This is the first time this has ever happened since I have had my tank, but for the past three weeks my pH has dropped and I have no clue what is causing it to do so. I have been using balance by seachem to raise the pH back up but went today to get my water tested and it dropped .2 since last week. Anyone know what could be causing this drop? My tank is a coral only system and my params are 0 across the board.
pH drops
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Excessive A/C lately? pH levels can drop during hot and cold seasons when carbon dioxide builds up and we don't open windows much.
What are you testing with?
What's the pH at now (and what was it?)
Was the time of day when it was tested, different? pH can fluctuate throughout the day and is typically a bit lower after prolonged darkness and a bit higher at the end of a photoperiod.
Ideally it shouldn't shift much (that's why we buffer), so we want to avoid swings, particularly over short periods of time.
What's your alkalinity at? If it's low the pH can fluctuate more. And yes, lower O2 levels can have an effect on pH.
Jenn
What's the pH at now (and what was it?)
Was the time of day when it was tested, different? pH can fluctuate throughout the day and is typically a bit lower after prolonged darkness and a bit higher at the end of a photoperiod.
Ideally it shouldn't shift much (that's why we buffer), so we want to avoid swings, particularly over short periods of time.
What's your alkalinity at? If it's low the pH can fluctuate more. And yes, lower O2 levels can have an effect on pH.
Jenn
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Got a spare air pump and air stone? Get a cup of tank water, measure the pH. Go outside and put the pump's stone in the cup and let it aerate for an hour. Test the water. If the pH rises significantly, then that is an issue. It may not be the only cause, though.
I went to Creation reef and had it tested there so I am not sure what all they use to test the water.
My pH is at 8.0 as of 5 o'clock today and it was at 8.2 the last time I had it tested which was a week ago. I added some balance to raise the pH but I dont know if I should add another later tonight or tomorrow in case it raises the pH too high.
My alkalinity is at 14.
My pH is at 8.0 as of 5 o'clock today and it was at 8.2 the last time I had it tested which was a week ago. I added some balance to raise the pH but I dont know if I should add another later tonight or tomorrow in case it raises the pH too high.
My alkalinity is at 14.
How long from the time you collected the samples until they were tested? That can have a slight effect too, especially if the sample is more than an hour or so old.
8.0 I wouldn't worry too much, if that's where it's bottoming out. We aim for 8.3-8.4 but I'd be more concerned with it being stable, than the actual number if it's within acceptable range.
Jenn
8.0 I wouldn't worry too much, if that's where it's bottoming out. We aim for 8.3-8.4 but I'd be more concerned with it being stable, than the actual number if it's within acceptable range.
Jenn
I guess I will just have to fight my OCD and now try and obtain a constant 8.3.
I have been soooo swamped at school I dont think I have seen the light of day in a month or two
I even missed the ARC bbq which made me sad. Next week is finals though so I will get a nice couple weeks break in between my next semester.
I have been soooo swamped at school I dont think I have seen the light of day in a month or two
I even missed the ARC bbq which made me sad. Next week is finals though so I will get a nice couple weeks break in between my next semester.The sample was probably only 15-20 minutes old before it was tested.
On a side note I just want to say thank you to everyone for replying so quickly about this. Im still a novice with reefing and everyones information is definitely appreciated!
On a side note I just want to say thank you to everyone for replying so quickly about this. Im still a novice with reefing and everyones information is definitely appreciated!
Exodas;543528 wrote: I have been soooo swamped at school I dont think I have seen the light of day in a month or two
Not an acceptable answer Jeff....I see how it is - only see ya around when you need something...:lol2:
J/K - good luck on your finals
