Can't get PH up

[jmg416]

I've been out of the fish keeping hobby for a while, and just this week started to set up a new tank. Everything seemed ready to go, but I couldn't get the PH above 7.9. I kept adding more buffer to raise the PH, but after 3 days and 1/4 of the container there was still no difference.
I noticed my temperature was a bit high so I turned down my heater one night. I went much lower than I expected and when I woke there was a white film covering the entire inside of the tank. (I can supply a picture if needed). I cleaned off most of the film, but it seems to come back slowly. I don't knowif these are related but figured it was worth mentioning.
Any input on how to raise the PH and what the film might be are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[beth]

7.9 is not abnormal for a new tank. Stop adding the buffer. I'm assuming you are just setting up, and there are no animals yet? Allowing the tank to settle in, the chemistries to break-in takes time. The film is likely whatever buffer you are using.
Give your tank time, and your pH should settle in. What salt are you using?

 

[jmg416]

Thank you Beth. That makes me feel better. I am using Corallife salt. My gravity is at .020.
Though, I did give in to the wife and kids and added 2 damsels yesterday. The PH looked OK at that time, but I must have taken a reading too soon after adding buffer. I still only added 2 to see how they would do. 12 hours later and they seem fine.

 

[beth]

Adding fish at this point would be a mistake. Don't add anymore. The specific gravity is too low. What are you using to measure salinity/specific gravity?
Do you have any good reference books?

 

[techrider6]

My ph was low a couple weeks ago so I added marine buffer to raise it. That night I
had white stuff all over the inside of the tank too.I had to drain the tank and clean it three or four time to remove it and still have some little white spots that keep coming back.

techrider62

 

[bang guy]

Here's a thread explaining my opinion on using a buffer to raise PH ---> Buffer Does Not Raise PH

 

[jmg416]

Originally Posted by Beth
Adding fish at this point would be a mistake. Don't add anymore. The specific gravity is too low. What are you using to measure salinity/specific gravity?
Do you have any good reference books?
That was the gravity I was told to aim for by the LFS. I don't have a good reference yet, but I'm planning on picking up the contientious aquarist. Probably today.
I'm using the Coralife deepsix to test salinity.

 

[bang guy]

Please compare your hydrometer against someone's refractometer or meter. Swing arm hydrometers are normally not very accurate.
That being said, 1.020 is OK for Brackish animals but reef animals should be kept at a salinity of at least 35ppt. That's a Specific Gravity of about 1.026 at a water temp of 80F.