Lowering daily PH swings

[Nathan4Wvu]

I have never had issues with RTN, my corals look good and are growing but, I'm looking for options to lower the daily PH swings. Currently, I'm running a CA reactor and kalk reactor through the top off. The swings can range from .10 to .30 depending on how long it's been since the kalk reactor was filled. Since I use an apex I would like to find an option to remove the kalk reactor because of the danger of running kalk on a topoff system! I do have a fuge with macro algae but the growth doesn't seem to be enough to buffer the swing. Attached is my apex graph.

 

[tdb320reef]

I have never had issues with RTN, my corals look good and are growing but, I'm looking for options to lower the daily PH swings. Currently, I'm running a CA reactor and kalk reactor through the top off. The swings can range from .10 to .30 depending on how long it's been since the kalk reactor was filled. Since I use an apex I would like to find an option to remove the kalk reactor because of the danger of running kalk on a topoff system! I do have a fuge with macro algae but the growth doesn't seem to be enough to buffer the swing. Attached is my apex graph.


View attachment 256291

Your PH looks great especially during this time of the year. Corals can regulate internal PH but when it is stable the put fourth energy for other things like growing. You have a nice steady state trend that IMO if it is not broke dont try to fix it. Her in MI with a closed up house my PH has been dipping at 7.9-8.

 

[mike_cmu04]

I agree that kind of range if good there is no reason to mess with it and you probably wont get it much better anyway.

 

[Nathan4Wvu]

Sounds good to me! I thought that ph swing seamed extreme but it's good to hear that other people have the same daily changes.

 

[Reef Frog]

This is off your topic but hoping you can help out a fellow WVU fan working on an RTN case which you've never had? Could you kindly post what levels you register for ALK / Ca and NO3 nitrate levels. Do you keep some nutrients over the "undetectable" level?

 

[Nathan4Wvu]

Alk 8-9 n

Ca 420- 450

NO3 0.00 - 2 I would like to keep it in the 3-4 range but I have a low bio load.

PO4 0.00 - .05


I have found a CA reactor is the way to go for stable levels. Other than that monthly 30% water change.