hyposalinity and pH

[sfaloha]

My pH keeps on dropping pretty low in between the time I leave for work and come home 9am - 6pm. I can tell it's low because my heniochus color is pale and white colored. It gets down to 7.2.
I am using a cooked baking soda/tank water mixture to raise my pH up. From the time I bring pH up to the next morning pH is around 8.2 - 8.4. I need a way to keep pH steady during my time away from work or better yet keep it steady all the time. Your suggestions and ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[lion_crazz]

How is the tank filtered?
Do you have powerheads in the tank? If so, how are they positioned?
What is the kH of the tank?

 

[sfaloha]

No powerhead in the tank. I see no requirements to put powerheads in a QT/HT. Simple filtration from HOB. Did not check kH. I understand that when doing hyposalinity the pH will drop. I need a way to stabilize that instead of getting big pH swings that can stress and kill my fish. Like mentioned I am using the cooked baking soda method which is mentioned throughout different sites and not to use an off the shelf buffer.

 

[reefjunkiee]

Originally Posted by sfaloha
http:///forum/post/3174821
No powerhead in the tank. I see no requirements to put powerheads in a QT/HT. Simple filtration from HOB. Did not check kH. I understand that when doing hyposalinity the pH will drop. I need a way to stabilize that instead of getting big pH swings that can stress and kill my fish. Like mentioned I am using the cooked baking soda method which is mentioned throughout different sites and not to use an off the shelf buffer.

it's tricky. some people use a drip method like a top off. my fish seem fine with me just adding the same buffer as you twice a day. morning and night.

 

[cranberry]

When I top off in the morning and night I use an off-the-shelf buffer and drip it in.
Frequent water changes work well too.

 

[sfaloha]

What is the mixture you guys are mixing? How much water to baking soda? I have some Kent dKh but I found out that the baking soda mixture is more potent. Also what do you use to drip the buffer in?

 

[reefjunkiee]

i dont drip mine, i should but i dont. i basically use a teaspoon, and measure half of it to a pitcher of water and add it in over an hr or so. i am running two QT tanks though. a 56 gallon and a 30. my fish really dont seem to mind the ph getting lower around 7.8-7.9 thats about as low as it goes. i try to keep it about 8

 

[sfaloha]

I created an "IV" out of 2 liter bottle with air line tubing and a ball valve. Mixture of half bottle of RODI water and teaspoon of baking soda and set it on the tank horizontal. I set it to 1 drip every 10 seconds. That should bring the pH for the fish nice and slowly.

 

[sepulatian]

The PH drops if you have fresh water with a low PH. When you mix salt into the water, it is fine because there is already a buffer in the mix. It is important to test the PH of your fresh water when performing hyposalinity. Without the buffer in the salt mix, you will have to make up for it with another buffer. The buffer should be mixed into the fresh ahead of time. Never add a buffer directly to the tank. Mix it into the fresh, and be sure that it matches the PH of the tank water.

 

[reefjunkiee]

it doesnt matter what salt you use, with hypo the salinity is so low it will not buffer and stay. the best course of action i have found is using arm and hammer baking soda baked in the oven on 350 for 30 minutes and used as a PH up. check your PH 2-3 x a day and buffer when needed.