Help with PH

[BillB83]

Tank setup

• 130-gallon display with a 30-gallon sump
• Mixed reef, lightly/medium stocked, running for 1.5 years
• Water changes: about 20%or so every 2 weeks using NYOS salt
• Dosing B-Ionic 2-part daily:
  • 35 mL Alk
  • 10 mL Calcium
• Equipment: IceCap CO₂ scrubber on skimmer (runs 4 hours nightly, 2 AM–6 AM)
• Large refugium, I pull out about a large softball every 2 weeks or so

Issue:
pH consistently around 7.9

Question:
Given my setup and maintenance routine, would adding a Kalkwasser dosing system be a beneficial move to raise and stabilize pH? Open to your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[rishma]

Tank setup

• 130-gallon display with a 30-gallon sump
• Mixed reef, lightly/medium stocked, running for 1.5 years
• Water changes: about 20%or so every 2 weeks using NYOS salt
• Dosing B-Ionic 2-part daily:
  • 35 mL Alk
  • 10 mL Calcium
• Equipment: IceCap CO₂ scrubber on skimmer (runs 4 hours nightly, 2 AM–6 AM)
• Large refugium, I pull out about a large softball every 2 weeks or so

Issue:
pH consistently around 7.9

Question:
Given my setup and maintenance routine, would adding a Kalkwasser dosing system be a beneficial move to raise and stabilize pH? Open to your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks!

I think your alkalinity dose is about 0.5 dKH per day. That is the lower bound of where you might see pH boost from kalkwasser. It can increase your pH somewhat.

What makes you think your current pH is an issue? It may be just fine as is.

 

[BillB83]

I think your alkalinity dose is about 0.5 dKH per day. That is the lower bound of where you might see pH boost from kalkwasser. It can increase your pH somewhat.

What makes you think your current pH is an issue? It may be just fine as is.

I could increase my alk dose but i like to keep it so its similar to the salt im mixing which is about 8.5. And the PH may not be an issue it just seems like being slightly over 8 is more ideal. I could run my skimmer more as well but i dont wanna bottom out my nitrates.

 

[rishma]

I could increase my alk dose but i like to keep it so its similar to the salt im mixing which is about 8.5. And the PH may not be an issue it just seems like being slightly over 8 is more ideal. I could run my skimmer more as well but i dont wanna bottom out my nitrates.

If you shutdown the alk and Ca from B-ionic and dose 2.75L kalk per day, that is about equivalent.

I prefer to run a skimmer 24/7 and dose nitrate and/or ammonia to maintain nitrates. Or feed more if your phosphates are not too high.

Aeration with outdoor air is my preferred way to elevate pH. That might give you the boost you want. Can you run an airline outside to feed your skimmer?

I don’t think your tank will be different with 8+ vs 7.9 but no harm elevating if you wish.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Tank setup

• 130-gallon display with a 30-gallon sump
• Mixed reef, lightly/medium stocked, running for 1.5 years
• Water changes: about 20%or so every 2 weeks using NYOS salt
• Dosing B-Ionic 2-part daily:
  • 35 mL Alk
  • 10 mL Calcium
• Equipment: IceCap CO₂ scrubber on skimmer (runs 4 hours nightly, 2 AM–6 AM)
• Large refugium, I pull out about a large softball every 2 weeks or so

Issue:
pH consistently around 7.9

Question:
Given my setup and maintenance routine, would adding a Kalkwasser dosing system be a beneficial move to raise and stabilize pH? Open to your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks!

Your pH is about the same as mine and I do not feel a need to raise it. Nothing wrong with doing so, however, assuming it is accurate.