Capacitor]

It might be, but it shouldn’t be dragging it down to 6.9 I wouldn’t think.

 

[Rp8]

If its in a closed room with ac, people and pets, maybe co2 is high.
Windows open, co2 500, closed, over 2000 ppm.
Get a co2 scrubber or better, run the skimmer air line to the outside.

Thanks, I was looking at a post for DIY co2 scrubber

 

[Pistondog]

I do have an enclosed canopy. Could that also be an issue?

Might be depending on air circulation thru canopy to water.

 

[Rp8]

Might be depending on air circulation thru canopy to water.

Its completely enclosed except for light wires. I use to run a small fan in it, but still had low (7.0-7.5)

 

[Pistondog]

Its completely enclosed except for light wires. I use to run a small fan in it, but still had low (7.0-7.5)

When possible, crack a window to reduce co2 and see if the ph rises, then you know what path to take.
Make sure you run a skimmer or fan on the water surface during the experiment to insure good gas exchange.

 

[Rp8]

Skimmers running 24/7. I'll take a sample outside tomorrow for a test. Build a co2 scrubber, and see where that gets me. It is time for a water change also. So hopefully that'll get it up. All zoas are growing fine, cyphastria is not happy, but that's the only one show neg results. Thanks for the input. I'll be back for more if it is something else lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm struggling to get my ph up. I tested today, it is at 6.9 On hanna meter. Used a strip it is reading near the same. I have used a buffer that works temporarily. Cal 450 alk 9.1 mag 1250 sal 1.26. Corals look and act fine, but 6.9 is low. I am willing to dose more,just dont want to get to chasing numbers or cause other issues.
Is there something else I can use? I have heard of the kalwasser, just wary of it.


@Randy Holmes-Farley, any advice?

pH 6.9 in reef tank water is not accurate, IMO.

I'd get new buffers and recalibrate the meter.