Is it true that Higher Alk can help raise PH?

[jayteerq]

I struggle with naturally low PH. I’m talking 7.5-7.6 here. I was watching a BRS Video and may have interpreted it wrong but it sounded like he was saying Higher Alk > Stronger Buffer > Removes for CO2 > Helps boost PH. He says the two relate to each other very closely. I’m currently at 9dkh but might try and see how my PH is affected if I slowly bring my dkh up to 10 or maybe even 11?

Did I get that right or am I tripping? Lol

Side note - I have tried every other method to raising PH. I’m currently hovering around 7.9-8.0 which I’m happy about but curious if higher alk can give me a smidge more boost?

 

[divewsharks]

Sodium Carbonate when dosed to raise/maintain ALK levels will raise the PH (Sodium Bicarb, will not). You can also try running your skimmer air intake line outdoors to bring in fresh air; use a CO2 scrubber; or you can dose Kalk.
I personally would not raise my ALK levels above what you have, but look at other alternatives.

 

[LovinlifeinGuam]

Alk higher alkalinity makes pH more stable. It doesnt necessarily mean higher. If you domething specifically to raise alk it might raise pH too depending ok what the additive is, but by buffer, they mean that pH will swing less and be more stable

 

[jayteerq]

Alk higher alkalinity makes pH more stable. It doesnt necessarily mean higher. If you domething specifically to raise alk it might raise pH too depending ok what the additive is, but by buffer, they mean that pH will swing less and be more stable

Ahhh I see! Gotcha thanks!

 

[LovinlifeinGuam]

Ahhh I see! Gotcha thanks!

If you want to raise pH the best way is to aerate the tank. You can open yoir windows as mentioned above to prevent carbon dioxide from building up inside but depending ln where you live it might be hkt in August. You can also use airstones, a skimmer, etc. to aerate the water and raise pH. Personally, I wouldnt try to raise it above 8 because theres nkt much to be gained imo but if youre interested in seeing if it has positive effects thats how youd do it.

 

[jayteerq]

If you want to raise pH the best way is to aerate the tank. You can open yoir windows as mentioned above to prevent carbon dioxide from building up inside but depending ln where you live it might be hkt in August. You can also use airstones, a skimmer, etc. to aerate the water and raise pH. Personally, I wouldnt try to raise it above 8 because theres nkt much to be gained imo but if youre interested in seeing if it has positive effects thats how youd do it.

Yeah I’ve tried all of that. I have a co2 scrubber, a lot of surface movement and also dosing kalkwasser. I’ll probably just let it be lol.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Everything else equal, higher alk does mean higher pH. A rise in alk from 7 to 11 dKH will mean pH will be higher by about 0.23 pH units.

How you maintain alk also obviously makes a difference.