raising PH
- Thread starter c_bell
- Start date
shadow678
Member
Yes, RO/DI water is naturally low pH. A good way to raise it and keep it raised is to use Kalakwasser mix in a drip system. It will safely raise it back to 8.2 and keep it there. Simply use it on a drip system to replace any water that has evaporated, and it will not only raise and buffer your pH, but raise your calcium levels as well.
broomer5
Active Member
The use of RO/DI is not causing your pH to drop.
Not having the minerals and carbonates in the tap water that you once used, is allowing the tank to do what it normally will do when you just add *water* back to the tank for top offs.
The water only evaporates, not the minerals and carbonates. They remain in the tank - but natural biochemical process tend to cause the pH to drop over time in most all our tanks.
Tap water is usually pretty hard, and now that you have ceased adding these additional carbonates and minerals like calcium/magensium, that you were adding along with the tapwater - your tank water would be expected to drop pH somewhat - if you are not supplementing with either a pH buffer, alkalinity builder or kalkwasser.
Shadow678 give excellent advise - start a routine of dripping kalk and all will be as it should again. Dosing the tank with marine buffers or alkalinity builders is another option as well.
Not having the minerals and carbonates in the tap water that you once used, is allowing the tank to do what it normally will do when you just add *water* back to the tank for top offs.
The water only evaporates, not the minerals and carbonates. They remain in the tank - but natural biochemical process tend to cause the pH to drop over time in most all our tanks.
Tap water is usually pretty hard, and now that you have ceased adding these additional carbonates and minerals like calcium/magensium, that you were adding along with the tapwater - your tank water would be expected to drop pH somewhat - if you are not supplementing with either a pH buffer, alkalinity builder or kalkwasser.
Shadow678 give excellent advise - start a routine of dripping kalk and all will be as it should again. Dosing the tank with marine buffers or alkalinity builders is another option as well.
broomer5
Active Member
It's usually a good idea to test your tankwater's pH in the morning before the lights come on, and in the evening after they go out.
This may show you the natural swing of the pH due to any algae photosynthesis and livestock respiration. Water circulation, or lack there of, can affect your pH as well.
I've never used the Hagen pH test kit, although I've read here where some folks have trouble with the color charts. May even depend on what ambient lighting you're under when doing the color comparison. Not really sure.
I use Aquarium Systems FasTest and Salifert kits for pH.
The FasTest has better resolution in my opinion, but the Salifert's not too bad either. Both are easy to use.
This may show you the natural swing of the pH due to any algae photosynthesis and livestock respiration. Water circulation, or lack there of, can affect your pH as well.
I've never used the Hagen pH test kit, although I've read here where some folks have trouble with the color charts. May even depend on what ambient lighting you're under when doing the color comparison. Not really sure.
I use Aquarium Systems FasTest and Salifert kits for pH.
The FasTest has better resolution in my opinion, but the Salifert's not too bad either. Both are easy to use.