Low PH, advice?

[Jakepen]

Hey guys, my PH holds pretty strong at 7.6. I have the RKL with pinpoint PH Probe. 30 gallon, no corals or fish, I use HW reefer salt. Any suggestions?

 

[reeferfoxx]

What's the Ph of the water you use before water changes? If the Ph is higher, than just do a water change. If the Ph of your freshly mixed water is low, either contact the manufacturer or switch to a different brand. :)

 

[Jakepen]

What's the Ph of the water you use before water changes? If the Ph is higher, than just do a water change. If the Ph of your freshly mixed water is low, either contact the manufacturer or switch to a different brand. :)

That was right after a water change. A week ago, I did about a 50% change, and ph was still 7.6

 

[reeferfoxx]

What is the Ph of your fresh mixed water?

 

[twilliard]

A larger question would be what is your alkalinity and salinity?

 

[reeferfoxx]

May not matter if he's already got a bad batch of salt mix. But those numbers are important too..

 

[reeferfoxx]

Actually, twillard is right. What salinity are you mixing at?

 

[twilliard]

Without the proper buffer (if not co2 related) ph may be drawn down.

 

[Jakepen]

My alkalinity is 8.6, my calcium seems high. Tested 490, using salifert test kit. Salinity is 1.026

 

[reeferfoxx]

Something isn't right. Either your ph probe is off. Your salifert test was off or you have a bad batch of salt. Or all of the above.

Some people can keep salinity of 1.026 and keep it stable. I like to keep mine at 1.025. I also keep mine at 1.025 because I know that the salt states I'll have 430 Ca. 1350 mag. 8.3 Ph. 8dKH Alk. Any higher of salinity and it will raise those numbers.

Maybe get another pH test kit. or lower salinity to 1.025 and see if that doesn't help? Do you have CO2 sources in the house anywhere?

 

[Jakepen]

I'm not crazy about dosing to chase numbers, my friend gave me this though. Should I use it? I have a new batch of salt coming today. Same salt, just another box.

 

[Jakepen]

Something isn't right. Either your ph probe is off. Your salifert test was off or you have a bad batch of salt. Or all of the above.

Some people can keep salinity of 1.026 and keep it stable. I like to keep mine at 1.025. I also keep mine at 1.025 because I know that the salt states I'll have 430 Ca. 1350 mag. 8.3 Ph. 8dKH Alk. Any higher of salinity and it will raise those numbers.

Maybe get another pH test kit. or lower salinity to 1.025 and see if that doesn't help? Do you have CO2 sources in the house anywhere?

Would higher salinity lower ph? No, no huge source of co2. Windows have been shut for a few months now though.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I'm not crazy about dosing to chase numbers, my friend gave me this though. Should I use it? I have a new batch of salt coming today. Same salt, just another box.

I'm not an advocate for adding additional quick fixes or cures to my tank. I think your salt mix should provide the correct buffers for the correct pH.

 

[Jakepen]

I'm not an advocate for adding additional quick fixes or cures to my tank. I think your salt mix should provide the correct buffers for the correct pH.

I agree. Not a fan of adding so much extra. Could it just be to much co2 in the house?

 

[reeferfoxx]

I agree. Not a fan of adding so much extra. Could it just be to much co2 in the house?

It could be. You won't know until you get another ph test, test your fresh mixed water and maybe compare it with the new salt. Once you've tested that. Do more tests to make sure your first tests werent off.

 

[Jakepen]

alright. Should I order a test kit than, rather than rely on my probe?

 

[reeferfoxx]

alright. Should I order a test kit than, rather than rely on my probe?

Absolutely.

 

[Jakepen]

I dipped the probe in pinpoint ph solution, 7.0. It read a little off, about 6.88.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I dipped the probe in pinpoint ph solution, 7.0. It read a little off, about 6.88.

Then logically your pH should have read 7.8. Take $10, goto local fish store, get an API test kit for high pH range. Test it. Then go from there. Because now you've added a new element to this problem. The pH solution. Because now I can suggest your pH solution could be off. Therefore resulting in having to purchase a new pH test kit. Followed by new pH solution. Let's keep it simple.

 

[Jakepen]

I'll do that tomorrow. What do you mean, it should have read 7.8 than? Also, at what level is ph dangerous for coral?