pH won't go over 7.7

[rockstarta78]

I am hoping to get some help with pH level on my tank. My pH is always stuck around 7.6 - 7.7. My house has AC running almost 24/7, the tank is in the basement and there is only one door leading outside that's always closed since no one is in the basement besides me when I go down there after work or on weekends. I am guessing the CO2 consumption is what is causing the low pH level. To increase the pH I am using kalk drip and running micro bubble for 6-8 hours a night. I still can't get to 8. The best I've seen so far has been 7.8. I was wondering if there is anything I can do (given the current condition - no window or door to open) to increase my pH to 8.1 - 8.3. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I am using 1 tsp of kalk in a gallon of water. Should I increase it to 2tsp?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

How are you measuring pH?

What is the alkalinity?

 

[rockstarta78]

I am using this to test my pH, and my Alk is 7dkh last time i tested was on Saturday.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I am using this to test my pH, and my Alk is 7dkh last time i tested was on Saturday.

Did you calibrate it (not sure it is even possible) or check it in a standard pH test solution?

 

[rockstarta78]

Did you calibrate it (not sure it is even possible) or check it in a standard pH test solution?

They included calibration reagent which is what I used to calibrate. I don't know what I could use to check in a standard pH solution. Now that you mention is, I wish I could test the accuracy of the meter.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

A pH 10 solution would be a good check for it. Better than pH 7, but using both would be better. You can get it at reef stores or online.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

This has more:

Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/chem.htm

 

[Mattrg02]

Why is 7.8 a problem? Should we notice any issues, such as stunted growth or washed out colors?

 

[melev]

I'd bring your alkalinity up t0 8-8.5 dKH and see how your pH registers then.

 

[moiy24]

Put your skimmer line to the outside to breathe fresh air, if that plus surface agitation doesnt help you can consider a CO2 scrubber

 

[SlvrZ]

Put up a hydroponic style system down there with basic fresh water fish so that the veggies you grow consume the c02 build up, side benefit is you get fresh veggies

 

[rockstarta78]

Huh weird! I didn't get any of these notifications. I thought my post got lost.

 

[rockstarta78]

A pH 10 solution would be a good check for it. Better than pH 7, but using both would be better. You can get it at reef stores or online.

I'll recalibrate and see if I can find a pH 10. Thank you Randy.

 

[rockstarta78]

I'd bring your alkalinity up t0 8-8.5 dKH and see how your pH registers then.

Dosing kalk with vinegar. I'll do a big water change and see if that makes any difference as well. Just got new salt. Fritzs RPM salt.

 

[rockstarta78]

Put your skimmer line to the outside to breathe fresh air, if that plus surface agitation doesnt help you can consider a CO2 scrubber

See I really wanted to do this, but there's no way I can leave the door open. And I don't know if my wife will be okay with me drilling a hole through the wall. [emoji20]

 

[rockstarta78]

Put up a hydroponic style system down there with basic fresh water fish so that the veggies you grow consume the c02 build up, side benefit is you get fresh veggies

Lol I do want to setup a discuss tank.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Why is 7.8 a problem? Should we notice any issues, such as stunted growth or washed out colors?

It can lead to a very fine tank, but growth may be slower.

 

[rockstarta78]

It can lead to a very fine tank, but growth may be slower.

Which is what I've been noticing. Growth has slowed down. Oddly enough, my rastas are the only ones that have taken off.

 

[Mattrg02]

Which is what I've been noticing. Growth has slowed down. Oddly enough, my rastas are the only ones that have taken off.

I've noticed this as well. Very slow growth from my sps.

 

[Andrewalex11]

Watch this around 1 minute he begins to talk about pH. This video is VERY important.