Ph Question

[a&a2]

I did a water change over the weekend and added a ph buffer to my new water. The Ph in my tank went from 7.8 to 8.4. Isn't this too much of a rapid jump?

 

[lion_crazz]

Yes. What kind of pH buffer did you add? If you had a pH problem, you probably had and still have an alkalinity problem. Do you have an alkalinity test kit?

 

[a&a2]

Yes--I'll have to check it. I hope the fish will be ok

 

[a&a2]

I checked the PH in the unsalted RO/DI containers & they PH was only 7.4. That's why I added Seachem's Marine Buffer

 

[lion_crazz]

ugh, I do not like SeaChem's buffer. Get an alk or dkh test kit, and if it is low, add Kent Marine Super dKH buffer.

 

[a&a2]

Why don't you like it? I bought it cause it said the Ph would not go about 8.4

 

[lion_crazz]

Well I found that it just does not work very well. It is usually not your pH that needs to be buffered, but it is usually your alkalinity or calcium that is the issue.

 

[jumpfrog]

Wouldn't you want to check the ph of your saltwater, not the ro/di?
It seems like that would be most important. Your salt mix should bring your ph to the somewhat correct level. As long as you use the same mix and bring to the same salinity each time, your ph should remain relatively constant. Or did I miss something here?

 

[pfitz44]

you should check the salt water, not hte RO/DI water... when you add salt, your ph will increase. I use the Seachem pH Buffer, but cant remember the last time i actually used it

 

[a&a2]

Good point---I never thought of that! Thanks! My next water change I will check it after the salt is mixed in