What would cause PH and Alkalinity to always be low?

[jimreemts]

For some reason or another I cannot raise my PH above 7.3 My coral seems to be doing ok, I do know its bad to be that low. I add reef builder every three days but it never stays up by 8. I have also tested the RO water before a change and it is really low in the 6 area. Any ideas would help
THanks

 

[fender]

Check here
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...threadid=45812
I would say that you probably need to check with another test kit. 7.3 is extremely low, way low.

 

[natureboy]

I have the same problem. My PH stays around 7.8 or 7.9. Adding a ph buffer will keep mine up for a few days but i constantly have to add a couple of teaspoons of powdered buffer every few days. Make sure that you buffer your top off water before adding it to the tank.

 

[jimreemts]

thanks that is a good idea i never thought of that

 

[teen]

the reef builder may be have too much calcium in it, high calcium means low alkalinity. thats my guess