PH Question?

[countryfish]

Just wondering, I've heard that you need to keep your PH levels at 8.3 if your going to do a reef setup and I have also noticed that a lot of peoples levels are around 7.8 to 8.1. Can anyone give me some advise? I have mine right now at 8.0, but have been trying to get it up using a product called Seachem reef buffer. I'm somebody who does not like to put chemicals in my tank and would prefer not to use this. Thank for any advise you can give!!

 

[pezenfuego]

Improved aeration can help raise pH. However, many reef aquariums thrive quite effectively with a pH range of 7.8-8.0. The other question I have for you is what test kit did you use?
 
I would not recommend using any sort of buffer. While buffers do have their place, they can be a bad thing.

 

[countryfish]

I agree. I use the API saltwater testing kit. I haven't really had any bad problems, but I want to start adding corals and just want to be sure.

 

[btldreef]

Quote:
Originally Posted by countryfish http:///forum/thread/379648/ph-question#post_3300864
I agree. I use the API saltwater testing kit. I haven't really had any bad problems, but I want to start adding corals and just want to be sure.
The API kit can be a little off to work with. I actually have two API pH kits, one was bought about 4-6 months before the other and the ink print on the cards is very different, so if it's 8.2 on one card, it's 8.4 on the other.
 
IMO, as long as you're in the safe range (7.8-8.4) and the pH is staying consistent, you don't have too much to worry about.
 
What salt do you use?

 

[countryfish]

I used Red Sea before and was not impressed at all so I asked around and my lfs and friends said to use Tropic Marin. I heard it was the best for saltwater and I must say my cal. levels are much better.

 

[sloppyjoseph]

^YES
 
The tropic marin CA additive is very good. It's not a two part deal and it has all of your trace elements in it also. I have heard nothing but great things about it. I am currently using the Seachem Reef Fundamental pack but will switch to the Marin after im out.