Keeping pH in balance

[earlybird]

What do you do if it is too high/low? How do you maintain?

 

[teresaq]

I have never really seen it to high, but for low, keeping a power head at the surface so you get a good water break helps a lot. I like to use a hydro flow for good circulation.
Also if you are going to run a sump, keep the lights on an opposite schedule helps.

 

[fender]

Keep your waterflowing,alk and calcium where they need to be and Ph will take careof itself.
BTW, Ph won't stay constant because of respiration and photosynthesis. You will find Ph to be lowest in the morning before your lights come on and climb during the day and back down during the night so try to check the same time everyday.

 

[xdave]

Use some type of buffering. You can buy buffering agents, but I'm cheap, I put marble chips from the garden store in the sump.

 

[shogun323]

Originally Posted by xDave
I put marble chips from the garden store in the sump.
Dave, I've never heard of this. Could you elaborate on this? Thanks.

 

[fender]

Don't know how much marble chips are (or what they are) but it is hard to beat baking soda (especially if you cook it).

 

[bang guy]

Baking sode is useful for increasing Alkalinity. If your Alkalinity isn't low then it could cause a disaster if you add more.
Don't use chemical additives to adjust PH. PH is not a trace element.

 

[fender]

Sorry didn't mean to imply that baking soda "fixed" Ph. As I stated at the top, if your calcium and alk are where they need to be Ph should be where it needs to be.... at least that is what is says in the FAQ and archives.
EDIT: oh and water movement.