Raising PH

Just wanted to know a good supplement to raise my PH. Its around 7.8 right now and what I've read seems like the recommended ph is around 8.2-8.4. I have a 30 gallon fowlr tank but plan on having some soft corals later on once my tank gets a little more established. Just looking for some advise.

 

brightwell powder mix has worked well or me and is a really a bang for you buck product where im at its like 10 dollars for a small container and that has maintained me for well over 5 months.

 

Dustin before adding any PH increasing supplements

it would be a good idea to test your water as follows
remove 1 cup full of tank water, add an airstone to the cup, pump air into it for an hour
and then repeat the PH test

if the PH reading is higher when you test water treated in this manner
your issue may be high CO2 levels in the aquarium which supresses the PH
putting the cup of water outside when you do this test, also helps with oygenating the water (rather than it being in the same room with the potential high CO2 level)

many a PH issue has been resolved by simply increasing surface agitation using wave maker or power head
and by ensuring room tank is in has a frequent source of fresh air ( low PH can be an issue with many tanks during winter months when doors/ windows etc are all closed most of the time)

also, many a very nice looking aquarium is maintained with a PH of 7.8 so I would not be that concerned about using additives designed to just increase PH

If your looking at adding corals in future, IMO its better to concentrate on Magnesium, Calcium and Alkalinity (DKH)

if those 3 stay within acceptable reef parameters IMHE your PH is less important

 

Thanks Steve, I'll definitely try to add more surface agitation.

 

I have been keeping healthy corals for a while now and my pH has always been at 7.8 and I have as much surface agitation as possible. It's not so much that the pH is lower than usually suggested, what matters is that the pH is stable (as long as it's not dangerously low, and 7.8 is not). It's when the pH starts fluctuating higher and lower constantly is when it gets dangerous for fish and coral because that can send them into shock. In my opinion your pH level isn't at a dangerous level and as long as it is stable at 7.8 there is nothing to worry about. Like it was mentioned before try focusing more on the chemistra levels of alk, cal etc when it comes to corals rather than the pH.

 

Thanks Holly.. So its the same as freshwater. I never worried about my ph with freshwater just as long as it was stable and constant. Any recommendations on supplements for Magnesium, Calcium and Alkalinity. I was looking at Seachem Reef Fusion 1&2.

 

You still have to keep an eye on your pH to make sure it doesn't go down to a dangerous level like 6.0 or anything, but for the most part the salt added to your water keeps the pH stable. Until you start adding corals you don't have to worry to much about the akl, cal, mag etc. Even the hardiest corals that usually will get what they need from water changes do benifit from adding these chemicals to the water. I use Seachem products for my corals. They keep the levels where they need to be. I highly suggest them.