Keeping PH up

My PH coming from my top off RO/DI water is about 7.0
Should I be adding Reef Builder PH up for each top off? I go through about 1/2-1 gallon a day.

 

RO/DI is neutral and will take on the characteristics of the water it is added too. No need to add buffer to top off water.

 

more importantly, what is your ph in the display, and is it staying stable? no need to worry about the RODI

 

It has always hoovered around 7.9 - 8.0 no matter how much I try to bring it up
My alk doesn't like to stay up either. Like 4?

 

As long as you have steady ph, dont worry about it. chasing a number can get you in trouble real fast.

now your alk on the other hand needs to be higher. I would look into getting a 2part dosing kit from bulk reef supply. they are about $40. and will last you a very good while. your alk needs to be somewhere between 8-11, i prefer mine around 8. And you will probably see your ph go up, when you get your alk in the right place.

Two Part Starter Kit - English

Surface agitation helps with ph as well, just fyi.

 

What type of salt are you using? My first suggestion would be to switch to a better salt and do wc's often.. If you are using a good salt and still having this problem, then your corals may be depleting your alk (alk depletes faster because it gets used both by coral and to regulate the pH) and you may have to dose.

I just had this same alk problem. I am still in the process of bringing it up, but it is finally working (thanks 3reef!). What is your calc and mag levels? If they are out of balance, you could add as much alk as you want and you aren't going to see it go up.

Here is what you do. Your mag should be 3.1 times the level of your calcium, decide what you want your calcium to be (avg is around 450). If your calcium is 450 then your mag should be 1395 (450*3.1). The first thing you should adjust is your mag. Once that is up, then adjust your calcium. Once those two are in check, then adjust your alk. You will also see your pH go up if you are using carbonate. Remember, this is not done all in one day! And the mag is a salt, and will increase the salinity in your tank. So keep this in mind when adding it!

These threads may help with the actual process of (and cautions of) dosing:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/mg-cal-alk-order-129118.html
http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/dosing-idea-not-sure-if-would-work-129604.html

Also, don't change anything with your top-off. The water that is evaporating from your tank is also pH 7, you are just replacing it.

 

I just changed salts for last water change. I was using Instant ocean (original) and Petco Marine salt. I now have Coralife Marine. I think I need to do more frequent water changes. I am only doing once a month.. about 20 - or 25 gallons out of 90.

 

I would do bi-monthly changes of 10-15 Gallons. Also look into kalkwasser to keep both your ph up and keep your calcium and alk stable. It is very easy just mix it with your top off and you are set. I have been using kalk for a while and I could not be happier. 440 Ca 9 DKH and my ph stays around 8.1. This is with mostly LPS and a few SPS and clams.

 

I forgot to mention, make sure your levels are where they are supposed to be BEFORE using kalk. It will only maintain your levels not increase them.

 

Thanks fellas!