Lowering PH and Ammonia

[beedyb220]

Hello,

How does one lower the PH and ammonia levels in their tank? Will overfeeding cause these to spike?

 

[kkyyllee]

how high is ur ph, amonia can be caused by overfeeding

 

[beedyb220]

8.8 - PH
0.5 - Ammonia

 

[drummereef]

How are you testing for pH and ammonia?

 

[beedyb220]

I am using the API Saltwater Master Test Kit

 

[drummereef]

pH measurement with a colormetric test kit can be flawed unfortunately. Before you do anything, I'd get a second opinion. What is your nitrite level?

Here's an article on high pH
High pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm

 

[beedyb220]

My Nitrite is 0. Nitrate 5.0

 

[beedyb220]

I had a power outage today for about 4 hours. Would this affect this any?

 

[drummereef]

Ok. I'd do a water change soon. Newly mixed saltwater can contain trace ammounts of ammonia, so let it age a while. Preferably 12hrs. If it's an emergency you can get by with less time.

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10223358#post10223358 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beedyb220
I had a power outage today for about 4 hours. Would this affect this any?

Thanks for that info! Yes, depending on the temp of the tank etc.. there might have been a little die-off. I'd get on that water change asap.

 

[beedyb220]

Thanks Drummereef!! How much of a water change for a 55g w/ 10g sump?

 

[kkyyllee]

yeah, do a 25% water change

 

[drummereef]

Yup, 25% would be a good number.

 

[Grins]

What are your levels now?

 

[Grins]

Sorry, there was a delay in when I read and when I posted and didn't see the numbers up.

 

[beedyb220]

np.. I will do a water change tomorrow and post my new readings Fri or Sat

 

[bertoni]

I am skeptical about that pH being correct, unless the tank has a lot of algae or something's been dosed. 8.8 is pretty high.