pH 9.0

Myka · Oct 19, 2016

There is a coral farmer claiming pH of their coral banks averages 8.9 pH. They are not using lime. How is this possible? They claim pH is the limiting factor for calcification - as pH rises, calcification rate increases.

In respsonse to how is this pH level attained: "Electro[lysis] was the catalyst, as high ph is what it creates.....but now a combination of soda ash, ozone , oxygen and plain old photosynthesis...."

Is this possible? What's your thought on the calcification claim and also the ability to keep 8.9 pH average.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 19, 2016

Electrolysis of seawater can produce hydroxide, so the pH (and alk) can get high if there is enough of it taking place.

ihavecrabs · Oct 19, 2016

Search "Bio-Rock the electrical coral garden of Bali" in youtube or google. Very interesting!

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 19, 2016

I do think the reason electrolysis seems useful in such settings is the alk and pH boost it gives to promote calcification, but it isn't suitable for a home tank, IMO.

Myka · Oct 19, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Electrolysis of seawater can produce hydroxide, so the pH (and alk) can get high if there is enough of it taking place.

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
I do think the reason electrolysis seems useful in such settings is the alk and pH boost it gives to promote calcification, but it isn't suitable for a home tank, IMO.

Ok thank you. I understand that the electrolysis was experimental, and they are no longer using it. Now saying "a combination of soda ash, ozone , oxygen and plain old photosynthesis...." is maintaining that high pH.