After setting up my ph monitor and following it for awhile, I notice that the ph tops out at 8.29 before the lights go out and 8.03 in the morning before they come on. Is this too much of a swing or is it normal range? I run a light over my refugium on a reverse photoperiod and was wondering if running a second light over it would minimize the swing even better? I also use a auto top off unit w/ kalk 24/7 if that has anything to do w/ the swing.
Ph swing question
- Thread starter fast94m
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seattlerob
Member
I am setup basically the same as you. Refugium w/chaeto running a reverse photoperiod, and topping off w/kalk. I don't use a pH monitor, so I don't check pH very often. But when I do check, I see similar swing in pH as you've described.
IMO, that swing is within the 'normal' range. I would speculate that running a 2nd light in your refugium might help increase the pH at night (more photosynthesis). I think some folks limit their kalkwasser topoff to night only to help keep pH more consistent between day/night.
hth,
rob
IMO, that swing is within the 'normal' range. I would speculate that running a 2nd light in your refugium might help increase the pH at night (more photosynthesis). I think some folks limit their kalkwasser topoff to night only to help keep pH more consistent between day/night.
hth,
rob
It is normal for the pH to swing due to CO2 consumption during photosynthesis. The amount of swing depends on aeration and the amount of photosynthesis, and with complete aeration it will not swing.
That said, as long as the ph does not go outside of the normal range (say, 8.0 to 8.5), then it is fine.
These articles have more:
Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm
High pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm
That said, as long as the ph does not go outside of the normal range (say, 8.0 to 8.5), then it is fine.
These articles have more:
Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm
High pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm
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