How to raise my pH

[Chicagoreef2016]

So, hooked up my new APEX to get ready for the Trident later this year; to date I have never monitored pH as my ALK has always been stable, currently around 8.1. But low and behold I have a pH swing from 7.9 during the day in full swing, to 7.71-7.74 in the middle of the night. Currently dose BRS two part.

I thought a stable ALK would control that, but apparently not. So, I am trying to raise my ALK up closer to 9 over the next month or so. Any other recommendations on what to do? Running an airline from outside into my skimmer isn't an option unfortunately. Oh, and I also run my fuge light schedule opposite that of my tank lights.

Cheers!

 

[AlSimmons]

How does everything look? If all is well I wouldn't get caught up in those numbers. You'll drive yourself crazy. GL.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

All of my LPS look solid. Encrusting montis all doing well and growing (3 different ones). RBTAs are too big actually. Acros not the same story, struggling with those. Maybe could be flow for them, but my MP40 is blowing water around pretty good. Maxima clam is growing.

Could I dose a little kalkwasser to raise it up? I am slightly concerned with dosing another supplement that could raise ALK/CALC, but that seems to be an easy way to do it.

 

[AlSimmons]

Sounds like everything is cool... Don't muck that up... Keep doing your same routine and enjoy it.

Ph is not really somthing to be concerened about IME. Just let it roam... Keeping Alkalinity, Calcium & Magnesium within limits is what it's all about. Master this and it's all gravy. GL.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Sounds like everything is cool... Don't muck that up... Keep doing your same routine and enjoy it.

Ph is not really somthing to be concerened about IME. Just let it roam... Keeping Alkalinity, Calcium & Magnesium within limits is what it's all about. Master this and it's all gravy. GL.

Cool. If it weren't for my Apex I would never have looked at pH given my ALK has always been stable.

 

[TokiHacker]

Honestly there is a BRS article of how important Ph is... I do think it is but chasing is no good. Kalk and 2 part is what I have always done.

 

[Uncle99]

A drop in ph at night is very normal and no concern...

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Honestly there is a BRS article of how important Ph is... I do think it is but chasing is no good. Kalk and 2 part is what I have always done.

Yeah, I just watched a couple of their videos. I have never used Kalk, and peripherally have seen many many reefers talk about dosing it. I just ordered a gallon of it from BRS, dirt cheap and I have an open dosing head on my GHL so I will try dosing a little daily to see if it impacts my pH. I figure with my Apex I can monitor pH non-stop, and if it improves my SPS then it is $13 well spent. Certainly less than buying new frags to replace ones that haven't done well.

 

[TokiHacker]

make it really easy. Just put a teaspoon per gallon in your top off. and your good

 

[Indymann99]

+1 Kalk in ATO helped keep my Ph in the 8.x range

In the APEX graph the Orange is PH and the Grey is the AMP= lights. You can see how Ph "lags" the photoperiod.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

+1 Kalk in ATO helped keep my Ph in the 8.x range

In the APEX graph the Orange is PH and the Grey is the AMP= lights. You can see how Ph "lags" the photoperiod.

Very cool. I have a 20 gallon brute water container aka garbage can (food grade) for my ATO that sits in my closet. I may try dosing small amounts daily, but will give some thought to adding a gallon or two to my 20 gallons and see what that does.

 

[hkgar]

STOP worrying or even giving any thought to PH. It has a mind of its own and if you try to increase it, it may go up a bit bu will come right back to its previous level. Dose Kalk to add Alk, not to raise PH. Can you tell me what if any harm comes from a PH of 7.9? It should not be an issue unless it gets low enough to dissolve corals (less than 7).

The only way to increase ph is to remove CO2 and if you have a skimmer and can add a co2 scrubber you ca get about .2

 

[Optionman]

my ph fluctuates between 7.7 and 8.1 everyday. dont worry about it.

 

[TokiHacker]

another interesting way to raise your pH level with out much work run your airline from you skimmer outside. I do that and I sit 8.3

 

[swiftvision]

I use a CO2 scrubber on my skimmer but I've never tested in the middle of the night. 8.2ph always any time I have tested.

 

[AiKkz]

Try running the air intake to your skimmer outside if possible. For example if your tank is on an exterior wall just drill a small hole through the exterior wall, and run your tubing out. Be sure to waterproof around your cut and install a screen on the end of the tubing to prevent bugs from getting in.