What can cause low PH?

[Hunter399]

I am testing PH at about 8.0-7.9.
Calcium 440
dKH 8-9
Salinity is 1.025

Was wondering what can cause low PH? I have a fairly new tank. 2 months old. No dosing as of yet.

 

[Big G]

Welcome to R2R! Many would consider 8.0 perfect for a saltwater tank provided your salinity is stable. The pH can vary throughout the day. Just opening a window in the room near the open top tank can swing the pH a bit.

 

[GoVols]

I am testing PH at about 8.0-7.9.
Calcium 440
dKH 8-9
Salinity is 1.025

Was wondering what can cause low PH? I have a fairly new tank. 2 months old. No dosing as of yet.

As @Big G said: Welcome to Reef2Reef.

7.9 to 8.0 is not all that bad.

Trapped in C02 in your home can play a huge factor in low ph. I raise the windows a lot to get the CO2 out, others use C02 scrubber's that you attach to your skimmer's air intake line.

Here's and article and you can try Randy's "Aeration" (Outside bubble in the cup) test.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

My pH stays around 7.8-7.9 steady as a rock. I know that it is going to fluctuate during the day so I try to check it around the same time weekly. (On Sundays between 12-1). So hopefully I can be successful at those numbers because I don't want to chase the 8.0 mark and wind up having to add an extra step to my weekly maintenance to keep it there.

 

[Hunter399]

Thanks for the reply and help guys I appreciate it!

 

[Hunter399]

While I was testing I compared my pre mixed ph and it was higher towards 8.3. Will a weekly water change be too much swing? I have been matching temp and salinity before doing water changes

 

[Big G]

While I was testing I compared my pre mixed ph and it was higher towards 8.3. Will a weekly water change be too much swing? I have been matching temp and salinity before doing water changes

Ah! Great question. As you may have noticed, there is great discussion on these forums about which is the "best" salt. One of the topics commonly espoused is the pH of the mix of a particular brand of salt. Use what works for you and your plans: fish only, fish and softies, fish and sps, etc.

 

[GoVols]

While I was testing I compared my pre mixed ph and it was higher towards 8.3. Will a weekly water change be too much swing? I have been matching temp and salinity before doing water changes

Can you take a cup of your display water outside, with a air pump and air stone for about an hour a re-test to see if your display's (water) ph rises?

 

[Hunter399]

Can you take a cup of your display water outside, with a air pump and air stone for about an hour a re-test to see if your display's (water) ph rises?

I will have to try that. That's a good idea

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

While I was testing I compared my pre mixed ph and it was higher towards 8.3. Will a weekly water change be too much swing? I have been matching temp and salinity before doing water changes

No, that's no concern.

 

[jimmyzhou]

I am testing PH at about 8.0-7.9.
Calcium 440
dKH 8-9
Salinity is 1.025

Was wondering what can cause low PH? I have a fairly new tank. 2 months old. No dosing as of yet.

Maybe just need some fresh air in the room 7.9-8 is good ph. Don't worry. It all good my ph 8.1-8.2 all the time. But I'm dosing kalks

 

[Reef 450]

I am testing PH at about 8.0-7.9.
Calcium 440
dKH 8-9
Salinity is 1.025

Was wondering what can cause low PH? I have a fairly new tank. 2 months old. No dosing as of yet.

To much CO2 will course that. Take a look at this video.

 

[Hunter399]

Thanks for the help. I just added some chaeto and light to my sump so I hope to have that help as well.