Ph issues

[Rocks reef]

what media are you using?

Color changing CO2 absorbant from Med Vet

 

[Rocks reef]

FWIW, we have diy two part recipes using hydroxide as well. They predate the commercial versions., though I am glad someone now makes it for folks who do not want to diy. :)

Randy definitely knows his stuff. Hydroxide will DEFINITELY increase pH

 

[Rocks reef]

For sure. It’s not cheap, but it’s very effective.

It is actually cheaper than anything you buy from a “reef” store! Way cheaper to be honest

 

[Addicted2Acro]

It is actually cheaper than anything you buy from a “reef” store! Way cheaper to be honest

No I mean the Not a Feesh 2 part. That is not cheap. Do it yourself I am sure is extremely cheap if you feel comfortable doing it. I havent looked into it. Not A Feesh adds traces to the mix also. Just easier. But not the cheapest option for sure.

 

[Addicted2Acro]

It is actually cheaper than anything you buy from a “reef” store! Way cheaper to be honest

Why do you keep phrasing it "reef" store? Do you not like "reef" stores?

 

[Rocks reef]

Why do you keep phrasing it "reef" store? Do you not like "reef" stores?

You pay the reef tax buying from reef stores. Not a feesh two part is sodium hydroxide. Which if you follow Randy’s DIY, you get the same results for a fraction of the price.

 

[Addicted2Acro]

You pay the reef tax buying from reef stores. Not a feesh two part is sodium hydroxide. Which if you follow Randy’s DIY, you get the same results for a fraction of the price.

Dude you pay an XYZ tax buying from every XYZ store. If you follow Captain Cucumber's guide to growing cucumbers you get the same results as paying the "grocery store tax", but cucumber seeds are a fraction of the cost. However, the Time Tax is quite high.

For you, instead of paying the "reef store" store tax, you pay the Rock's Reef's Time Tax. For me, the tax on my time to do it myself is higher than the reef store tax, so I prefer to pay the reef store tax.

Some people have more money than time. Some people have dramatically more time than money. Either way, don't degrade a profitable business the provides a service people are willing to pay for.

 

[DolphinDude09]

I agree with not chasing pH.
However, if you go with a CO2 scrubber. If you get media from other than a “reef” store, it’s pretty reasonable.
For example, I get a 38 pound bucket from Med Vet international for $98. It will last me probably a year. If you got that much from a reef store you’d be paying about $500-600

I just got a CO2 scrubber and was wondering how everyone affords the media. Thank you for this info

 

[Addicted2Acro]

Dont "chase" PH, just dont let it get below 8 as much as possible and around 8.30 is ideal. Simple as that.

 

[Rocks reef]

Dude you pay an XYZ tax buying from every XYZ store. If you follow Captain Cucumber's guide to growing cucumbers you get the same results as paying the "grocery store tax", but cucumber seeds are a fraction of the cost. However, the Time Tax is quite high.

For you, instead of paying the "reef store" store tax, you pay the Rock's Reef's Time Tax. For me, the tax on my time to do it myself is higher than the reef store tax, so I prefer to pay the reef store tax.

Some people have more money than time. Some people have dramatically more time than money. Either way, don't degrade a profitable business the provides a service people are willing to pay for.

I am in no way degrading a business. I am pointing out that you can find the same products for less cost if you shop around.
Not sure what "Time Tax" you are referring too, as I get the media from Med-Vet in two days once I order it.

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

I agree with not chasing pH.
However, if you go with a CO2 scrubber. If you get media from other than a “reef” store, it’s pretty reasonable.
For example, I get a 38 pound bucket from Med Vet international for $98. It will last me probably a year. If you got that much from a reef store you’d be paying about $500-600

Definitely get vet grade CO2 scrubber media. WAY cheaper and is substantially longer lasting than the junk on BRS or other stores. You can find it easily on Amazon. I use Jorvet brand which comes in a huge 5g container. Will last easily over a year.

 

[Marc G-L]

Since my 120 gal start up 3months ago, the Ph has remained stead fast at 7.8. Large home 4100sq feet, only my wife and I. So, don't think it's CO2/ Carbolyic Acid issues. 90 lbs marco rock, tons of ceramic media in refugium along with Plenty of fast growing Ulva and Codium macro algae on nighttime lights down there.
Adding NaCO is monopoly effective for a few hrs. All varieties of inverts, fish and corals quite healthy. 2 equal headed Duncan added a third equal sized head in 11 days. At this point Ph is probably controlled by ceramic media/ 1/2 lb of mineral balls in huge.

Zoa's spreading/ growing fast. I think 7.8 ph stability is just fine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Since my 120 gal start up 3months ago, the Ph has remained stead fast at 7.8. Large home 4100sq feet, only my wife and I. So, don't think it's CO2/ Carbolyic Acid issues. 90 lbs marco rock, tons of ceramic media in refugium along with Plenty of fast growing Ulva and Codium macro algae on nighttime lights down there.
Adding NaCO is monopoly effective for a few hrs. All varieties of inverts, fish and corals quite healthy. 2 equal headed Duncan added a third equal sized head in 11 days. At this point Ph is probably controlled by ceramic media/ 1/2 lb of mineral balls in huge.

Zoa's spreading/ growing fast. I think 7.8 ph stability is just fine.

I don't disagree that pH 7.8 can be fine, but a few points are worth clarifying...

1. Low pH would primarily be an issue for calcifying corals, not zooanthids. The duncan, of course, qualifies.

2. pH is determined mathematically by the alkalinity and the CO2 in the water. It may be that your home does not have elevated CO2, but if that is true, then either the alk is very low, or the tank is not well aerated. Complete aeration will drive the pH over 8 if the air matches normal outside air and the alk is above 6.5 dKH.

3. I'm not seeing a way that ceramic media will impact pH without dissolving. If they are dissolving, that is an issue all its own. I'm not sure what a mineral ball is, but the same comment applies.

 

[Marc G-L]

Tons of aeration, micro bubbler stones in 3 of 4 fuge chambers, dKh 8.8-9.0. I think it's the mineral releasing stones pic included of 2 varieties. These are used in a number of Asian countries to keep water balanced for cardo and neocardo shrimp. Allegedly a constant since of Magnesium, Calcium,Boron and 7-8 trace minerals.
So far, from Lettuce Nudi's to Pitho Crabs and 5 varieties of fish and corals everyone is healthy and eating. My shrimp have molted twice without hiding. I'm guessing they mineralize their exoskeletons quickly. I actually observed two occasions where they were literally kick the last vestiges of their former exoskeletons off their appendages and immediately began to go to work on some algae.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do you have a link where those stones are described? I am skeptical of them.

 

[Marc G-L]

I'll get it for you

 

[gallego2503]

What is not a feesh?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What is not a feesh?

It’s a brand of two part supplement.