Raising pH not worth the Effort/Expense

[ingchr1]

My average pH has always been on the low end of "optimal", which in the past has led me think that perhaps I should find a way to get it into the "optimal" range. This could be done with a CO2 scrubber or running the skimmer line outside. The CO2 scrubber comes with the cost of media and finding a way to incorporate it into my tank (an AIO). The skimmer outside line comes with finding a way to get the line outside, drilling holes in the house (tank is in the living room).

Recently we went a week-long vacation. During this time, with everyone out of the house (4 people), pH increased by ~0.1 to ~0.15. This I will assume is the maximum pH increase I would be able to obtain for my tank. Doesn't seem like it's worth the effort and/or expense. Coupled with I am happy with the current health of my tank and where it is at. No need to try and change things just to achieve an "optimal" value.

Here is what the pH did while we were away.

 

[Garf]

My average pH has always been on the low end of "optimal", which in the past has led me think that perhaps I should find a way to get it into the "optimal" range. This could be done with a CO2 scrubber or running the skimmer line outside. The CO2 scrubber comes with the cost of media and finding a way to incorporate it into my tank (an AIO). The skimmer outside line comes with finding a way to get the line outside, drilling holes in the house (tank is in the living room).

Recently we went a week-long vacation. During this time, with everyone out of the house (4 people), pH increased by ~0.1 to ~0.15. This I will assume is the maximum pH increase I would be able to obtain for my tank. Doesn't seem like it's worth the effort and/or expense. Coupled with I am happy with the current health of my tank and where it is at. No need to try and change things just to achieve an "optimal" value.

Here is what the pH did while we were away.

You not using kalk? That's cheap, especially if you offset the cost to other dosing materials.

 

[Doctorgori]

I dunno, That BRS vid on coral growth vs pH seems to indicate some real value

fwiw my co2 scrubbers value bang for buck is suspect

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If your tank is dropping to pH 7.8 when no one (including pets) is present in the home for a week, either the pH is inaccurate, or the tank pH would rise significant simply from having more aeration.

 

[ingchr1]

You not using kalk? That's cheap, especially if you offset the cost to other dosing materials.

No, that seems like more work to implement in an AIO compared to two-part.

 

[ingchr1]

I dunno, That BRS vid on coral growth vs pH seems to indicate some real value...

If my corals are growing how I like, why would I need to increase the rate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If my corals are growing how I like, why would I need to increase the rate?

No one is saying you "need to". Almost anything any reefer does is not a "need to". But many things, including keeping pH above pH 7.8 can help corals thrive.

 

[ingchr1]

If your tank is dropping to pH 7.8 when no one (including pets) is present in the home for a week, either the pH is inaccurate, or the tank pH would rise significant simply from having more aeration.

The pH being off is certainly possible. Haven't calibrated the probe in some time. I'll do that at some point and post up the results.

We do have two cats, and the pet sitter was stopping by each day.

My two-part usage (43ml/day) equates to ~2dkh per day.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The pH being off is certainly possible. Haven't calibrated the probe in some time. I'll do that at some point and post up the results.

We do have two cats, and the pet sitter was stopping by each day.

My two-part usage (43ml/day) equates to ~2dkh per day.

Which two part? Some raise pH, some raise pH a lot, and some lower pH.

 

[ingchr1]

Which two part? Some raise pH, some raise pH a lot, and some lower pH.

BRS soda ash. Tank water volume is ~31 gallons, tank is a 40 gallon.

...Almost anything any reefer does is not a "need to"...

This is kind of the point of my post. The industry often leads us to think we "need to" do certain things to be successful. In my case, my tank is successful at what would be considered less than "optimal" pH. Baring the calibration being low, which I concede is a possibility.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I found that running just a line from the Skimmer to the outside was inadequate. I tried a direct hook up from my LifeReef Skimmer, via 3/8” tubing. Just didn’t have the drawing power. I modified a Cheap two port air pump, so it could pull the air from outside. It injects the air into the Skimmers Cups via the lids. Cheap solution, as the air pumps don’t use much electricity. Added benefit of no messing with chemicals.

 

[ingchr1]

I found that running just a line from the Skimmer to the outside was inadequate. I tried a direct hook up from my LifeReef Skimmer, via 3/8” tubing. Just didn’t have the drawing power. I modified a Cheap two port air pump, so it could pull the air from outside. It injects the air into the Skimmers Cups via the lids. Cheap solution, as the air pumps don’t use much electricity. Added benefit of no messing with chemicals.

I would likely have the same issue with my Tunze 9004 DC skimmer. While an air pump would be a good solution, it would add noise in the living room.

 

[saltyfins]

if you want coral growth, that is really noticeable....get your pH up as much as you can, but don't exceed 8.4.
I added kalkwasser a year ago, and I swear I can watch the sticks grow! I cant, but sure seems that way. I hoover about 8.3-8.5 and the latter freaks me out a lot! I do not aim for that high, and I pull the hose off my media when that happens. but I constantly have new growth on everything, including LPS

 

[ingchr1]

I can definitely notice my coral growth. Don't need it to grow any faster.

 

[exnisstech]

I can definitely notice my coral growth. Don't need it to grow any faster.

Absolutely stunning!

 

[VintageReefer]

I can definitely notice my coral growth. Don't need it to grow any faster.

Nice tank. Don’t change a thing in your methods

 

[ingchr1]

Absolutely stunning!

Thank you

Nice tank. Don’t change a thing in your methods

Thank you