Falling PH

[jjudd1068]

I know you guys probably get asked this all the time, but I did look back a few pages and did not see anything. I have a 55 gal, 8 mos old. All the water parameters are normal (Salinity, alkalinity, calcium, Phosphates, all ok) but the PH is falling slowly down. It is now at 7.6. Any idea what could be causing this? Only new thing is I added a tree sponge (which was a mistake, I read a book that talked about how great sponges were, but realized later they meant mostly encrusting sponges. I will give it the best chance I can though) and a feather duster.
Any help would be appreciated.
John

 

[PatMayo]

Most likely it is because of co2. I would put some of the water in a glass then take it outside and areate it with an airstone for 2 hours. If the ph rises then you need more fresh air on the tank. open windows will help, hooking fresh air up to the skimmer. If you add baked baking soda to raise alkalinity it will raise the ph. Check out the chemistry forum they can help there as well.

Regards,

Pat

 

[scarter]

open the window and be shocked

 

[drummereef]

Agree totally. The CO2 buildup in the house over the summer/winter with the windows being closed is crazy. I open the windows the other day and my pH went from 8.1 to 8.34. Crazy!

 

[mg426]

Do what these guys said.