Low pH

[svb57]

My pH is at 7.8 and I can't figure out why it would be that low? What would lower it after a year and half at 8.2? What could I do to get it back up? Does low Mg lower ph?

Thanks
Jim Mc

 

[mhurley]

Jim,

I assume you've had your house closed up like the rest of us and the A/C on non-stop???

CO2 levels baby....

Take a glass of tank water, measure the pH. Put that glass outside, put an airpump and airstone in it and let it bubble for an 30 minutes...remeasure the pH. If it's higher, you've got high CO2 in the house.

 

[svb57]

Mike,

If that is the case. What would the solution be?

Thanks
Jim Mc

 

[mhurley]

When I originally put my system up, I had this problem. I had to connect tubing from my beckett skimmer and fed it outside to suck fresh air directly into my skimmer. It solved my problem, but for many people, that's not an option based on where their tank is located.
Another option is to run an airpump with a bubbler that is fed from outside....Lastly, shudder turn the air off and open the house for a few hours.

 

[svb57]

Mike,

Thanks...My tank is next to an outside window and I can figure out way to accomplish this...

H_LL no wont tuen that A/C off!!!!!!!!!! Not until December.

Thanks
Jim Mc

 

[mhurley]

Don't assume it's the CO2 until you run the test I suggested....It could just be low alk or something.

 

[svb57]

I will run test and also I should re-check alk too.

Thanks