Is testing PH really necessary?

[HB AL]

I never test PH, I assume it's fine since corals and fish thrive, Is it really necessary to test it and for what reason? Reason this came to mind was I was cleaning out some old boxes of stuff and found a new in box ph test that was 8 years expired thus I never used it but actually bought it. The only thing I test on a regular basis is alk around twice a week to make sure I'm keeping it somewhat stable between 7 and 8.5. So is it really needed to test ph and chase #s, not that I'm gonna start now.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There are situations where I think it necessary (such as when dosing limewater) and it is useful if optimizing coral growth rate is a primary goal.

For most people (at least those who are not among the worst of elevated indoor CO2 levels), monitoring alkalinity will ensure an adequate pH to keep a fine reef tank.