PH

[Mr tooheys]

I'm looking for a way to lower my ph as it is 8.6 which will not affect phosphates,,as I've discovered using ph down blows my phosphates threw the roof what can I use???????

 

[DaveMorris]

What is your level on Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium? If you get those in line you shouldn't need to worry too much about ph.

 

[Mr tooheys]

Cal 450
Alk 140ppm which is around 7.8dkh
Mag don't check for it should I???
I only have FOWLR tank...

 

[Greenstreet.1]

Yes you should

 

[Mr tooheys]

Yes you should

Why??

 

[Greenstreet.1]

Your mag may be low that's why your ph is up that hi also by adding mag it can slowly lower your ph

 

[Greenstreet.1]

I dose mag manually and If I miss a dose my ph goes up a little

 

[mcarroll]

I've been through most of RH-F's material on the subject and I don't recall there being any linkage between Mg and pH except alkalinity.

Also, if you find a need to dose Mg into a FOWLR tank, something may be wrong. There should be nothing using Mg but coraline algae, which is minute.

A decent water change schedule with a normal salt like Instant Ocean should be all it takes to keep parameters in line, maybe with exception to a little alkalinity dosing in some tanks.

So do water changes - 10-20% per week is recommended in most cases - and test+dose alkalinity as needed. pH should not be an issue then.

Good luck!
-Matt

 

[Mr tooheys]

Thanks for the spot on info Matt that's exactly what I read.. Will be doing w/c weekly..to solve my problem.thanks again....