Ph

[freeweights]

Can anyone tell me how to get the Ph up to 8.4.....8.5....? It's now7.9.

 

[chevs10]

use a ph buffer seachem buffer is a good one

 

[scsinet]

You can use baking soda too. Just mix a teaspoon full into a glass of RO water and pour a few ounces at a time in every few hours until you are where you want to be. DO NOT introduce this or any buffer quickly. A little goes a very long way.
Before you do that though... are you measuring it at the same time every night? pH readings are best taken in the evening just before your lights go out.

 

[reefreak29]

a ph of 7.9 is ok , are you checking your ph at the same time every day preferably an hour before lights out?
i wouldnt recommend using a buffer

 

[sepulatian]

If you do go with a buffer, mix it with your saltwater. Never add it directly to the tank.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by freeweights
Can anyone tell me how to get the Ph up to 8.4.....8.5....? It's now7.9.

8.4-8.5 is too high. Shoot for 8.2 as ideal. Have you checked your KH?

 

[earlybird]

My pH has been 7.8 since day one and everything's thriving.

 

[freeweights]

Hear so much about "RO " water I magine it's short for reverse osmosis water. Someone tell me where to purchase it . I haven't seen it at any grocery stores here in Fl. Unless there is a different name for it. I have been using distilled water from the supermarket for topping the tank. Which is better, or isnt there any difference????

 

[earlybird]

distilled is not bad but RO or RO/DI (de-ionized) is best. That said it really depends on the filters as bad filters don't make your RO water any better. You can purchase RO or RO/DI at most LFS's (local fish stores). The culligan machines at publix, walmart, etc. are RO units but most find that the filters aren't changed as frequently. You could get a gallon and test for nitrates and phosphates which should be zero or at least less than your distilled water. That's not all you want the TDS (total dissolved solids) to be at or close to zero also but you need a TDS meter to check that. I just check nitrates and phosphates.

 

[earlybird]

Also, RO water has very low pH but if you just put a powerhead (PH) or a bubbler over the course of 24 hours you will see pH rise. Now add salt mix containing trace elements you will have an even increased pH from about 7.7-8.3. In this hobby consistancy is better than having high pH which is why I do nothing to raise my pH.
Make sure you have enough flow and you are turning your water over at least 15 times/hour, have a skimmer, and a powerhead agitating the surface making sure you have good gas exchange.