help with PH and dKH

OK guys, just did a water test tonight. params are as follows:
PH : 7.8 in the middle of the day, with lights on (yikes!!!)
Nitrates: 10ppm
Nitrites: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm
Phosphates: 0ppm
Calcium: 450
dKH: 8
Salinity: 1.024
(I dont have a Mag test kit, so not sure what that is at)
I need to get the PH and dKH up. What to do?? Ide like to dose, as I dont have a calcium reactor no the money to get one at the current time.

 

7.8 isnt terrible. Just remember when raising do it gradually. I personally use reef buffer by seachem and im happy

 

i would see if it is an excess of co2 that is dropping the ph. my alk is around the same as yours but my ph is 8.1 during the day. is there a top on the tank? someone on here posted a test with a glass of water to see if co2 could be ur cause.

 

no top and TONS of water movement within the tank. i dont think I have an excess of CO2. I also have plenty of o2 induction through the multiple baffles in the sump, and protein skimmer.

 

the PH isnt terribly bad, but the dKH is what I really want to raise. Its too low for my likings. I would like it in the 10-12 range.

 

I don't think your parameters sound too bad honestly. What is pushing you towards wanting higher alkalinity?

Here are a couple articles which might help understand the whole system better.

Balancing Chemistry:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

Low pH:
Low pH: Causes and Cures by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Low pH/alkalinity isn't a complete disaster:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/low-ph-may-not-end-world-75962.html

If you decide you need/want to dose something these are the best/cheapest/reliable products I'm aware of. Be aware that pH "buffers" are really just alkalinity doses, if your alk is OK and the room is well ventilated (just circulating air through your tank does no good if the room has high CO2 levels) then you will not have a problem with low pH.
Calcium, Alkalinity & Magnesium Supplements for Aquariums - English