Ph-kh-co2

[LICREEK]

Just took some readings...ph is at 7.8 and kh at 9. I think these are good readings but looking at the co2 chart, the co is too high. This is a reef with fish, no sps just softies. Are these readings ok??...Thanks

 

[DrBDC]

Your pH is too low. This is due to too much co2 always if the alk reading is good, and yours is. I'll link an article of ways to help with this. In short, get some ventillation either by air exchange or even possibly running the skimmer air intake outside.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

 

[LICREEK]

Thanks Doc.

 

[DrBDC]

No prob.

 

[LICREEK]

My tank is in the basement, which is our living area, so this could be a co2 issue, but the nearest outside air is about 30 ft. out the back door. Would it help to put an extention on my skimmer air intake hose and can the end of the hose be lower than the aquarium, or am i asking for a sipon nightmare there?? Are there any other options for getting the co2 down other that airation. I am going to do the test that was on the webb site that DrBdc posted for me tonight to make sure i have a co2 issue...Thanks

 

[achillestang2002]

Your best bet is to get more circulation in the tank - either redirecting current powerheads or adding powerheads. Remember the gas exchange occurs at the surface of the water so make sure that the water surface is moving across the entire tank. Pulling in outside air may be a benefit in lowering the CO2 in your tank but with our wonderful weather in the midwest it may be difficult for your to accomplish completely. Each home is different on the level of CO2 inside which sometimes makes it difficult for hobbiest to obtain pH's in the range of 8.2 to 8.3. With your tank being a fish only tank you probably will not want to drip Kalkwasser so try more circulation and make sure the surface of the water is moving.

 

[DrBDC]

All of what he said and if you run the skimmer intake outside, take it up above water line first and then maybe take it above waterline once it gets outside too. Oversize the tube too so that it's not restrictive in any way.