PH Question

[Razz]

As I mentioned in another thread I started a few weeks ago, I have a renewed interest in my 75 gallon reef tank. (Well, I say reef tank but it only has one coral left atm)...Today I did some water tests and my PH was 7.3 so, it's a nice day here with a little breeze so I opened the windows. A couple of hours later I checked PH and it was 7.2...That doesn't make sense to me. Admittedly, I'm using a no name PH probe because even though I ordered all new Red Sea test kit refills, I forgot to get a PH test kit...But still, even if the hand held probe isn't accurate, shouldn't it have gone up with the windows open? The only things I'm running on this tank are a Reef Octopus HOB skimmer and a dual BRS carbon/gfo reactor which currently has only carbon running in one chamber, the other is empty...If it matters, the light intensity was brighter for the second test...Thanks in advance...

 

[jimmyzhou]

Every time u test your ph it won’t be the same. Up and down all the time just keep in range 7.3 is Low. At less 7.6 easy way to fix u can get a tube pull fresh air in your skimmer. Will helps increase ph. Here is a pic show u how ph moves on my apex

 

[Razz]

Thanks...Yea, I realized it was low which is why I opened the windows...So maybe opening the window wasn't enough? Maybe I should run a line from my skimmer to outside the house?

 

[jimmyzhou]

Thanks...Yea, I realized it was low which is why I opened the windows...So maybe opening the window wasn't enough? Maybe I should run a line from my skimmer to outside the house?

Best way is run a line. Or. The money way is co2 reactors but cost too much money won’t recommend. U can test the ph next day u will see increasing

 

[jimmyzhou]

Also a light. For refugium at the night time will help increase ph. At less won’t drop much after display light is off

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Have you measured the alkalinity? If it is anything close to normal or higher, a pH of 7.2 is testing error. ;)

 

[jimmyzhou]

Have you measured the alkalinity? If it is anything close to normal or higher, a pH of 7.2 is testing error. ;)

Good call!

 

[Razz]

Ok, thanks...I'll try running a line outside and see if it helps. BTW, I looked around and found the box for the probe. It's an HDE brand...anyone have any experience with them? Yes, I checked alk with a Hannah Checker and it's at 8.176 dkh...guess the probe is at fault...Thanks guys!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ok, thanks...I'll try running a line outside and see if it helps. BTW, I looked around and found the box for the probe. It's an HDE brand...anyone have any experience with them? Yes, I checked alk with a Hannah Checker and it's at 8.176 dkh...guess the probe is at fault...Thanks guys!

Did you recently calibrate the pH meter? If not, do that before bothering to do anything else. :)

 

[jimmyzhou]

Did you recently calibrate the pH meter? If not, do that before bothering to do anything else. :)

I think he say he use redsea test kit not probe

 

[Razz]

No, I didn't calibrate it. Is there an easy way? The instructions say to use a standard ph 6.86 phosphate buffer solution then adjust the probe. Then use a standard ph 4.01 borax buffer solution and wait for 1 minute and the value should be shown...I have no idea how to make these solutions...

 

[jimmyzhou]

U have to calibrate it. Before when I start use apex didn’t calibrate. My ph was showing 7.4-7.6. After dos kalkwasser. Lost few coral. Them found out calibrate. Soo I did learn the hard way

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

No, I didn't calibrate it. Is there an easy way? The instructions say to use a standard ph 6.86 phosphate buffer solution then adjust the probe. Then use a standard ph 4.01 borax buffer solution and wait for 1 minute and the value should be shown...I have no idea how to make these solutions...

Much more common is to buy standards, usually pH 7 and 10 when measuring pH above 7. It might or might not be worth measuring pH, but it isn't worth doing without calibrating it. :)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

These have more:

pH And The Reef Aquarium
http://www.reefedition.com/ph-and-the-reef-aquarium/


Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/2/chemistry

 

[jimmyzhou]

Here is form brs calibrate https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/milwaukee-ph-calibration-fluid-single-use-packet.html

 

[Razz]

You are 100% correct, testing without calibrating is pointless but I only used it a few times and assumed it was at least close from the factory, my mistake...I know better than that...anyway, thanks for the links, I will check them out!

 

[jimmyzhou]

Good luck bud happy reefing

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You are 100% correct, testing without calibrating is pointless but I only used it a few times and assumed it was at least close from the factory, my mistake...I know better than that...anyway, thanks for the links, I will check them out!

You're welcome.

Happy reefing. :)

 

[Razz]

These have more:

pH And The Reef Aquarium
http://www.reefedition.com/ph-and-the-reef-aquarium/


Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/2/chemistry

Ok, I just read thru the first article you linked...There's alot of good info there, I'm going to have to read it a few more times to grasp it all...lol...Once again, thanks for the info!!