Lowering pH

[bheld1]

My pH is a little high and I was just wondering how to lower it. I would assume doing a few large water changes would do the trick but wanted to ask the more experienced people on here. I also have a pH buffer, but I believe that only raises the pH? Thanks for your input

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

How high is it?

 

[JR's Reef]

How high is it?

+1.... PH normaly dont get to high useless you overdosed 2part or kalk or something.

 

[bheld1]

my API kit was reading 8.8 and I don't run kalk or calcium yet. I just recently started dosing calcium but only twice over the past two weeks and at the recommended dosage.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

How are your corals reacting to it? How old is the test kit?

 

[AlexStinson]

my API kit was reading 8.8 and I don't run kalk or calcium yet. I just recently started dosing calcium but only twice over the past two weeks and at the recommended dosage.

API kits never seem to be relaible for me. And make sure you only dose what calcium you need... recommended dosage is moot. Test calcium... dose... test calcium... till you find what you need.

 

[bheld1]

the kit is about 6 months old so it is fairly new...I've lost a trachy because of it, but everything else seems to be fine. I just want to solve the problem before it becomes a major problem. I've tested everything else, and the pH is the only thing that doesn't check out.

 

[vipreef2]

Vinegar will lower u ph a single drop will do alot...

 

[lightsluvr]

my API kit was reading 8.8 and I don't run kalk or calcium yet. I just recently started dosing calcium but only twice over the past two weeks and at the recommended dosage.

This is a very rare situation, IME.

If you are using RO/DI water, your starting pH should be relatively low. Your salt mix shouldn't raise it anywhere near 8.8.

I would guess one of two things is happening; Either you've got some funky water to start with, or your test kit is crap.

Do you have access to a digital pH meter? Over the long haul, they are cheaper than test kits and can be calibrated over and over again using very inexpensive 7.01 and 10.01 test solutions...

Good luck and sorry about your lost coral...

LL

 

[Murfman]

What are your magnesium and alkalinity?

 

[bheld1]

Thanks guys for all the responses. I actually fixed the problem after doing research on the vinegar method. I still can't figure out how my pH was high, but everything is back to normal!