PH question

Vanquishxxxx · 05/08/2006, 04:13 PM

Trying to get my PH to 8.2 but can only seemto get it as high at 8.0 , is there any explanations for this, and is 8.0 ok ?

funman1 · 05/08/2006, 05:13 PM

How are you trying?
I use a ph buffer..

PatMayo · 05/08/2006, 10:21 PM

Buffers typically are not the best way to raise alk or calk. A good 2 part additive would work well. I used to use B-Ionic. With a 2 part additive you add the same amount of both ingredients.

I now use Randy's 2 part number 1 formula, (number 1 formula because you bake the baking soda and thus it has a tendency to raise the ph) and limewater.

8.0 is fine for the ph. The question is how low does the ph go during the night? That is the other half of the equation you need to know. If you ph goes to 7.9 or so you are ok.

A critical factor is how do you measure the ph? If you are using test strips they are not accurate. If you are using a monitor that is good.

Calcium is another parameter you should also measure.

Calk, alk, ph and magnesium are the only ones I measure now.

Regards,

Pat

ps, the chemistry forum has many informative articles that will help.

snarkes · 05/08/2006, 10:25 PM

I've been having the same problem. I use tetra tests to check my pH and it has been maintaining itself at 8.0. I've added Ocean's Blend pH/Alkalinity buffer for a few days now. I've dosed the aquarium (55 gal reef) three times and while the Alkalinity did go from 6 to 8, the pH is still 8.0? What gives?

mg426 · 05/08/2006, 10:57 PM

Take a sample of your tank water Outside aerate it for one hour. Test the sample see if the PH increases if so CO2 is your problem. Quick, easy to do, costs nothing may tell you some valuable info.

bertoni · 05/09/2006, 12:07 AM

The aeration test might be interesting.

This article discusses low pH problems in detail:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

Measuring errors and high indoor CO2 seem to be the leading culprits.

boxfishpooalot · 05/09/2006, 05:24 AM

All low ph problems are caused by excessive indoor Co2(wich you exhale) If alkalinity is normal(2.5meq/l)

Try opening all your windows in the house. Bet you 100$ your ph will rise

, unless your alkalinity is low.

IslandCrow · 05/09/2006, 08:10 AM

Check out this article by Randy Holmes from the Reef Chemistry forum. He has many others as stickies there that are well worth reading:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

05/08/2006, 04:13 PM	#1
Vanquishxxxx Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Long Island Posts: 998	PH question Trying to get my PH to 8.2 but can only seemto get it as high at 8.0 , is there any explanations for this, and is 8.0 ok ?

05/08/2006, 05:13 PM	#2
funman1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 4,898	How are you trying? I use a ph buffer.. __________________ Professional Pyro: NO REALLY; I get PAID to blow stuff up!! ~Steve~ Current Tank Info: 12G NANO

05/08/2006, 10:21 PM	#3
PatMayo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,843	Buffers typically are not the best way to raise alk or calk. A good 2 part additive would work well. I used to use B-Ionic. With a 2 part additive you add the same amount of both ingredients. I now use Randy's 2 part number 1 formula, (number 1 formula because you bake the baking soda and thus it has a tendency to raise the ph) and limewater. 8.0 is fine for the ph. The question is how low does the ph go during the night? That is the other half of the equation you need to know. If you ph goes to 7.9 or so you are ok. A critical factor is how do you measure the ph? If you are using test strips they are not accurate. If you are using a monitor that is good. Calcium is another parameter you should also measure. Calk, alk, ph and magnesium are the only ones I measure now. Regards, Pat ps, the chemistry forum has many informative articles that will help. __________________ 90 AGA Megaflow (Setup 1-24-06) 120 Lbs. Liverock EuroReef RS 100 Skimmer 2 X 150 MH 2 X 96 watt PC Actinic 2 Clarki Clowns (31 months old) 1 Niger Trigger (Owned 6 months) 2 Tunze 6055 PH Current Tank Info: 90 AGA Megaflow To Be Mixed Reef

05/08/2006, 10:57 PM	#5
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	Take a sample of your tank water Outside aerate it for one hour. Test the sample see if the PH increases if so CO2 is your problem. Quick, easy to do, costs nothing may tell you some valuable info. __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

05/09/2006, 12:07 AM	#6
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The aeration test might be interesting. This article discusses low pH problems in detail: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php Measuring errors and high indoor CO2 seem to be the leading culprits. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

05/08/2006, 10:25 PM	#4
snarkes Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 479	I've been having the same problem. I use tetra tests to check my pH and it has been maintaining itself at 8.0. I've added Ocean's Blend pH/Alkalinity buffer for a few days now. I've dosed the aquarium (55 gal reef) three times and while the Alkalinity did go from 6 to 8, the pH is still 8.0? What gives?

05/09/2006, 05:24 AM	#7
boxfishpooalot Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: canada, Grande Praire, Ab Posts: 5,824	All low ph problems are caused by excessive indoor Co2(wich you exhale) If alkalinity is normal(2.5meq/l) Try opening all your windows in the house. Bet you 100$ your ph will rise , unless your alkalinity is low. __________________ Its a good idea to have a refrence sample for alk test kits. 1.1350 grams of baking soda in 1gallon of distilled water=10dkh. Check your alkalinity test kit! Algae is Mother Natures phosphate remover Current Tank Info: 220 galon mixed reef.

05/09/2006, 08:10 AM	#8
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Check out this article by Randy Holmes from the Reef Chemistry forum. He has many others as stickies there that are well worth reading: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php