pH low... But dKH ok?

kkgaskin90 · Jul 6, 2015

All my parameters are listed... What do I do? I have never had a pH problem before :/ tank has been running since Nov 2013. 75 gallon + 20 gallon sump.
pH-7.8
Temp-75.2
SG-1.025
Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-5
Phosphates-0.25
dKH-10
Calcium-480

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 6, 2015

pH 7.8 is, IMO, the low end of OK, so no significant action is needed.

That said, the ways to boost pH include fresher air in your home air, bringing outside air to a skimmer inlet, using a CO2 scrubber on a skimmer inlet, growing macroalgae, and using limewater (kalkwasser) for all calcium and alkalinity needs.

This has more:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

kkgaskin90 · Jul 6, 2015

Thank you! I'll open some windows

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 6, 2015

Let us now what you find.

kkgaskin90 · Jul 6, 2015

I opened a window, turned on the fan, and opened the canopy. In 4 hours that has raised the pH to 8.0

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 6, 2015

Sounds good!

beaslbob · Jul 7, 2015

FWIW I have found macro algaes raise pH. I think it is by consuming co2.

And keeping alk up tends to limit the nightly pH drop.

Also I would always recommend measuring pH just before lights out.

my .02