Low PH - Something You Might Never Have Considered

After reading this article Low pH: Causes and Cures by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com, it makes sense to me now. It also recommends increasing alk to add bicarbonate which will react with the excess H2CO3 and will then reduce H2CO3 and alk, then increase pH.

 

Done been there and done that...... ERV or HRV is the way to go.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/ph-co2-ventless-fireplace-have-common-trouble-43959.html

 

this makes me glad my room is the hottest room in my house my window is open almost 24 7 365

 

Ya Phil, we are talking small PH change. Bottom line is increased CO2 increases carbonic acid which lowers PH. My tank was rock solid at 8.3 all Summer. No AC and hose open. Now my tank gets down to 7.8. 7.8 is still high and isn't going to melt carbonate, just lower than a buffered 8.3.

I am also not so certain running fresh air to the skimmer would alleviate it. Don't know though. My skimmer would pass 900 lph, but the tank and sump are also sitting there absorbing CO2. I suppose I could try and see.

 

Taken from the link I posted;


'showing the effect of limewater (kalkwasser) on pH by both reducing the excess carbon dioxide (the hydroxide combines with it to form bicarbonate and carbonate) and increasing the alkalinity'
Source; http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

Raising alk by adding calcium hydroxide which causes the CO2 to combine with the hydroxide and increases alk and pH but to a safe level removing CO2.

 

thats some interesting info.