Similar question about Calcium and Kh

[tangy2]

My tank's pH level has recently been low. I've been adding buffer a lot in the past couple of months. I do weekly water changes of 6 gallons in my 75gallon tank. I have no corals yet, but am trying to prep the tank for the addition. The tanks been running since Nov 06. I tested the alkalinity and I'm not sure if every test is like this, but I had to put "20" drops before the color changed. It is way high! The chart only goes up to "12" drops. The guy at my LFS told me that it's due to me adding so much buffer. He said maybe do 10 gallon water changes and not to add any buffer. But what if my pH starts to fall? I have fish in their that I definitley do not want loose!


Also, I tested my Calcium and it was 240, I just added some liquid calcium to the tank and will check it in a day or two. How do I maintain my calcium levels?

Thanks for your help!!

[fuzzyt]

How low is the PH? Where are you getting top off water? Maybe it could be the source of the low PH? Is the tank in an area that has fresh air? Are there lids on the tank? I believe increased CO2 can also cause the PH to drop. As I recall, Ca levels will drop with real high Alk, and visa versa.

[Steverino]

what kind of substrate and salt do you use?

[sabbath]

I would check out the chemistry forums here at RC. These guys are the best.
Here is a link that will get you started. http://web.archive.org/web/200211270...v2002/chem.htm
Or this one to everything! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=102605

[tangy2]

Originally posted by fuzzyt
How low is the PH? Where are you getting top off water? Maybe it could be the source of the low PH? Is the tank in an area that has fresh air? Are there lids on the tank? I believe increased CO2 can also cause the PH to drop. As I recall, Ca levels will drop with real high Alk, and visa versa.

It goes down to the "acceptable" color. That is when I would add the buffer. I believe it is 7.8, if I'm not mistaking. The tank is in our front den, not really any fresh air unless the windows are open. I have 2 plexiglass covers on the top that don't completely seal it, about an inch along the sides are exposed. Does leaving the lids on or off work better for the tank? Thanks

[tangy2]

Originally posted by Steverino
what kind of substrate and salt do you use?

Instant ocean mixed with ro/di water and tons of live rock (i believe I have about 80-100lbs of rock in the 75 gallon tank)!

[alan214]

Originally posted by tangy2
It goes down to the "acceptable" color. That is when I would add the buffer. I believe it is 7.8, if I'm not mistaking. The tank is in our front den, not really any fresh air unless the windows are open. I have 2 plexiglass covers on the top that don't completely seal it, about an inch along the sides are exposed. Does leaving the lids on or off work better for the tank? Thanks

Getting more oxygen to your tank should help get your pH up a little so you should try running without the covers to see if you see any improvement.

[drummereef]

pH is not addressed the same as in freshwater aquaria. In most cases low pH can be improved by getting some fresh air into your house. Low pH is caused by excessive levels of CO2. By balancing these ratios out with fresh oxygen your pH will rise. Remember 7.8-8.5 is acceptable. Buffers, in the long run is not a good solution to pH problems or alk problems. I would recommend getting on a balanced additive to keep your alkalinity and calcium in balance. Please read the following.

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

The “How To� Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm