I got a new controller and pH probe, now pH is low

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011.

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  1. leighton1245

    leighton1245 Horrid Stonefish

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    So im watching over the last few days since i have had my controller and probes and noticing my pH doesnt get above 7.84 -7.99 during the day and 7.67-7.88 at night with a pH buffer i cant get it above 7.99 so what shuold i be dosing to raise this up? I already dose ALK and Ca now a pH buffer. love my controller would have known it was low until i started losing coral.
     
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
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  2. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    what exactly are you dosing for ALk?
     
    dowtish, Aug 31, 2011
    dowtish, Aug 31, 2011
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  3. leighton1245

    leighton1245 Horrid Stonefish

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    BRS i think its soda ash, i know that it raises the pH some for a short time but its still low
     
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
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  4. Hydronaut

    Hydronaut Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Did you check the calibration of your probe?
     
    Hydronaut, Aug 31, 2011
    Hydronaut, Aug 31, 2011
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  5. leighton1245

    leighton1245 Horrid Stonefish

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    Yes unless the solution is bad? i did it three times and it should be spot on. my temp probe is a completely different story lol
     
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
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  6. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    Your PH isn't that low... How does everything look in the tank? I wouldn't worry about that PH unless you are having a specific issue in the tank you are trying to solve. I have seen people cause themselves a lot of heartache trying to chase a number rather than just looking at there tank. If everything is doing well.. I wouldn't go changing much

    The safest way to increase PH is try to let more fresh air get to the tank, leave the sump door open and canopy open at night, try to get more movement on the water surface to help with gas exchange.

    If you decide you really need to do something about the PH you can look at dosing Kalk, it will help with Calcium, Alk and PH.
     
    Thatgrimguy, Aug 31, 2011
    Thatgrimguy, Aug 31, 2011
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  7. leighton1245

    leighton1245 Horrid Stonefish

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    everything looks good i was having issues with my green policipora (spelling could be wrong its a SPS) i was bleaching but i will increase my surface agitation cause I have a open canopy and no sump. Ill also look into Kalk seen it this weekend and was going to grab some but didnt think i would need it.
     
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
    leighton1245, Aug 31, 2011
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  8. Reef-a-holic

    Reef-a-holic 3reef Sponsor

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    I would agree...a stable pH that is on the low end is much better than trying to chase a specific number and cause pH swings or adding junk to the tank to try and raise pH...I've run many a tank that wouldn't go above 8.0 with no issues at all. Improving gas exchange may help some...and if you can get more fresh air into the house that may help too...during hot and cold seasons where the house is closed up, CO2 levels tend to be a bit higher and can push tank pH down.
     
    Reef-a-holic, Aug 31, 2011
    Reef-a-holic, Aug 31, 2011
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  9. Hydronaut

    Hydronaut Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    How old is the solution? Is it in a bottle or is it in single use packets? (e.g Hanna cal. fluid) At least with my Neptune, they recommend only using the single use packets since prolonged contact with air will cause the calibration fluid to absorb CO2, thus lowering Ph. I would double check your Ph using a test kit or inexpensive handheld meter before doing anything else.
     
    Hydronaut, Aug 31, 2011
    Hydronaut, Aug 31, 2011
    #9
  10. SAY

    SAY Ocellaris Clown

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    you might try cracking a window every once in a while. This should lower the carbon dioxide in the room which in turn should raise your PH. i have even read where some people ran the air line on their skimmer outdoors.
     
    SAY, Aug 31, 2011
    SAY, Aug 31, 2011
    #10
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