PH levels

[singold]

What factor(s) would cause PH level to be low?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Aquarist007]

pH is directly realated to carbon dioxide levels in and around your tank. As the carbon dioxide increases the pH lowers and visa versa
Opening a window in the tank room overnight or cranking up the skimmer can make a difference
Setting up a refugium with macro algae can take care of a low pH problem through photosynthesis

If you have a glass top over the surface of your tank then remove it. The surface flow should be very turbulant--this is wear alot of gas exchange occurs too.

The flow in your tank should be between 20-40 times the vol of your tank in gph and should travel from the top of your tank, down to the bottom, across the substrate, back up the opposite side then be directed across the surface to the overflow or skimmer.

 

[Playa-1]

Here's a couple of links for your delight :lol:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/june2002/chem.htm

 

[singold]

Thanks Capn & Playa, some good tips and articles. I'm starting to feel like a chemist lately verses a casual observer. But, I'd probably good bored quick if this was not the case.

 

[aquaman67]

Here's a good article...

http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=9997&cid=3793&search=

 

[aquaman67]

Here's another article.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/apr2002/short.htm