ph low

[capt crabtabulous]

Lately my ph reads about 7.92 in the morning. After I add my standard buffer (ESV B-Ionic) it goes up to about 8.17. Then throughout the day it gradually drops until just after lights out when it's usually around 8.06. My alkalinity levels are good. Is this normal?

 

[burnnspy]

What is the alkalinity? No thats not normal. What kind of gravel is in the tank?
BurnNSpy

 

[capt crabtabulous]

I've got crushed coral in the tank and live sand (8+ inches deep in fuge). I use a Hagen Carbonate and Hardness test which says my carbonate hardness (Kh) is ~120 mg/L. According to the test booklet this is on the high side of normal.

 

[capt crabtabulous]

Anyone?

 

[kris walker]

Yes, that is a little on the high side of normal, so that is not the problem. I would probably just raise your pH. If you can move your daytime pH up to 8.3-8.4, such nightly fluctuations will not be as hazardous (total range would be 8.4-8.2). When pH dips below 8.0, inverts have problems and often die from what I've heard.
I don't know much about the two-part Ionic component treatment, but using kalkwasswer instead will help keep your pH high.
sam

 

[predator]

If your going to keep using the b-ionic then be careful with the kalkwasser.Mix up about a gallon up and go slow.Just keep testing it.Though you may want to add just a little more b-ionic when dosing.Maybe once a week.