pH question

[bckane]

Im using a aquacontroller jr with pH probe.......Before I was testing my pH with Salifert test kit and pH was 8.1 at night 8.3 daytime...which to me was fine. Now I just started dosing 2 part ESV 25mL per day......Ok here what I seeing my pH seem low nights drops down to 7.99 and noon time its only up to 8.11
I went ahead and checked it the old way and it was only 8.1

Calcium 420
Alkalinity 9dkH
Salinity 1.026
pH 7.99 - 8.11
Temp 80 -82 stable

Is this something to worry about....still seem to be in range.
Help maybe needed......Got to love the hobby..
Brian

BTW The ph probe was calibrated with 7.0-10.0

 

[Rogger Castells]

You still in range but if you want you could increase it a little by adding an extra shot (1/2 cup) of the alk part from your two part, that should bring the ph up.

 

[ek9vboi]

I have no clue Brain, but using Kalkwasser helps my pH stay stable. Around 8.2-8.4, it all depends on how much is bring dripped. I want to get a pump doser so I can have a steady amount going into my tank all the time.

Might want to try to look for a buffer to bring the pH up.

 

[bckane]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8268557#post8268557 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rogger Castells
You still in range but if you want you could increase it a little by adding an extra shot (1/2 cup) of the alk part from your two part, that should bring the ph up.

Ok used 1/2 cup alk part...up the pH 8.47.....

BTW I didnt show you how I mounted my Aquacontroller...I had this for one of my GPS units....works great...plus made a bracket so it slides off easy.....

Thanks Rogger for the tip
Brian

 

[jeffbrig]

With alkalinity of 9dkH, it's likely that high CO2 levels are the culprit of your low pH. Adding kalkwasser or a 2-part alk additive (I presume a baked baking soda solution) has a temporary effect of raising pH by consuming some of the additional CO2 from the water. Over the next day or so, CO2 will again reach equilibrium with the high CO2 air in the house, and pH will be lower again. You can attempt to maintain elevated alkalinity to offset the pH depressing effect of high CO2, but you increase the risk of calcium precipitation if your calcium is high.

FWIW, my tank rarely sees a pH above 8.1, and there are no obvious ill effects. Stability is more important than the absolute pH. Just try to keep it above 7.8 or 7.9 and you should be fine.

 

[Rogger Castells]

Jeff, Brian is not runing Co2 on his set-up, he is on a two part regimen.

Brian, that is by far the best way to mount that ugly electronic box, you should send a picture to the manufacturer they may make it available as an extra.

 

[bckane]

Well checked the pH today and its at 8.42.......If it falls back down to 7.9/8.1 where it was before I going to just leave it there....seem to be stable at that level for the time being.....
Thanks for the infor Jeff....and Rogger you always have my back
Brian
BTW Rog the ugly box "dont look that bad"....I have a ldea for a piece that fits on the bottom to cover up the hnging wires......hey all in all the fish dont mind....

 

[jeffbrig]

I didn't mean CO2 from a calcium reactor, just normal ambient CO2 levels inside a house (you're right, my previous post wasn't clear). Because we keep our homes buttoned up so tight down here to battle the heat, normal human respiration tends to elevate indoor CO2 levels significantly. That elevated CO2 diffuses into the water, lowering pH. Opening your windows when it's nice outside can easily gain you .2 on your pH. You can confirm this by placing a cup of tank water on the patio with an airstone for an hour. The excess CO2 will blow off, and the pH will rise.

When pH is low and alkalinity is at proper levels, high indoor CO2 is generally the culprit.

 

[ek9vboi]

Try to drip kalkwasser to keep the pH up... same goes for alk and calc. Less chemicals to add into your tank.

 

[bckane]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8277063#post8277063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ek9vboi
Try to drip kalkwasser to keep the pH up... same goes for alk and calc. Less chemicals to add into your tank.

I think after im out of the 2 part I will start dosing kalkwasser.
I will ask more questions went the time comes, for now I should be ok for about a month
Brian

 

[ek9vboi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8279253#post8279253 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bckane
I think after im out of the 2 part I will start dosing kalkwasser.
I will ask more questions went the time comes, for now I should be ok for about a month
Brian

Smart move... you have done lots of research I see.