When is PH too high?

[Andrew Schubert]

So my PH has ALWAYS been around 8.0-8.2, and this is with dosing KALK. I've purposefully, been using KALK over 2Part so that I can have a little higher PH, otherwise it would be right around 8 all the time.

Anyways, over the past week, with the cooler temps up here in the north I've started leaving my window open, to which I've started seeing a HUGE change in my PH. Over the past 3 days its been running between 8.3 and 8.5. Needless to say, my Apex control is programmed not to dose KALK if the PH gets above 8.4. So, now I'm having to battle manually dosing 2PART (as I don't have a doser) just to keep my Ca and dKH stable.

 

[Brien]

I have fish only systems and frequently I'm between 8.4-8.5. I don't worry about it and have never lost a fish because of it.

 

[Ranjib]

Unless you see ill effect, dont chase pH. Calibrate your sensor before making and conclusion. The increase is probably right,but the exact values may be bit incorrect. Try bicarbonate based Alk booster of carbonate based ones to increase Alk without significantly elevating ph. Algae turf scrubber or refugium during night time should help as well

 

[Andrew Schubert]

I have fish only systems and frequently I'm between 8.4-8.5. I don't worry about it and have never lost a fish because of it.

Thanks for the quick reply. For everyones reference, I am running a 120/with 30 gal sump. I have a mixed reef tank with a couple of Acros in it.

 

[Andrew Schubert]

Unless you see ill effect, dont chase pH. Calibrate your sensor before making and conclusion. The increase is probably right,but the exact values may be bit incorrect. Try bicarbonate based Alk booster of carbonate based ones to increase Alk without significantly elevating ph. Algae turf scrubber or refugium during night time should help as well

I actually am in the process of switcing over to Zeovit. Saying that, I took my Algae Scrubber offline on Sunday. So I've seen this significant rise in PH despite no longer running the algae scrubber at night. My tank is in the basement, and the window that is open is just a small basement window. Hard to believe that little amount of air could make this much difference.!

 

[Iván Olalla]

I've mantained my pico reef in the 8.5/8.6 range with no ill effects, my controller cuts alk off if it reaches 8.7
I would nota worry to much, only check ammonia because at high ph (8.9 and further) can be more toxic for the fish