Skimmer and PH

[jdpeters]

Will running a skimmer have a positive effect on PH even if it’s not pulling from outside air? What about if it was just on for reverse of the light cycle?
I think I already asked this in some fashion but my PH is relatively low due to my house being small, old, no good air exchange and full of small children lol.
I haven’t quite figured out the best route to drill and run a line outside yet so this is something that has been on my mind. I’ve even contemplated just drilling through the floor and having it pull from under the house but I suspect that’s not my best option. Thanks!

 

[exnisstech]

There are variables that are above my pay grade but it has lot has to do with the indoor co2. I added a skimmer to a tank a few months ago and my pH went from 7.6 - 7.9 to 8.0 - 8.3. It was warm out so the house was open then and I have since had to add an outside airline to keep the same levels. I suspect running a line under the house would work if it's crawl space and not a basement. I ran one into the attic once a got similar results as an outside line.

 

[Subsea]

‘Will running a skimmer have a positive effect on PH even if it’s not pulling from outside air?

It depends on the specific variables in your ecosystem. As a generalization, lower pH happens when the ratio of CO2 to O2 increases, which happens during lights out when algae consumes oxygen and respires carbon dioxide.

 

[jdpeters]

There are variables that are above my pay grade but it has lot has to do with the indoor co2. I added a skimmer to a tank a few months ago and my pH went from 7.6 - 7.9 to 8.0 - 8.3. It was warm out so the house was open then and I have since had to add an outside airline to keep the same levels. I suspect running a line under the house would work if it's crawl space and not a basement. I ran one into the attic once a got similar results as an outside line.

I considered the possibility of just drilling through the floor and pulling from the crawl space. It’s vented and I assume would be more beneficial than just having it draw from the room. I probably need to look under my house and make sure I don’t hit any water line. I’m glad you had the experience from pulling from the attic.

 

[jdpeters]

‘Will running a skimmer have a positive effect on PH even if it’s not pulling from outside air?

It depends on the specific variables in your ecosystem. As a generalization, lower pH happens when the ratio of CO2 to O2 increases, which happens during lights out when algae consumes oxygen and respires carbon dioxide.

I get that idea. I’m scared to test my PH with the lights out because I’m only getting at 8.0 with lights on. I know it’s still possible to run a reef at 8 but I think it’s certainly a limiting factor. My last system ran for 4 years and had next to no coralline even with relatively stable parameters. I suspect it’s totally because of PH but tough to say.