pH dropping during light out period

[Jar*Head]

For some reason my pH drop kind of low lately. I don't drip kalk in the system due to the conflict with Zeovit method. I have not change anything lately. This morning my pH read 7.8, and 8.0 during lighting period, i did water change yesterday with TM proreef. Here are the parameter

Ca 420
Kh 8.0
Mg 1250

My pH has always been stable at 8.0 during lightout period and 8.1-8.2 during photoperiod. What cause the change in pH? My sump is in the garage, the garage door is crack open. The window in the house also open......

 

[psidriven]

Not positive but I'd guess co2 production at night from your corals, fish, etc.

 

[Jar*Head]

I know the pH will fluctuate during day and night. But i have not seen that much of fluctuation in the past 3yrs.

 

[bertoni]

A pH drop at night is very common since photosynthesis stops removing CO2 from the water column. All my tanks show a drop. 8.0 is fine, in my opinion, so I wouldn't worry.

 

[psidriven]

Is your probe calibrated and any changes to your tank recently? Maybe the recent fires in OC might have increased the co2 levels?

 

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9457017#post9457017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
A pH drop at night is very common since photosynthesis stops removing CO2 from the water column. All my tanks show a drop. 8.0 is fine, in my opinion, so I wouldn't worry.

Hello Bertoni, it was at 7.8 this morning. I know it is normal for pH drop at night. I think 7.8 is kinda low, don't you think?

 

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9457077#post9457077 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psidriven
Is your probe calibrated and any changes to your tank recently? Maybe the recent fires in OC might have increased the co2 levels?

Just calibrate the prope after the water change. I am very good with keeping my stuff update . I'm testing my water weekly or biweekly if necessary. Calibrate pH prope ever 4 weeks.

 

[bertoni]

7.8 in the morning is low enough that I'd do something. I'd try the aeration test first thing in the morning, if possible, to get a bit more data.

 

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9458916#post9458916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
. I'd try the aeration test first thing in the morning, if possible, to get a bit more data.

hehehe, thanks Bertoni. FYI, i am in the Marine Corps infantry (dumb Grunt) . Whatever you just said is wayyyy over my head. Can you please break it down to barnie style for me. Thanks

 

[bertoni]

Just take a cup of the water from the tank in the morning, and set it outside with an airstone in it, and see how much the pH rises, if at all. If you can get a LFS or some similar place to check the pH, that might be useful, too.

 

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9459270#post9459270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
Just take a cup of the water from the tank in the morning, and set it outside with an airstone in it, and see how much the pH rises, if at all. If you can get a LFS or some similar place to check the pH, that might be useful, too.

Now i understand . Thanks. Will it help if i put an airstone inside my overflow box to raise the Ph at night?

My Ca effluent is 6.9 after the second chamber, i have it drip into a cup with an airstone to remove the CO2. when it drip back into the sump my Ph read 8.1. I assumed if i put an airstone inside the overflow box, it would help raising the pH. Will it create any side effect?

 

[Jar*Head]

I thought with the amount of flow i have in the tank, i shouldn't have any problem with pH dropping .

 

[bertoni]

I don't know whether the airstone would do much good, and it's likely to make a mess. There should be enough aeration already, but you could try it and see how it goes.

 

[Jar*Head]

FWIW, i will set up a 100g Fuge with Cheato and Mangro and reverse lighting to stabilize my pH. hopefully it will fix the problem

 

[jdieck]

You said your sump is in the garage? Do you have the car in the garage too? CO2 fumes from the car?

 

[Jar*Head]

Hello jdieck, my wife car is in the garage. I never start the car without open the garage door. Will it still effect the pH?

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9462207#post9462207 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REEFER714
Hello jdieck, my wife car is in the garage. I never start the car without open the garage door. Will it still effect the pH?

Difficult to know, Exause gases are heavier than air and on a cold garage all kind of strange concentrations are possible.
Mani times I start the engine then forgot I needed something ang go back in the house to get it, by the time I got out the car has been running for a couple of minutes, Will that be enough, I do not know really but if the air intake to the skimmer is also from the garage air that may compund the potential.
I would try if possible to route the air intake of the skimmer to outside and get fresh air. Even if the car exaust is not the cause that will help to improve your PH.

 

[Jar*Head]

Thanks for the advice jdieck. My garage door always half way open for fresh air. Therefore i only sleep with 1 eye . My BK is in the garage........

 

[jdieck]

BK Do you mean your Bubble King or is it your Hearley? :lol:

 

[IsaaX]

Hey steve, you might want to give this a quick read http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php it helped me realize that bringing fresh air into the house makes a difference.