PH fluctuation questions

[vid151]

ok, so I understand that stability is the main goal in these tanks.
and this question has most likely been covered soem where else ( however I have been able to locate any threads or articals so here goes)


but what I want to know, is how much fluctuation in PH is acceptable, I recently bought a Aquacontroller, and this allows me to see the exacty ( or atleast close) PH over the whole day.

and I am seeing HI PH as High as 8.716 at 8pm ( right after lights go out) and low PH at 8.242 at 9am ( before lights are on)

also what are good ways to control PH ?


and I think I want to get rid of the Aqua Controller as now I know what is happening - I injoyed my Ignorance more)

 

[bertoni]

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

If those pH measurements are accurate, I'd look into lowering the peak pH. That article should help. How was the AquaController calibrated, and when was the last calibration?

 

[vid151]

I just bought the AC3 with in the last month, I have yet to calibrate anything ( the manufacturer states everything is calbrated at the factory.. so it should not be needed at this time )

however I do understand that there is the possiblity that they need to be recalibrated ...

so I have purchased the solutions to do that ..
just wanted an Idea of what I need to do control the PH.

thanks

 

[bertoni]

pH is largely determine by the alkalinity and CO2 content of the water, in a stable tank. Once the probe is calibrated, we'll know more. I wouldn't do anything just yet.

 

[vid151]

so after Reading what you have posted a link to ( thank you BTW)

I see how to alter the PH, not that I plan to act on it before I calibrate the probe, and I see the cause for my High PH is probobly my limewater additions,

what I am wondering is how much swing is considered ok?
do I want to stay between 8.0 and 8.3 ( a la Natural SeaWater)

I know we will always have some swing, I am just looking to controll it a little. as I have seen Huge swings ... and tonight I am noticing oddly low PH now ... for this time of day ...

Very odd this PH thing :-\

How about how do others keep the PH solid?

 

[bertoni]

8.0 to 8.3 would be a fine day to night swing. Some vinegar added to the lime will limit the pH swing a bit, as often does more aeration. There are other approaches, too, depending on whether pH is high or low.

 

[vid151]

thanks for the advice, I will look at things after I calibrate the PH
Probe

thanks again