ugh! pH low

I am using API high range pH test kit, I have a hard time telling if it's 8.0 or 8.3 usually. Alkalinity is consistently 8 or 9 dkh, calcium 440-460. I did just top off about a gallon of RO and about fifteen minutes later, tested pH it seems to be 7.8. It's 9:00 p.m. here, lights have been out on DT for 3 and a half hours, 40w 6500k cfl is on in sump/fuge now. Maybe the RO lowering it tonight? I feel it's always a bit low. Any ideas on best way to raise it a bit? Thanks, Ann Marie

 

Sea buffer. Or you can use some baking soda.

 

Thanks!

 

Perhaps you should refer to this previous posting:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/ph-rant-56815.html#post537740

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me.

Good luck!

 

Thanks, lotzo, I have read in many places that opening a window near tank helps. I do not dose buffer, don't know that I trust that method. I live in SW florida, and my family insists on keeping house shut tight year round, when I'm the only one home, I keep house warmer and open a slider in room with tank. But that doesn't happen very often. I am going to try to get some fresh air flow in, I'm also aware that pest control chemicals in air need to be considered. My area is pretty clear and protected from that.

 

Ahhh, I see that makes some sense..

When you add R/O water, how long do you let it sit before using it? Also, how old is your tank?

 

I personally think ph test kits are pretty worthless, like you're finding out they aren't very precise and very hard to read, at least for me. A probe on a controller is the only thing I really feel comfortable with.

7.8 at night is fine, plenty of tanks operate around that mark. Don't chase PH with buffers IMO. Keep your alkalinity steady and it should fall in line. If you have to keep the house latched up then there might not be much you could do aside from running a reverse photoperiod refugium to help stabilize. Also, a sand bed supposedly can help buffer a little bit, something to consider, even if it's in the sump/refugium.

If you see a temporary drop in ph due to topoff it will adjust back up in time if your alk is good.

Running a little on the low side of PH is not the end of the world, don't worry.

 

Hi! RO sits most of the day, hoping to get some air flow near it. I do run an opposite photocycle on fuge in sump, I agree, those tests are useless, a meter to measure is probably most accurate and easier to read I suspect...and the tank is a bit over three years old but I've only had it at my house since October '08.