Should I adjust to raise pH?

[Marquiseo]

Hey @Randy Holmes-Farley . I am currently using a Ca Reactor with an internal pH of 6.9-7.0. My tank gets down to a pH of 7.66-7.71 and remains around that. My tank is in a room alone with the window open, now 24/7 because it is starting to warm up; it appears to have no effect on raising the pH. Should I use kalk to raise my pH because it may become a long term issue or just don't worry about it and leave it as is?

 

[PSXerholic]

I use a Co2 scrubber connected to my overflows and feeding skimmer air. Brought it above 8 after a few days.
I also dose Arm & Hammer bakins soda (baked) which brings me nicely to the 8.2.

 

[Marquiseo]

I use a Co2 scrubber connected to my overflows and feeding skimmer air. Brought it above 8 after a few days.
I also dose Arm & Hammer bakins soda (baked) which brings me nicely to the 8.2.

The tank is in a room with a closed

I use a Co2 scrubber connected to my overflows and feeding skimmer air. Brought it above 8 after a few days.
I also dose Arm & Hammer bakins soda (baked) which brings me nicely to the 8.2.

The room the tank is in has the window open all day to gas out the CO2. A scrubber would be a bit excessive because the room is pretty much vacant and the door is closed to it all day. I am basically trying to see if @Randy Holmes-Farley or anyone else in my same situation could see or experienced a potential issue with my pH running at that level for a long period time. If yes, I will just drip kalk. If not, I will just reef on and leave it alone.

Also, my growth hasn't stopped by any means.

Taken 03.05.16

Taken a week later, 03.12.16

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If the values are correct and the air has normal CO2 from open windows, you may just need more tank water aeration.

Try aerating a cup of tank water inside this room and see what that does for pH.

Also, when did you last calibrate the pH meter?

 

[Marquiseo]

If the values are correct and the air has normal CO2 from open windows, you may just need more tank water aeration.

Try aerating a cup of tank water inside this room and see what that does for pH.

Also, when did you last calibrate the pH meter?

Ok. I'll give it a try. I calibrated both of my pH probes around Feb 1 when I installed my Ca Reactor.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Let us know what you find.

 

[Marquiseo]

Let us know what you find.

Ok did a sample in a cup, aerated a few minutes with an air stone, and got 8.12 when I put my probe in there. Also, I created more turbulence to the surface of my display and no budge on the internal pH. I think I may just add the air stone to my sump over night and see what it does.

Also, do you see any long term issue that could arise from having pH that low for an extended time?

 

[Marquiseo]

double

 

[PSXerholic]

I bought a Co2 meter from Amaz.. for around $100. I use that to check occassionally the room and house Co2 level as well the status of the scrubber media.

Helpful in case of serious co2 issues in the house.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ok did a sample in a cup, aerated a few minutes with an air stone, and got 8.12 when I put my probe in there. Also, I created more turbulence to the surface of my display and no budge on the internal pH. I think I may just add the air stone to my sump over night and see what it does.

Also, do you see any long term issue that could arise from having pH that low for an extended time?

Yes, an airstone may help.

I'm not certain you will see a difference, but at pH below 7.7, raising the pH a bit will likely cause substantially less stress on calcifying organisms.