Hi, New joiner - question about low pH

[rexmobile]

Hi All, 1st time post (thanks so far on all of the free, great advice!). I can't raise my pH.

I have a 75g FOWLR, been running 2 months, 100lbs of LR, ~1" sand, 1 yellow tang, 1 flame angel, cleanup crew, cleaner shrimp.

Levels are 0 for ammonia/nitrities, ~10nitrates. SG at 1.023. Temp at 77.

My problem is pH was at ~7.9, but I have been dosing using Kent dKH/buffer for 2weeks and the best I can manage is 8.0, testing in the morning with all lights off.

I have good surface agitation, and do weekly 5g water changes, and monthly 20%. I am skimming 24/7 with an AquaC Remora.

Should I keep dosing? What else can I do to help? I do have the glass lids which I am now contemplating swapping out for egg crate if I can (2 T8 flourescent strips currently sitting on top of glass lids).

Thanks!

 

[fjpod]

I assume you are testing our alkalinity?? What is it?

Actually, 7.9 can be "normal" in the morning.

 

[prattreef]

7.9 is not that low for the AM and I would certainly ditch the glass lids as they seriously impede surface gas exchange. I'd also read the Reefs.com blog post at the top of the page right now.

 

[ecchybridLE]

why are u trying raise ph in a fowlr tank? turning it into a reef?

 

[rexmobile]

why are u trying raise ph in a fowlr tank? turning it into a reef?

I am considering turning it into a reef soon but not immediately. I just think ph of 7.9 is too low for my fish.

 

[NewfiDog]

The morning is most likly at its lowest point and it rises during the day. As mentioned check your ALK that will help get more stable.

 

[rexmobile]

I assume you are testing our alkalinity?? What is it?

Actually, 7.9 can be "normal" in the morning.

Got a KH test kit and read 13/14. Too high?

 

[fjpod]

A little higher than it needs to be, but it should help to keep ph stable. I don't think it will hurt.

 

[Josh]

How are you testing your pH and Alk?

pH of 7.9 is nothing to worry about, but the fact that it is 7.9 while your Alk is 13-14?

Make sure your test kits are working properly first off. The Alk is probably bothering the fish more than the pH. You want your Alk to be around 10 and STABLE.

 

[rexmobile]

How are you testing your pH and Alk?

pH of 7.9 is nothing to worry about, but the fact that it is 7.9 while your Alk is 13-14?

Make sure your test kits are working properly first off. The Alk is probably bothering the fish more than the pH. You want your Alk to be around 10 and STABLE.

Alk is API kH test kit. Add drops until it goes from Blue to yellow, I think.

pH is Salifert kit.