Advice about my PH

AnthonyA5059 · Jul 12, 2026

I have a 15 gallon innovative marine fusion tank. I’m trying to set it up as low maintenance as possible so I’m getting only soft corals. The tank has only had fish for about a week and was cycling for a few weeks before that so it’s still all brand new I use instant ocean reef crystals, salt. I have pretty decent surface agitation with my return output, pointed straight up at the surface and my wave maker handling the flow in the water column. I also have the cascading rear filter chambers in the rear. My pH level seems to always test around 7.8 on my API test kit. Will this be an issue with my plan soft corals or is it acceptable and if it is going to be an issue. What do I need to do to fix it?

Also, I forgot to mention I had no plans on doing any type of dosing with this tank. I figured it’s small and I’m just doing softies. The water changes would be enough.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jul 12, 2026

That ph level is fine. If you really want the tank to be as low maintenance as possible then don't worry about ph, I haven't tested ph in years, many people don't. IMO for a softie tank weekly water changes will do, thats how I maintain my 5 year old softie tank. Besides that API is good to provide an idea but generally not considered to be very accurate so if you are ever truly concerned about parameters then upgrade the test kits to salifert or hanna. IMO, good luck

Uncle99 · Jul 12, 2026

Don’t chase that.
Especially softy tanks.
Waste of time.
Your current movement is good PH helper.
In usual reef settings, PH is just fine.
Spend time with salinity, temp, Alk, nitrate and phosphate.
That provides best bang for your buck IMM.

MnFish1 · Jul 12, 2026

If you are doing water changes, and you want a higher pH you can always add a higher pH salt. I would make sure first that your alkalinity is in line. BTW - I never checked it, and your corals should do well. I'm surprised that (if accurate) that your pH is 7.8 which is odd for a new tank

xzt · Jul 12, 2026

I also find it very strange that the pH of the new aquarium is only 7.8. I suggest you check the ventilation/aeration and also verify the measurement error.

MnFish1 · Jul 12, 2026

MnFish1 said:
If you are doing water changes, and you want a higher pH you can always add a higher pH salt. I would make sure first that your alkalinity is in line. BTW - I never checked it, and your corals should do well. I'm surprised that (if accurate) that your pH is 7.8 which is odd for a new tank

By the way I meant to mention. In the winter (depending on where you live) and the summer when your house may be closed up - your ph will drop due to a somewhat higher level of carbon dioxide. In fact, I've seen my pH drop after having a large party in the house, and then increase again when everyone left. One way to tell is to take some tank water, check the pH and alkalinity. Then place it outdoors and run an ayirstone - and recheck the PH and alkalinity. If it increases, it's likely that the CO2 in your house is playing at least a part.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 13, 2026

pH is determined mathematically by the alkalinity and the CO2 in the water.

If the home has high CO2 (very common), or the aeration of the tank is insufficient to drive off CO2, pH can be low from day one.

AnthonyA5059 · Jul 13, 2026

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
pH is determined mathematically by the alkalinity and the CO2 in the water.

If the home has high CO2 (very common), or the aeration of the tank is insufficient to drive off CO2, pH can be low from day one.

Yea I probably have very high Co2 in my room. I have an air purifier so I keep my door closed to allow it to filter the air. So I get very little circulation with the rest of my house.