Ph buffer
- Thread starter Juniorh2r
- Start date
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TheEngineer
Formerly icecool2
You don't want to chase pH, you're really just looking for stability. Ideally you want to stay above 8, but if you're running the heat in your house you will see your pH drop.
pH will rise and fall throughout the day. You need to make sure you are measuring at the same time each day if you are doing a manual test. One option for raising pH and supplementing alk and calc in your tank is kalkwasser. That's only an option if you need to already supplement for alk and calc though.
pH will rise and fall throughout the day. You need to make sure you are measuring at the same time each day if you are doing a manual test. One option for raising pH and supplementing alk and calc in your tank is kalkwasser. That's only an option if you need to already supplement for alk and calc though.
ihavecrabs
2500 Club Member
Hey Junior2r,
Definitely don't add buffer to raise your pH. It affects more important parameters such as Alkalinity (as pH buffers raise the alkalinity).
Best to manage and maintain Alkalinity at a stable level. Unless your pH is super low (like below 7.7) I wouldn't do anything..
Definitely don't add buffer to raise your pH. It affects more important parameters such as Alkalinity (as pH buffers raise the alkalinity).
Best to manage and maintain Alkalinity at a stable level. Unless your pH is super low (like below 7.7) I wouldn't do anything..
SPR1968
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It all looks good to me and as the guys have said, don’t start messing with pH to much and don’t chase numbers, your fine at your levels.
I nearly did this a while ago and after hours of research came to the conclusion, it’s only a very small % difference to 8 or 8.2 anyway, test margin for error, and more importantly everything in the tank was thriving and alive!
And welcome to R2R as well!
I nearly did this a while ago and after hours of research came to the conclusion, it’s only a very small % difference to 8 or 8.2 anyway, test margin for error, and more importantly everything in the tank was thriving and alive!
And welcome to R2R as well!
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
In case none one mentioned, use a kh (carbonate hardness) test and see if it is low. should be 8-10 degrees or so. then use baking soda to increase it if it is low.
Also measure pH just before lights out. What is important is the pH then is high indicating the co2 buildup during the night has been consumed with the light on.
Finally, you may want to check out the dr randy holmes-farley's imporved diy two part system in the reef chemistry section. It uses inexpensive materials to maintain calcium, magnesium, and carbonate. Once those are all in line it just seems the pH falls in line also.
my .02
Also measure pH just before lights out. What is important is the pH then is high indicating the co2 buildup during the night has been consumed with the light on.
Finally, you may want to check out the dr randy holmes-farley's imporved diy two part system in the reef chemistry section. It uses inexpensive materials to maintain calcium, magnesium, and carbonate. Once those are all in line it just seems the pH falls in line also.
my .02
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
again what is the KH?Its fluctuating
What is the file frame with that data? 24 hours, days, weeks?
FWIW my gut feel is KH is a little low. the PH swing will be less with higher KH. Which can be increased with small doses of baking soda.
