Ideal pH

[porpoiseaquatics]

Ok...what's the ideal pH for a reef tank? My water is 7.8 so I have to buffer it up and now I'm at 8.43 (measured with a pH monitor and not a chemical kit). It's holding pretty steady at that number. I've got to check Alk now and see how that's doing but I presume it should be fine maintaining that high a pH. Isn't my 8.43 right on the border of high?

 

[gnashty]

how long has it been at 8.4?

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

about 3 days so far.

 

[mcphock]

The pH you're striving is around 8.3-8.4. That being said, it's not always wise to chase specific numbers, but instead give a consistent, stable environment.

 

[jef4y]

I've run around 8.0-8.2 for the last 1.5 yrs pretty consistently.

The common goal is 8.2 - 8.4 but after reading countless articles and debates on it, I'm perfectly content with my 8.0 (which has dipped to 7.9 or 7.8 on occassion)

Additionally, as mentioned above, the end number isn't necessarily as crucial as managing the swing. An acceptable swing is .2 in 24 hours. If you get into wild swings, you'll have some big problems.