Ph constantly high - what can I do?

[Doubledown]

Greetings -

I have a constant high Ph of 8.3 to 8.5. That is without the Kalk reactor running (If that is on, it goes up to 8.6).

Ca level = 360
Alk = 7.0
Mg = 1250 (not sure if this helps, but i had the test kits out)

Temperature runs 79 - 80. 250 gallons total capaity.

What can I do to keep this at a steady 8.2? I have a Ca reactor that is not hooked up yet, but I didn't want to necessarily control ph with this.

What are the leading causes of High Ph this time of year?

Thank you,
Chris

 

[examiner]

I don't think a daily swing between 8.3 to 8.5 is something to worry about. In fact, I think lots of people would be ecstatic if they could achieve that.

The "time of year" is really only a factor in low PH. Lack of ventilation in well sealed homes (closed up windows, doors, etc.) drives up CO2 levels in the home, causing lower PH in the tank.

Given your relatively low alk, seems unlikely you would really be experiencing a problem with "high" PH. How much confidence do you have in your testing device?

 

[Bojan]

pH in your aquarium is quite good.

If you want to decrease pH, read the following article

Reef Alchemy by Randy Holmes-Farley
High pH: Causes and Cures

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.php

 

[Doubledown]

Thank you both. I am using 2 separate Ph monitors to test the Ph. One brand new a calibrated last week, the other slightly older. They both show the same values.

I was under the impression that I wanted to maintain a Ph of 8.2, is this not acurate? If 8.5 is OK then I am worried for nothing.

I will gladly read that article, they are always educational.

Thanks
Chris

 

[daytonians]

Wow, wish I could get up to 8.4 .

No, I have never heard any expert say to limit your PH to 8.2 . My understanding is that 8.4 to 8.6 is optimal.

Matt

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I was under the impression that I wanted to maintain a Ph of 8.2, is this not acurate? If 8.5 is OK then I am worried for nothing.

IMO, up to 8.5 is fine. Mine runs between 8.3 and 8.5. Limewater is the usual cause of high pH. More aeration can bring it down, and if you are not using limewater, high pH is most often a pH measurement error. You might try calibrating with some new fluids.

These articles may help:


Measuring pH with a Meter
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/chem.htm

A Comparison of pH Calibration Buffers
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/rhf/index.htm