RaddReef319
Active Member
I've searched and cannot find diddly-squat about how to lower your pH. Does anyone know how one does?
Lower your pH?
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OP
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RaddReef319
Active Member
I found a webpage called pH control for dummies that says that you can lower your pH in a reef tank with vinegar, lemon juice, or a commercial pH reduction product. I wonder how long one can dose vinegar in a reef tank before it becomes toxic.
Why are you wanting to lower your ph?
OP
OP
RaddReef319
Active Member
I'm adding some aragacrete and I'm thinking it's going to end up raising my pH some. It's been cycling in fresh water for 1.5 months but I still think it's going to raise my pH some, I'm thinking about using pH 8.4 buffer.
How much are you adding to what size tank? Maybe you don't have to do anything at all. I would rather wait and see if the ph goes up before adding buffers or chemicals.
OP
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RaddReef319
Active Member
I made an aragcrete background, it's probably around 10 pounds in a 75 gallon tank. I'm hoping that it won't affect the pH too much. It actually looks really nice and was alot of work so I hope it works out and I don't have to rip it out.
OP
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RaddReef319
Active Member
How long does the spike normally last? The aragacrete will be in the tank (saltwater) for 4 weeks before I add anything. Can't I just do a water change and skim for silicates?
Yellowtang
Well-Known Member
What's the ph of the water its in? I've added crete rock that still had a ph of 8.7 and it never changed the tank at all. Try a piece or two if your ph starts rizing take out and soak it some more. 1.5 months might not be enough. co2 will lower ph. a slightly higher ph crete rock will usually form coraline algaes faster also.
JR,
JR,
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RaddReef319
Active Member
I'm using aged water from a friends gigantic show tank. I think it's pH is around 8.0-8.2. If I take the crete out will the pH drop or stay elevated until I do a water change or something?
Yellowtang
Well-Known Member
I would say it depends on the buffers in the water. But I can't say I really don't know the answer to that , sorry.
JR,
JR,
OP
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RaddReef319
Active Member
That's ok. I'm just going to set it up and then test the pH in a week or so and see where it's at. If it's too high I'll just have to take it out and cure it longer. Maybe I can do a water change and add some pH buffer to balance the tank.
