pH won't go over 7.7

rockstarta78 · Aug 15, 2017

I am hoping to get some help with pH level on my tank. My pH is always stuck around 7.6 - 7.7. My house has AC running almost 24/7, the tank is in the basement and there is only one door leading outside that's always closed since no one is in the basement besides me when I go down there after work or on weekends. I am guessing the CO2 consumption is what is causing the low pH level. To increase the pH I am using kalk drip and running micro bubble for 6-8 hours a night. I still can't get to 8. The best I've seen so far has been 7.8. I was wondering if there is anything I can do (given the current condition - no window or door to open) to increase my pH to 8.1 - 8.3. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I am using 1 tsp of kalk in a gallon of water. Should I increase it to 2tsp?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 15, 2017

How are you measuring pH?

What is the alkalinity?

rockstarta78 · Aug 15, 2017

I am using this to test my pH, and my Alk is 7dkh last time i tested was on Saturday.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 15, 2017

rockstarta78 said:
I am using this to test my pH, and my Alk is 7dkh last time i tested was on Saturday.

Did you calibrate it (not sure it is even possible) or check it in a standard pH test solution?

rockstarta78 · Aug 15, 2017

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Did you calibrate it (not sure it is even possible) or check it in a standard pH test solution?

They included calibration reagent which is what I used to calibrate. I don't know what I could use to check in a standard pH solution. Now that you mention is, I wish I could test the accuracy of the meter.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 15, 2017

A pH 10 solution would be a good check for it. Better than pH 7, but using both would be better. You can get it at reef stores or online.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 15, 2017

This has more:

Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/chem.htm

Mattrg02 · Aug 15, 2017

Why is 7.8 a problem? Should we notice any issues, such as stunted growth or washed out colors?

melev · Aug 15, 2017

I'd bring your alkalinity up t0 8-8.5 dKH and see how your pH registers then.

moiy24 · Aug 16, 2017

Put your skimmer line to the outside to breathe fresh air, if that plus surface agitation doesnt help you can consider a CO2 scrubber

SlvrZ · Aug 16, 2017

Put up a hydroponic style system down there with basic fresh water fish so that the veggies you grow consume the c02 build up, side benefit is you get fresh veggies

rockstarta78 · Aug 16, 2017

Huh weird! I didn't get any of these notifications. I thought my post got lost.

rockstarta78 · Aug 16, 2017

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
A pH 10 solution would be a good check for it. Better than pH 7, but using both would be better. You can get it at reef stores or online.

I'll recalibrate and see if I can find a pH 10. Thank you Randy.

rockstarta78 · Aug 16, 2017

melev said:
I'd bring your alkalinity up t0 8-8.5 dKH and see how your pH registers then.

Dosing kalk with vinegar. I'll do a big water change and see if that makes any difference as well. Just got new salt. Fritzs RPM salt.

rockstarta78 · Aug 16, 2017

moiy24 said:
Put your skimmer line to the outside to breathe fresh air, if that plus surface agitation doesnt help you can consider a CO2 scrubber

See I really wanted to do this, but there's no way I can leave the door open. And I don't know if my wife will be okay with me drilling a hole through the wall. [emoji20]

rockstarta78 · Aug 16, 2017

SlvrZ said:
Put up a hydroponic style system down there with basic fresh water fish so that the veggies you grow consume the c02 build up, side benefit is you get fresh veggies

Lol I do want to setup a discuss tank.