Raising PH

[shalegac]

Is a water change the only way to raise PH?

 

[LFS42]

No, a water change is not the only way to raise Ph.
Kent marine makes a good Ph/Kh additive for marine tanks.
Side note:
The water you use may not increase the Ph either. If it's RO and/or DI, chances are it has no buffer (KH). And with no bufer, the Ph can't stabalize. KH should be at 6-12 in order to stabalize Ph.
I suggest before you start changing the Ph of your tank, invest in a good Kh and Ph test kit.
Jeff

 

[Minh Nguyen]

Is a water change the only way to raise PH?

I have never check the pH of my tank, not even one time, in the last 6 years that I keep a reef tank.
I do make sure that my alkalinty is up (3+) and Ca is up to normal level(400+)
Minh Nguyen

 

[Newts]

Drip Kalkwasser. Raises PH and adds cal.

 

[Garry thomas]

DRIPPING CALCIUM HYDROXIDE IS ONLY A TEMPORY FIX IT SOUNDS TO ME THAT YOU HAVE A LOW ALK? What is your ph and how are you getting the figure GT .s wales

 

[Lynn]

Don't mean to butt in here to shale's post, but I have the same problem. My PH is sometimes 8.0 in the mornings, and then goes up to 8.09 or maybe 8.1 at night. My alk is is stablized at 3.5 If I don't add ph booster weekly it starts dropping slowly.(It will go below 8) I've just got in the habit of adding the booster every week?? Is there any other way? Oh, I don't add kalk I add the 2 part ionic stuff.
thanx

 

[Minh Nguyen]

Lynn,
Why is it a problem? Is your corals and fish are not doing well?
Minh Nguyen

 

[Lynn]

No, actually they seem like their doing really well. It's just that every book I read it says 8.2 - 8.4 is where you want your water at. So I feel like I gotta try to meet that, but it's now 9 mths and I'm still at this level?

 

[Minh Nguyen]

No, actually they seem like their doing really well. It's just that every book I read it says 8.2 - 8.4 is where you want your water at. So I feel like I gotta try to meet that, but it's now 9 mths and I'm still at this level?

If I were you, I would not test for it. Your fish and corals can read neither test nor books. :lol:
Minh Nguyen

 

[Lynn]

LOL!! okay....I'll try not to look at the ph monitor that stares me in the face every minute of the day!!!

 

[Garry thomas]

they do say your eyes are the best test kit? but the problem with reef tanks is that somthing that u do today may not become apperant 4 months be patiant!....GT s.wales

 

[shalegac]

my PH is at 7.8, My fish and corals are doing well, but I believe they could be doing better. The only things that are reproducing regularly are my mushrooms. My ammonia is 0, cacium is at 400 and NO2 is 0. I have leathers, mushrooms, a torch, and a small green pearl bubble. All are seperated. Could a Higher PH help?

 

[mgk65]

One of the most important parameters we have to ensure is correct is carbonate alkalinity. If alkalinity is maintained in a balanced state with calcium, like 3.2 meq/l alkalinity and 425 ppm calcium, then the pH will automatically fall into place.

I've seen many posts where alkalinity is ignored and the concern is over calcium, when it is most important for both to be in line for our aquariums.

mgk

 

[john f]

I have found that checking the pH can be a good way to determine alkalinity problems early.
My pH meter drops to below 8.00 and I check the alk..................
Low and behold it is under 3.00

I agree with Minh that checking pH is not a requirement, but I find it one more tool to help manage the tank.


That said, if your pH is under 8.00, you have one of the following conditions:

1. Low alk
2. High co2.....indicating poor gas exchange or calcium reactor adjustment
3. High organics


None of these conditions is good.
The most common is low alk...........just add some buffer or bicarbonate.
My problem is sometimes the calcium reactor is outputing too much co2 into the tank.

The third problem is probably best corrected with a water change and a skimmer cleanout or upgrade.




John