High ph?

tmar77 · 04/08/2010, 09:08 AM

I just checked my ph in my display tank and it was 8.6-8.7. all my levels are all good. what would be causing this? and what should i do? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

55 gal uv sterilizer canister filter
fish are in quarantine tank/ 20-30lbs live rock/some crabs
salinity .023
nitrates .00
ph 8.6
temp 84

liz62 · 04/08/2010, 09:18 AM

IMO your PH level is fine.
PH level in a basic saltwater tanks should be between 7.6 and 8.4.
Try doing a water change to see if it bring's it in line.
Also, your tank temp is a little high -78-80 is better.

Percula9 · 04/08/2010, 09:23 AM

How are you measuring pH?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 04/08/2010, 10:08 AM

I expect it is measurement error. pH does not typically get that high in a reef tank in the absence of using especially high pH additives, such as limewater.

I discuss high ph here:

High pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm

Michael · 04/08/2010, 11:57 AM

randy's advice is always spot on and id agree probably testing error, if your using kalkwasser then it may be accurate,on a different note try to bump the sg up to 1.026 or salinity at 35 parts, imo the tank will benefit from this as its close to average natural sea water levels.

tmar77 · 04/09/2010, 10:24 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone. Randy, its not a reef, its a fish only. I tested it again and it is still 8.6. What do you suggest ? I am using aquarium pharmaceuticals high range ph test.

Chris27 · 04/09/2010, 10:37 PM

Are you adding anything to the tank? Reef Buffer, Builder, Kalkwasser, anything?

crvz · 04/10/2010, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmar77

Thanks for the replies everyone. Randy, its not a reef, its a fish only. I tested it again and it is still 8.6. What do you suggest ? I am using aquarium pharmaceuticals high range ph test.

I suggest not using a test kit to measure pH. Anything short of a recently calibrated quality pH probe is going to give spotty results, so if you're particularly interested in knowing the tank look into getting a controller or monitor for pH.

tmar77 · 04/10/2010, 02:48 PM

which ph probes are good?

tmar77 · 04/11/2010, 04:46 PM

in the mean time until i purchase a ph probe, i went out and bought a different ph test kit. I just tested my water and it is still reading 8.6-8.7. what could be causing this?

tmar77 · 04/11/2010, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmar77

in the mean time until i purchase a ph probe, i went out and bought a different ph test kit. I just tested my water and it is still reading 8.6-8.7. what could be causing this?

I'm an idiot! i read the article on ph. thanks all

04/08/2010, 09:08 AM	#1
tmar77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 34	High ph? I just checked my ph in my display tank and it was 8.6-8.7. all my levels are all good. what would be causing this? and what should i do? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks 55 gal uv sterilizer canister filter fish are in quarantine tank/ 20-30lbs live rock/some crabs salinity .023 nitrates .00 ph 8.6 temp 84

04/08/2010, 10:08 AM	#4
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I expect it is measurement error. pH does not typically get that high in a reef tank in the absence of using especially high pH additives, such as limewater. I discuss high ph here: High pH: Causes and Cures http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

04/08/2010, 11:57 AM	#5
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	randy's advice is always spot on and id agree probably testing error, if your using kalkwasser then it may be accurate,on a different note try to bump the sg up to 1.026 or salinity at 35 parts, imo the tank will benefit from this as its close to average natural sea water levels. __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

04/08/2010, 09:18 AM	#2
liz62 Zeohead Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 394	IMO your PH level is fine. PH level in a basic saltwater tanks should be between 7.6 and 8.4. Try doing a water change to see if it bring's it in line. Also, your tank temp is a little high -78-80 is better.

04/08/2010, 09:23 AM	#3
Percula9 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County CA Posts: 3,819	How are you measuring pH?

04/09/2010, 10:24 PM	#6
tmar77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 34	Thanks for the replies everyone. Randy, its not a reef, its a fish only. I tested it again and it is still 8.6. What do you suggest ? I am using aquarium pharmaceuticals high range ph test.

04/09/2010, 10:37 PM	#7
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Are you adding anything to the tank? Reef Buffer, Builder, Kalkwasser, anything?

04/10/2010, 02:48 PM	#9
tmar77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 34	which ph probes are good?

04/11/2010, 04:46 PM	#10
tmar77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 34	in the mean time until i purchase a ph probe, i went out and bought a different ph test kit. I just tested my water and it is still reading 8.6-8.7. what could be causing this?