Ph Change's

[promotheus2070]

Since switching from Red Sea KH/alk supplement to All For Reef, I’ve noticed a clear drop in my tank’s pH. During the first months of the tank I was using Red Sea KH to keep alkalinity stable, and my pH was consistently between 8.1 and 8.3. Since switching fully to All For Reef, my pH now sits more around 7.7 to 8.1.
Is it possible that All For Reef has less of a pH-boosting effect compared to traditional alkalinity supplements? It really feels like the Red Sea KH buffer kept the pH much more stable and elevated.
Some extra info:
I’ve been running a CO2 scrubber since the start
The media does not seem exhausted yet
Tank is a Red Sea Max Nano XL (no sump)
Alkalinity itself remains stable
I would really like to get my pH back to a more consistent 8.1–8.3 range. What are my best options in a system without a sump?

Curious to hear from others who switched from traditional 2-part/KH dosing to AFR and experienced something similar.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, AFR has a small pH lowering effect (identical to bicarbonate) while many supplements are carbonate which has a pH boost when added.

 

[Peer.Boerner]

Be sure to put a small amount of water in your co2 scrubber, say 5 or 6 ml. Sometimes that’s not clear from the instructions.