Mostly venting frustration...

[Dom]

Several weeks ago, I was concerned with my pH running at around 7.8. My post was met with a lot of recommendations, but, the single thing I gleaned from the thread was this: keep it simple.

So, I stopped obsessing over my numbers and went back to FAITHFUL, weekly water changes using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals.

It's been about 5 weeks (and 5 water changes) and now, my pH is at 8.7 with the light off!

I don't understand; why the sudden swing?

NOTHING has changed in the tank; lighting, feeding schedule, water flow, aeration...

I give up.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Id say test again in two hours, and also right before your next water change.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/

 

[redfishbluefish]

Testing error. What are you using to determine pH? A pH of 8.7 would be very difficult without dumping nasty chemicals in there.

 

[Dom]

Testing error. What are you using to determine pH. A pH of 8.7 would be very difficult without dumping nasty chemicals in there.

I'm using the Pinpoint pH meter. It is properly calibrated and backed up the result with a good old fashioned API pH test.

 

[Dom]

Id say test again in two hours, and also right before your next water change.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/

Yes. Read that article.

 

[Squirrel_reefer]

So you actually did change something...

you stated you went back to faithful WC's, that's a change in habit. Where are you getting your water used to mix reef crystals?

 

[Dom]

So you actually did change something...

you stated you went back to faithful WC's, that's a change in habit. Where are you getting your water used to mix reef crystals?

Fair point.

I use a 5 stage RO/DI water filter with Instant Ocean Reef Crystals.

 

[Squirrel_reefer]

Fair point.

I use a 5 stage RO/DI water filter with Instant Ocean Reef Crystals.

Not trying to bust your hump, just trying to help

 

[Dom]

Not trying to bust your hump, just trying to help

No.... I get that.

As it turns out, a low battery indicator was lit on the meter. After installing a new battery, the reading is now 7.9!

The back up API pH test that I conducted indicated 8.6

Lesson learned.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Good find! Problem solved.

 

[tj w]

Glad you got it figured out Dom. Sometimes the smallest things can be overlooked. Lord knows I've had it happen to me as well.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It's been about 5 weeks (and 5 water changes) and now, my pH is at 8.7 with the light off!

I don't understand; why the sudden swing?
.

Testing error.

The pH is never 8.7 in a reef tank without excessive dosing of high pH additives.

Edit: I see it is resolved.