Techniques to adjust pH

[Jackcarp]

I recently re-calibrated my pH probe and found that my tank was not 8.2-8.3, but more like 7.8-7.9. I made some adjustments in my tank prior to discovering this which I can talk about later, but I would like to know what the best way to boost my pH back in the 8 range be?

My tank is 110 gallons
30 gallon fuge with chaeto and grow light
20 gallon sump with skimmer
2-part dosing with sodium bicarb and calcium carb.

Could I add an air stone to my fuge to help with oxygenation, switch sodium bicarb to carbonate?
I am also trying to raise my nitrates and phosphates so I am also trying to feed more which I don't think helps the pH.

Alk-9.2
Calcium-500
Mag-1200
Nitrates 2
Phosphates 0.03

Thanks for your input!

 

[Crabs McJones]

I recently re-calibrated my pH probe and found that my tank was not 8.2-8.3, but more like 7.8-7.9. I made some adjustments in my tank prior to discovering this which I can talk about later, but I would like to know what the best way to boost my pH back in the 8 range be?

My tank is 110 gallons
30 gallon fuge with chaeto and grow light
20 gallon sump with skimmer
2-part dosing with sodium bicarb and calcium carb.

Could I add an air stone to my fuge to help with oxygenation, switch sodium bicarb to carbonate?
I am also trying to raise my nitrates and phosphates so I am also trying to feed more which I don't think helps the pH.

Alk-9.2
Calcium-500
Mag-1200
Nitrates 2
Phosphates 0.03

Thanks for your input!

One great way to help is, if you're able to, run a fresh air supply line to the outside to the air intake of your skimmer. Otherwise if the weather by you is appropriate enouogh, open a couple windows. Getting the C02 out of your house can help boost PH levels. If you have high c02 in your home, it'll keep your PH down. Another option would be to incorporate a refugium into your system, the plants will pull the C02 out of the water and help boost your PH.

 

[Jackcarp]

One great way to help is, if you're able to, run a fresh air supply line to the outside to the air intake of your skimmer. Otherwise if the weather by you is appropriate enouogh, open a couple windows. Getting the C02 out of your house can help boost PH levels. If you have high c02 in your home, it'll keep your PH down. Another option would be to incorporate a refugium into your system, the plants will pull the C02 out of the water and help boost your PH.

I do have a 30 gallon refugium with chaeto growing. I dont have an option to open a window, however, I do have a vent in my fish room that pulls air in and exchanges it with fresh air from outside.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Also a powerhead pointed at the surface to create agitation to promote gas exchange will help. Forgot to say that above

 

[Skep18]

I was also struggling with pH at the onset of my tank. I figured when I got heavy into dosing, the pH would come. Then I ran a fresh air line to my skimmer. WOW. My pH was 7.7 - 8.0 range before. After, it literally never drops below 8.05 and is mostly in the 8.15 - 8.25 range.

It might be a PITA but try and run an air line if you can. The corals seem to appreciate the higher pH via growth rate as well.

 

[ReeferNtraining]

One of your initial statements/questions is part of the problem. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will lower your pH. Don’t use that for alk.

 

[Skep18]

One of your initial statements/questions is part of the problem. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will lower your pH. Don’t use that for alk.

Good catch! Totally missed that.

Per above, use Soda Ash. Bake the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) on a sheet pan in an oven for 45min at 400F or so for the DIY version to get soda ash (sodium carbonate) or get some online.


https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/baking-soda-the-reef-aquarium.275306/

 

[Jackcarp]

I was also struggling with pH at the onset of my tank. I figured when I got heavy into dosing, the pH would come. Then I ran a fresh air line to my skimmer. WOW. My pH was 7.7 - 8.0 range before. After, it literally never drops below 8.05 and is mostly in the 8.15 - 8.25 range.

It might be a PITA but try and run an air line if you can. The corals seem to appreciate the higher pH via growth rate as well.

Maybe I can run a line through the floor to the cold air return on my furnace-prob only a few feet. Might have to get creative.

 

[Skep18]

Maybe I can run a line through the floor to the cold air return on my furnace-prob only a few feet. Might have to get creative.

It might cost a few bucks but my advice would be buy some hose and run an "ugly" install temporarily to a window or something just to see the results for yourself and make sure its worth it. You can tape the gap in the window to keep the air out mostly but any increase in HVAC energy bill should be minimal for the short term. This is what I did before drilling through walls, headers, etc.