james larocque
Member
Hey guys the ph in my tank is 7.8 how can i raise it?
raise ph levels?
- Thread starter james larocque
- Start date
james larocque
Member
uhh its a fowlr so i dont test alk and calcium lvls but i thought ph had to be from 8.1-8.3?
flower
Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by James Larocque
http:///forum/post/3295885
uhh its a fowlr so i dont test alk and calcium lvls but i thought ph had to be from 8.1-8.3?
Use a PH buffer to get the PH where you want it...Then use a reef builder buffer (1/4 tsp per 3g) in the RO top off water each time you add it, that will stabilize the PH
http:///forum/post/3295885
uhh its a fowlr so i dont test alk and calcium lvls but i thought ph had to be from 8.1-8.3?
Use a PH buffer to get the PH where you want it...Then use a reef builder buffer (1/4 tsp per 3g) in the RO top off water each time you add it, that will stabilize the PH
J
jstdv8
Guest
Do you have glass tops on your tank?
Are your powerheads pointed towards the surface a bit to get really good surface aggitation?
Do you have room or capabilities for a sump?
these things may be able to boost your PH.
I'm not a big fan of buffers becuase they are a bandaide for the real issue which alot of times is as simple as getting more oxygen to mix with the water.
My PH was 7.6 for a few months and I was adding buffer to keep it up and then i took my glass tops off, pointed my powerheads so that I got really good waves on the surface and put in a sump and now it's 8.3 consistantly with no buffers needed.
Are your powerheads pointed towards the surface a bit to get really good surface aggitation?
Do you have room or capabilities for a sump?
these things may be able to boost your PH.
I'm not a big fan of buffers becuase they are a bandaide for the real issue which alot of times is as simple as getting more oxygen to mix with the water.
My PH was 7.6 for a few months and I was adding buffer to keep it up and then i took my glass tops off, pointed my powerheads so that I got really good waves on the surface and put in a sump and now it's 8.3 consistantly with no buffers needed.
beaslbob
Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by James Larocque
http:///forum/post/3295867
Hey guys the ph in my tank is 7.8 how can i raise it?
Be sure to measure pH just before lights out.
If still 7.8 then add macro algae in a refugium. I think you will find the just before lights out pH will rise because the macro algae is consuming carbondioxide and returning oxygen. So the tank becomes a net consumer of co2 and producer of oxygen each 24 hour period.
my .02
http:///forum/post/3295867
Hey guys the ph in my tank is 7.8 how can i raise it?
Be sure to measure pH just before lights out.
If still 7.8 then add macro algae in a refugium. I think you will find the just before lights out pH will rise because the macro algae is consuming carbondioxide and returning oxygen. So the tank becomes a net consumer of co2 and producer of oxygen each 24 hour period.
my .02
king_neptune
Active Member
Originally Posted by James Larocque
http:///forum/post/3295885
uhh its a fowlr so i dont test alk and calcium lvls but i thought ph had to be from 8.1-8.3?
Those readings are for Reef tanks. 8.2-8.4 being ideal. (8.0 being minimal)
at 7.8 on a FOWLR your fine)they can do 7.6-8.4 and be ok).
You will find your tank will pretty much stabalize over time and stick to it.
Stability is more important than forcing it to 8.0 or whatever. Avoid using PH buffers if you can.
If it aint broke dont fix it. and for a FOWLR 7.8 is just fine.
http:///forum/post/3295885
uhh its a fowlr so i dont test alk and calcium lvls but i thought ph had to be from 8.1-8.3?
Those readings are for Reef tanks. 8.2-8.4 being ideal. (8.0 being minimal)
at 7.8 on a FOWLR your fine)they can do 7.6-8.4 and be ok).
You will find your tank will pretty much stabalize over time and stick to it.
Stability is more important than forcing it to 8.0 or whatever. Avoid using PH buffers if you can.
If it aint broke dont fix it. and for a FOWLR 7.8 is just fine.
btldreef
Moderator
Your tank is very new isn't it? I think it needs more time to settle in and you need to test the pH at different times of the day and record it before you jump to the conclusion that you need a buffer. As stated by another poster, a buffer is usually just a band aide for a bigger problem.
Regardless of whether you have a FOWLR or a reef tank, you should test for Ca and alkalinity because both have an effect on your pH reading. If you Ca and alk are off, your pH will be off as well. Buffering Ca or alk is much easier and more accepted than buffering pH and will usually solve the pH problem as well. If you do have an alk or Ca problem and you only buffer your pH, you will still have the alk and Ca problem. If that makes sense?
Regardless of whether you have a FOWLR or a reef tank, you should test for Ca and alkalinity because both have an effect on your pH reading. If you Ca and alk are off, your pH will be off as well. Buffering Ca or alk is much easier and more accepted than buffering pH and will usually solve the pH problem as well. If you do have an alk or Ca problem and you only buffer your pH, you will still have the alk and Ca problem. If that makes sense?
westwind77
Member
If your Ca and alk are perfect and your Ph is still low (8.0) what else could be the cause? I read low mag. once somewhere?
bang guy
Moderator
Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/3296521
If your Ca and alk are perfect and your Ph is still low (8.0) what else could be the cause? I read low mag. once somewhere?
Metabolic acids from decaying detritus or excess CO2.
I wouldn't consider 8.0 to be low if you've only taken a single reading during the day.
http:///forum/post/3296521
If your Ca and alk are perfect and your Ph is still low (8.0) what else could be the cause? I read low mag. once somewhere?
Metabolic acids from decaying detritus or excess CO2.
I wouldn't consider 8.0 to be low if you've only taken a single reading during the day.