pH 7.4 [solved]

I tested my pH several times this morning and got readings that ranged from 7.4-7.7. I used a several thousand dollar YSI instrument that I did a 3-point calibration with prior to measurement. I verified those measurements with a cheap handheld meter that was also calibrated prior to measurement.

From my days studying oceanography, I know that low pH (and my water is almost basic) can all but reduce, stop or reverse calcification (my coralline has been disappearing).

I think the CO2 concentrations in my house is the culprit. The house is fairly new and the room is well sealed (double insulated in fact).

What are my options in correcting this issue? I live in North Florida and opening the window is not an option April through September.

My alk. is 3.66 meq/l (Hanna Checker) and I do not wish to raise it; nor do I think that it will help.

 

Cool video. Thanks. Wonder if it's worth messing with right now. Just finished building my 55 and will be moving

 

Plus, my skimmer is offline with a broken impeller at the moment. Any other short term options?

 

I would fix it ASAP, I count on my skimmer to add fresh air.

Add a simple air pump & stone, this might help your Ph a little.

 

I may get some airline tubing and run it out the window to an air pump.

 

+1 for the pump & air stone idea. that might be the quickest way to address it.

If you have adjustable power head in your tank or a return line close to the surface, you can adjust them to create more agitation on the surface of the water. This can also help with gas exchange and may have a positive effect on the PH issue.

The method in the video looks pretty cool too. I had no idea such a product even existed.

 

Well I tested again in the tank and not at the office. It read 8.1.

I guess there is no issue.

 

If I understand you correctly, it sounds like you took a sample of your water to the office an tested it there, as opposed to testing it tank side.

I'm not an expert, and I cant tell you why exactly, but the PH in the water can change during transport. for instance, if I take a sample to my LFS and have them test it, they will always get a different (lower) PH than what I get if I test at the tank.

maybe some who knows more than me can explain why this is?

 

The simple reason is because temperature directly affects pH As temperature goes up, pH will go down and vice versa.