pH Buffers Question

[al&burke]

Are pH buffers good to use in a reef tank made by API. Thanks

 

[florida joe]

I don’t know about API but if you are going to use a buffer, may I suggest Reef buffer from Seachem. They state that when used as per directions it will not over shoot a reading of 8.3 PH

 

[al&burke]

Thank Florida Joe, The API says 8.2. Doing a water change, I will give it a try, maybe do half the suggested dose at first, then watch it.

 

[jstdv8]

before you venture into buffers you should try and diagnose why you have low PH in the first place. Buffers are a bandage for Low Ph not the solution. Check to make sure that you are testing at the same time every day and that its during full lights on. check to be sure you have good surface aggitation, you should see little waves consistantly making it to every corner of the tank on the surface. If you have a sump make sure you run the light in the sump at opposite times to the main tank. If you don't have a sump and you have the room I'd reccommend it for better water to air mixture which will help with PH as well.

 

[pirates]

if your ph is low your sand is dirty you need sand snails they will help and you you do a water change you need to use a siphon on the sand and get you a turkey baster and stur up the sand whin the pumps are on then do a water change that should help but if you have not siphon your sand then do not use the turkey baster first use the siphon first

 

[florida joe]

Low alkalinity or low aeration can be the cause of low ph unless you tank is just over a cycle i do not think you sand is causing your low ph

 

[pirates]

i had low ph and it was the sand just saying some thing to try and it would not hurt when my ph is low my alkalinity is low i clean the sand and did a water change and that works for me how often do you do a water change once a week or longer?

 

[al&burke]

Now I really feel stupid, I added the pH buffer to my water change water, my pH was a bit high in the DT, 8.4, reading the buffer instruction saying it would help hold pH at 8.2. Glad I didn't add it to my display tank. Lesson learned, thanks everyone - I will throw out my change water or dilute it with more RO water.