EMERGENCY Help! Shriveled anemone!

[reefpatrique]

I got a BTA a few days ago. I check the pH and noticed that the pH was substantially higher in my tank this morning than it was before (maybe increased refugium lighting cycle?). Anyway, my BTA was looking great until this morning -- I'm pretty sure the pH swing has stressed it. At this point should I try to lower the pH or should I wait it out to see if it adjusts?

 

[OrionN]

I would not worry about pH of the tank, other than when you add Kalk or Sodium Bicarb. Natural swing due to air CO2 and flora photosynthesis is fine. Your anemone deflated because he is sick or stressed but not due to the tank pH. pH of the tank is lowest in AM and highest just right before the light turn out which is normal, not a concern.

 

[reefpatrique]

I would not worry about pH of the tank, other than when you add Kalk or Sodium Bicarb. Natural swing due to air CO2 and flora photosynthesis is fine. Your anemone deflated because he is sick or stressed but not due to the tank pH. pH of the tank is lowest in AM and highest just right before the light turn out which is normal, not a concern.

Shoot. I just remembered that was it -- in the midst of the craziness of holiday decorating I did add some pH buffer yesterday afternoon. The swing was upward. Change the water or ride it out?

 

[OrionN]

Buffer does not increase pH, but keep it stable at certain pH the buffer designed to keep it at. it donated H+ when the pH raise above the designated pH to lower the pH, and accept H+ when the pH fallen below this pH to increase the pH of the solution. I would add the buffer to your toilet ASAP. Your tank does not need it.

Focus on finding the correct reason that your anemone deflated.

 

[reefpatrique]

Buffer does not increase pH, but keep it stable at certain pH the buffer designed to keep it at. it donated H+ when the pH raise above the designated pH to lower the pH, and accept H+ when the pH fallen below this pH to increase the pH of the solution. I would add the buffer to your toilet ASAP. Your tank does not need it.

Focus on finding the correct reason that your anemone deflated.

You don't think a swing from 8.0 to 8.4 would be the reason?

 

[OrionN]

You don't think a swing from 8.0 to 8.4 would be the reason?

No. Your buffer did not work. It did not keep the pH it stable. I think it just harmless (maybe not) snake oil.