pH dangerously low??

lolly1

lolly1

Member
Hello water chemistry experts!
I did a water test today, as I do about once weekly. I noticed during my change last week that my pH was slightly lower than 8.2. Today, I did another test and the pH was 7.8!!! :notsure: I don't like this. I did a little over a 10% water change, changed my filter media, and increased the SG slightly on my change-out water. I would prefer to fix this problem without adding anything to my water.
My other water parameters are as follows: Amm: 0, Nitrites: 0, Nitrates: 15, SG: 1.022-1.023.
Will what I did help? What else can I do? :help:
Thanks,
Beth ***)
 
rayraypico

rayraypico

Member
You need to get some buffer and mix it in with your water for your next topoff. Then wait two days and retest your water. Follow the directions on the bottle, its sure to fix your ph problem
 
engine10ff

engine10ff

Member
Check the archives, there's a good post in there about alk and calc. and how they affect your Ph. Also do some searching on here, seems I read somewhere on here that the time of day (ie. morning or evening) can have some affect as well.
 
rayraypico

rayraypico

Member
Your PH will be the lowest right before your lights go on and it will be at its highest point right before your lights go out.
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
First off, 7.8 is not dangerously low.
You need to figure out why your pH is low and that requires readings of alkalinity and calcium. Do not add a "pH buffer" until you have verified that you need to use it.
 
monalisa

monalisa

Active Member
Originally Posted by ophiura
First off, 7.8 is not dangerously low.
You need to figure out why your pH is low and that requires readings of alkalinity and calcium. Do not add a "pH buffer" until you have verified that you need to use it.
I talked to Beth this evening, and it turns out that her lights had not been on but for a VERY short time before she did her test (she's working her 2nd job at this time, so I'll help her out here). We thought that maybe she could try doing the pH test again after the lights have been on for a while.
I have a calcium test that she can certainly use if that will help as well. I don't have an alk test though. Hopefully this all works out.
What do you think?

Lisa :happyfish
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
The lighting is a possibility. As is making sure that there have been no changes in circulation in the tank.
But checking alkalinity and calcium are definitely things to do before adding any buffer.
 
monalisa

monalisa

Active Member
Originally Posted by ophiura
The lighting is a possibility. As is making sure that there have been no changes in circulation in the tank.
But checking alkalinity and calcium are definitely things to do before adding any buffer.
Agreed completely. Beth is running her tank as I try to run mine...no additives at all, and always, ALWAYS be aware of what your hands have been doing before putting them into the tank..
Beth could answer better than I if there have been any circulation changes in her tank...I really don't know, but I kinda doubt it.
Thanks Ophiura...and everyone else. Keep posting ideas and suggestions.
Lisa :happyfish
 
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