Fixed my low pH problem!!!

[rnelson]

I know it's common knowledge, but adding fresh air to your tank sure does make a difference in pH.....my pH has been naturally sitting at 7.8-7.9 for months....I've been dosing kalk like crazy to keep it above 8.00 ......did a bubble test yesterday.....using outside air my pH was 8.16, inside by my tank was 8.06, and the tank water itself was 7.94..........I have a monster dual Beckett skimmer, so I ran tubing from the tops of the Beckett down behind my tank, opened the window just an inch or so, then stuck the tubes in the window sill tracks......

At 8:30PM (when I got the tubes ran) - 7.93
At 10:00PM - 8.08
It is currently 10:15PM - 8.12 and climbing.

I'll post the final number tomorrow.....amazing how fresh air can be so beneficial........

 

[Percula9]

Try Reef builder it may help. You might want to try a refugium to absorb excess CO2 if CO2 is the problem. Keep filters clean of detritus. Vacuum bottom if you can. Any idea what your alkalinity is?

 

[theatrus]

Time to ventilate your house at night to get rid of the CO2 Indoor air quality can be worse than outside.

 

[rnelson]

Percula9,

Well, I think I fixed the problem, at least I hope so.....it's 11:10PM and pH is steady at 8.15.


theatrus,

How would I go about doing that?



I'm still amazed at the difference this small and inexpensive change made....I knew this in theory, but to see it work in practice is really cool.

 

[theatrus]

Do you keep your windows closed all the time/most of the time?

If its not hot outside, open them up at night.

 

[rnelson]

Yeah, we always keep them closed.....we built our current house about 4 years ago so it's pretty new, and pretty airtight.

Right now it's about 75 degrees outside, not too bad. Thanks for the advice