New mix water pH

[weberian]

On Sunday, I mixed 20 gal of new water and today the pH is 7.8. I believe the salt is Oceanic. I would like to increase the pH before I do the water change. How can I bump the new water up to 8.0 ??? It is mixing in a 29 gal tank with a maxijet 1200 power head with an air line on the venturi shooting plenty of air through the mixing tank.

 

[weberian]

bump

 

[jumpfrog]

What's the source of your fresh water?

 

[lion_crazz]

You most likely have a low alk. Have you tested the kH of the mixing water? If you have a low kH in the mixing water, add Kent's Super dKH buffer to the mixing water everytime you do a water change and this will bring the pH to 8.2.

 

[weberian]

Thanks, I'll test the alk. It is RO water. I bought a RO unit about 6 months ago. But the RO water is very low in pH after it comes out of the RO filter.

 

[bang guy]

There's no reason to worry about the PH of new water unless you're changing more than 50% of the water (not advised).
Testing the ALK is fine to make sure you didn't get a bum salt mix but don't add the Carbonate to the new saltwater. Wait until after the water change and adjust your tank water to the proper ALK (after testing it).

 

[lion_crazz]

yeah, when you make up some new water, put your salt and make it to the right salinity. Give it some time to dissolve and then test the alk.