ph and alk question

[ls1boost]

I have never understood the relationship of ph and alkalinty.

anyway I have a 12nano reef and tested tonight and I have a reading of 8.1ph and alk of 6.5 meq does that sound right?

how do you raise the ph without bringing up the alk? all the zoas, candycane, hammer, and mushrooms are looking good so do I even need to goof with it?

 

[swfk44]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

 

[ralph atl]

here:

 

[volnation23]

I agree with the earlier comment of ''if it isn't broke don't fix it'' but from experience I have a safe suggestion. I have an 8 gallon mini reef that I struggled bringing up the ph. I tried buffers and what not but my winning solution was the addition of a bubble stone. Something about the CO2 exchange was really helpful. That's just my experience though.

 

[ralph atl]

your ph is fine, btw.

 

[budsreef]

If you do regular water changes with that size tank I wouldn't try chasing any numbers.

 

[jennm]

ls1boost;447796 wrote: I have never understood the relationship of ph and alkalinty.

Alkalinity is the ability of your tank to handle acid load without affecting the pH. Sort of like a cushion, or a buffer.

If your alkalinity is low, you're more likely to see the pH drop, or swing.

Acid load comes from bioload.

I agree with the others, those numbers are just fine.

Jenn

 

[ls1boost]

ok well thanks everyone. i do a 20%ish water change once a week i just thought the ph was lower than norm and dident want something to sneek up on me, thanks for all the input