Ph question

[bubbaque]

How are most people keeping their ph in 8.1 - 8.3 range? The only want I am able to mine at 8.1 is by having a hose from my skimmer to the outside. If I take the hose off my ph got to 7.7 - 7.8. I live in Florida so opening a window is not an option.

How are other people keeping their ph up?

 

[Reeferdood]

Kalkwasser....

 

[bubbaque]

That can't be the only way. I am not really wanting to add it to my top off.

 

[Reeferdood]

how big is your tank?

 

[bubbaque]

80 gallons total.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

more surface water agitation, or a refugium, kalk in the the ato or an airstone and pump, (even inside), and the ph is fine so why mess with it?

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

 

[bubbaque]

Because the hose I am using to my skimmer goes into my garage. I am not sure if it is pulling unwanted stuff from there, like starting the car or other chemicals in there. I am wanting to get rid of the hose but don't want low ph.

 

[Pdandy]

Run a hose off your skimmer to a co2 scrubber. I fill mine with sofnolime.

I put mine in an old bulk reef supply calcium jug. Drilled holes in the bottom to draw air through.

 

[Reeferdood]

Don't overthink it bro..
if you don't want to add an airstone or use Kalk then just let it be..
big swings kills things, not stability...

 

[bubbaque]

@Pdandy how long does that last you?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Because the hose I am using to my skimmer goes into my garage. I am not sure if it is pulling unwanted stuff from there, like starting the car or other chemicals in there. I am wanting to get rid of the hose but don't want low ph.

that is a pretty good reason.

 

[Pugfishluv3]

Ph isn't necessarily a issue if it's stable, if you have a ph swing it's bad news. I have a ph of around 8.2 or so with just surface agitation which helps with o2.

 

[jsker]

Drilled a hole in the block wall and ran my air line from my skimmer to the outside world. My PH averages 8.12. High side is 8.25 now without kalwasser. I also have the hole 6' plus off the ground so that the dust and landscape debris is not sucked in. Put a 90 also so that the rain does not get sucked in we we have a storm here in central Florida

 

[Pdandy]

@Pdandy how long does that last you?

4lbs last me almost two weeks before it is exhausted and turns purple.

 

[bubbaque]

Does anyone see an issue with the hose inlet being in an attic? I am thinking I could just put it up there behind the drywall since it's straight up. Just don't know if the insulation would cause an issue, even though the hose would be well above it.

 

[DBR_Reef]

Air inlet outside definitely helps. Also makes the tank smell nicer. If you are worried about air quality:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2578829
The filter is usually black at the end of 6 months. Even so, I would probably be fine without it, but it gives me peace of mind

 

[ChytownPrincess]

Seacher Reef Buildet