8.4 ph?

rdnyva · 12/11/2016, 09:32 AM

I noticed recently my ph is higher than normal. I hadn't calibrated my ph probe recently, so I did so. I am getting readings of 8.38 to 8.4 constantly. So thought my probe was the culprit and was going to buy a new one. Strange thing is when I put the probe in 7 solution it reads 7, when I put it in 10 solution it reads 10. So it must be accurate, right?

Thoughts?

nereefpat · 12/11/2016, 09:49 AM

If it reads 7 at 7 and 10 in the 10, the probe is working perfectly. Are the standards you are using about the same temp as the tank water? This can affect the reading of pH.

Anyway, most of us wish we had pH of 8.4.

rdnyva · 12/11/2016, 09:55 AM

That's why I questioned it. Usually we, as hobbyists, struggle with ph, and my norm is 8.1 or so.

Tank is 80, but solution was room temp, about 70. I will try again using solution at 80 degrees.

Timfish · 12/12/2016, 06:31 AM

Do you take pictures of your tank on a regular basis? I would not be surprised if you've seen a big shift between the amount of algae and corals with a shift to increased corals growth in the last couple of months. Are you tracking alkalinity also? It may have dropped recently.

ca1ore · 12/12/2016, 08:10 AM

FWIW, my tank routinely runs a high pH. Not unusual to see 8.45 by the late afternoon. Falls down to about 8.1 my first light. I've actually stopped using Kalk as a result. Doesn't seem to have a negative affect on my tank.

scooter31707 · 12/12/2016, 08:58 AM

I have notice before I put in my refugium, that I had a PH swing during the night when lights went off. When I put in the fuge with the light that runs opposite of my tank light, I had more stability of my PH. Just my 2 cents. So you might be swing the swings from that.

SycoCell · 12/12/2016, 11:58 AM

I've noticed this exact thing with my Apex probe. In the 7 and 10 solution, it is spot on. But in my tank, it seems to vary based on the depth of the probe. Check how far you're sticking it in (shut up)...

12/11/2016, 09:32 AM	#1
rdnyva Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,106	8.4 ph? I noticed recently my ph is higher than normal. I hadn't calibrated my ph probe recently, so I did so. I am getting readings of 8.38 to 8.4 constantly. So thought my probe was the culprit and was going to buy a new one. Strange thing is when I put the probe in 7 solution it reads 7, when I put it in 10 solution it reads 10. So it must be accurate, right? Thoughts? __________________ 150 gal mixed reef Apex Lite 2 - MP40 QD Vertex Omega 180i Skimmer ReefBreeders Photon 50 V2

12/11/2016, 09:49 AM	#2
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	If it reads 7 at 7 and 10 in the 10, the probe is working perfectly. Are the standards you are using about the same temp as the tank water? This can affect the reading of pH. Anyway, most of us wish we had pH of 8.4. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

12/11/2016, 09:55 AM	#3
rdnyva Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,106	That's why I questioned it. Usually we, as hobbyists, struggle with ph, and my norm is 8.1 or so. Tank is 80, but solution was room temp, about 70. I will try again using solution at 80 degrees. __________________ 150 gal mixed reef Apex Lite 2 - MP40 QD Vertex Omega 180i Skimmer ReefBreeders Photon 50 V2

12/12/2016, 06:31 AM	#4
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,985	Do you take pictures of your tank on a regular basis? I would not be surprised if you've seen a big shift between the amount of algae and corals with a shift to increased corals growth in the last couple of months. Are you tracking alkalinity also? It may have dropped recently. __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

12/12/2016, 08:10 AM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	FWIW, my tank routinely runs a high pH. Not unusual to see 8.45 by the late afternoon. Falls down to about 8.1 my first light. I've actually stopped using Kalk as a result. Doesn't seem to have a negative affect on my tank. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

12/12/2016, 08:58 AM	#6
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	I have notice before I put in my refugium, that I had a PH swing during the night when lights went off. When I put in the fuge with the light that runs opposite of my tank light, I had more stability of my PH. Just my 2 cents. So you might be swing the swings from that.

12/12/2016, 11:58 AM	#7
SycoCell Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 187	I've noticed this exact thing with my Apex probe. In the 7 and 10 solution, it is spot on. But in my tank, it seems to vary based on the depth of the probe. Check how far you're sticking it in (shut up)...