Low/dropping ph and high kh

[sponger0]

I did some tests yesterday and my ph was a little low. It was at 8.0. So I used some reef buff and got it up. I tested for kh after using the buffer. It read 13dkh. Im figuring thats a bit high.

Any ideas??

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, don't add buffer to boost pH.

The result is always what you found: alk gets too high and pH ends up not much improved after a few hours.

pH 8.0 is fine, but if you want it higher, using limewater or more fresh air to the tank are the best options.

This has more:

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

and

The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

 

[sponger0]

So is my alk too high at 12 kph?? Thats my concern.

Would a doser be a good idea?

I have a 29 biocube with 8 types of zoas, 3 types of mushrooms, a button coral, torch, frogspawn, xmas favia, zenia and athelia and 3 types of polyps.

Im going to pick up a clacium test kit today to check calcium levels.

 

[nemokeeper]

Yes, don't add buffer to boost pH.

The result is always what you found: alk gets too high and pH ends up not much improved after a few hours.

pH 8.0 is fine, but if you want it higher, using limewater or more fresh air to the tank are the best options.

This has more:

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

and

The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

exactly what i was going to say.... lol :lmao:

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I would let the alk decline a bit. 12 dKH may be OK but it higher than most folks keep it.

When you do need alkalinity, a doser is a fine plan if you use something else than a buffer. Like limewater or a high pH two part system, like B-ionic or a DIY.