Low ph?

I have had a low running ph for about 1 to 2 months now and I cannot seem to get it up past 7.95 it usually runs from 7.75-7.95. I do check it with a probe and liquid test both the same. I also run a calcium reactor but my ph was the same before the reactor.
Alk-12
Calc.-480
Mag.-1400
I have tried a ph buffer and it raises for a will but will not maintain it. It this bad and any ideas on how to raise it? I was also reading an article on ph of RO water and mine runs at 9.0 not around 7 does this have any affect? Thanks

 

I wouldn't worry about 7.95 as long as it's consistent. what are you using for a CA and Alk supplement?

J

 

It doesn't get up 7.95 but once every week maybe usually 7.86. 7.95 was today and after I added buffer. Sorry probally my bad wording. I run caribisea arm media in reactor and seachem ass mag alk and calcium additive.

 

Is the tank in a well-ventilated room? The calcium reactor definitely can drop your ph a bit as well especially if the room is not well ventilated, all that CO2 in the room will lower ph.

Probably more than you want to know about low ph.
There's an aeration test described in the article that will tell you if better ventilation will help your ph.
Low pH: Causes and Cures by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

I've also heard that having your calcium reactor effluent run into your sump just before the skimmer, basically have it run into the sump just at the input to the skimmer pump intake, that can help "degas" the effluent so it doesn't lower the ph in your tank as much.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. To be honest, i have never tested my ph because it's one thing that I don't feel is that important. As long as your alk, ca, and mag are looking good, then I wouldn't even worry about it.

 

IMHO your pH is low because of carbon dioxide.

I added macro algaes (hopefully in a refugium) and my ph rose to 8.2 (from 7.5-7.9) the next day and then 8.4-8.8 (API high range test kit) by the end of the week. And has stayed there for years.

I also measure just before lights out.

The idea is to get the tank to be a net consumer of carbon dioxide and producer of oxygen in a 24 hour period. Then to get a more constant pH insure alk is at correct levels and not too low.

my .02