pickling lime

[Erak82]

Ok i have been thinking about gravity dropping 1tsp of pickling lime in a gallon jug very slowly to raise my ph. I want some opinions. Thanks for any help im scared to add it but it might help.

Calcium 420
Dkh 11
Ph in between 7.6 and 7.8

 

[Pete polyp]

I wouldn't mess with your Ph, it's fine where it is

 

[_sludgefactory]

Picking lime aka kalkwasser is not a ph additive.

 

[Pete polyp]

Picking lime aka kalkwasser is not a ph additive.

It will most definitely make Ph rise.

 

[marke]

As some have mentioned managing ph is not as important as managing calcium and alk and mag. But yes kalk will raise your ph and possibly bring other benefit like improved skimmer performance and it also helps lower phosphates. All good. Issue is your alk is a bit high and kalk could make it rise. So reduce your alk before adding kalk. I think it might help. But not because ph went up

 

[_sludgefactory]

As well as calcium. Like I said its not a ph additive.

 

[Erak82]

Ok so what should i do to raise ph? Ph buffers just raise the ph for a little and keeps my dkh high. Im running the intake for my skimmer outside to try and help also

 

[Pete polyp]

Nothing. You don't need to raise your ph

 

[_sludgefactory]

Agreed. If anything you need to work on getting you calcium and alkalinity balanced out. Do you test magnesium?

 

[Erak82]

I dont have anything to test mag at the moment i have to take it to lfs. Pete why do you say dont worry sbout it and just worry about my other levels? Some people say its important and it seems others dont worry about it

 

[_sludgefactory]

Ph is important but if you maintain proper calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium then ph should stay stable on its own. Also magnesium is just as important to test as calcium and alkalinity and I suggest buying a test kit.

 

[Pete polyp]

I dont have anything to test mag at the moment i have to take it to lfs. Pete why do you say dont worry sbout it and just worry about my other levels? Some people say its important and it seems others dont worry about it

Because Ph of 7.6-7.8 isn't a problem. When it drops so low your live rock and sand start to bubble because it's dissolving you have issues. It may not be picture perfect ph, but it's not a problem at that point.

 

[M&M]

If you want to increase your PH without adding anything, try to run air line from your skimmer outside. It does wonders for PH in aquarium.

 

[NanaReefer]

5yrs reefing and I've never been concerned about my PH. Not a number to chase

 

[trido]

I agree about Ph not being a number to chase. I also think that a Dkh of 11 and Calcium of 420 is just fine. Looks plenty balanced to me.

 

[Erak82]

Thanks for all the replies. This site is great for everyone helping another out.

 

[_sludgefactory]

This will give you some further insight on picking lime. http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/