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- Jul 23, 2016
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Greetings Reefers,
So I've been down this road before; namely high PH in my reef tank.
I know many enthusiasts would love to have "high" PH in their aquaria, but believe me you do not want it to consistently go beyond 8.5 let alone rise to near 8.7, which occasionally happens in my Nano reef.
So went down to the local store to purchase some unflavored seltzer to pour into the tank, as per an article on BRS.
I had tried seltzer water in the past, but this article, you might say, triggered a "reef epiphany".
For the most part, we consider carbon dioxide the "enemy" - at least at night.
But during the day isn't it absolutely vital for driving the growth of our corals?
John (the writer of the blog) suggested that an exceedingly high PH is the result of a lack of CO2 in the tank.
When you think about it makes a bit of sense. The thing is I never really considered it.
I'm speculating that due to the large amount of LPS and SPS in my Aquarium, not to mention, the Zoa's, photosynthetic Gorgonians and Rock flower Anemones there is a high demand for CO2 resulting in a shortage, thusly causing my PH to skyrocket.
Anyway the PH was 8.48 @ about 3:10 PM when I added about a 1/2 cup of seltzer water to the tank. The PH dropped to 8.42 within 30 minutes.
It is currently back up to 8.49 (5:40 PM).
I will likely be more aggressive in adding the seltzer water, moving forward.
The other thing I should mention is the tendency for my PH to plummet at night. Usually by 0.45 - 0.50 (the last 2 weeks it's down to 0.35. I attribute that to the loss of my Flame Angel who at the time of its 9 year anniversary with me, decided to jump out of the tank!).
In any case I wonder if the huge CO2 buildup at night (Randy referred to it as "incomplete aeration") is related to the CO2 shortage during the day.
I'm wondering if the addition of the seltzer might actually moderate the PH drop at night.
For example, I have noticed that when I have added things that would depress Ph ( Rowaphos being a good exmple, as a fresh batch could drop the PH in my tank by 0.2. However, I would notice the subsequent nightly PH drop would be less pronounced.)
Anyway, I'll be looking at that.
I'm also wondering if the added CO2 will eventually cause a growth spurt in my Acros.
Time will tell.
So I've been down this road before; namely high PH in my reef tank.
I know many enthusiasts would love to have "high" PH in their aquaria, but believe me you do not want it to consistently go beyond 8.5 let alone rise to near 8.7, which occasionally happens in my Nano reef.
So went down to the local store to purchase some unflavored seltzer to pour into the tank, as per an article on BRS.
Additives & Water Chemistry - Bulk Reef Supply
A collection of articles and videos to you better understand reef aquarium water chemistry and properly use additives in your tank.
www.bulkreefsupply.com
For the most part, we consider carbon dioxide the "enemy" - at least at night.
But during the day isn't it absolutely vital for driving the growth of our corals?
John (the writer of the blog) suggested that an exceedingly high PH is the result of a lack of CO2 in the tank.
When you think about it makes a bit of sense. The thing is I never really considered it.
I'm speculating that due to the large amount of LPS and SPS in my Aquarium, not to mention, the Zoa's, photosynthetic Gorgonians and Rock flower Anemones there is a high demand for CO2 resulting in a shortage, thusly causing my PH to skyrocket.
Anyway the PH was 8.48 @ about 3:10 PM when I added about a 1/2 cup of seltzer water to the tank. The PH dropped to 8.42 within 30 minutes.
It is currently back up to 8.49 (5:40 PM).
I will likely be more aggressive in adding the seltzer water, moving forward.
The other thing I should mention is the tendency for my PH to plummet at night. Usually by 0.45 - 0.50 (the last 2 weeks it's down to 0.35. I attribute that to the loss of my Flame Angel who at the time of its 9 year anniversary with me, decided to jump out of the tank!).
In any case I wonder if the huge CO2 buildup at night (Randy referred to it as "incomplete aeration") is related to the CO2 shortage during the day.
I'm wondering if the addition of the seltzer might actually moderate the PH drop at night.
For example, I have noticed that when I have added things that would depress Ph ( Rowaphos being a good exmple, as a fresh batch could drop the PH in my tank by 0.2. However, I would notice the subsequent nightly PH drop would be less pronounced.)
Anyway, I'll be looking at that.
I'm also wondering if the added CO2 will eventually cause a growth spurt in my Acros.
Time will tell.