Txcowboy22
New member
I have been having a little problem with a few lps lately and the only real thing that I can find wrong is that the ph is at 8.8, what should I do to bring it down and keep it stable.
please help ph is around 8.8
- Thread starter Txcowboy22
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genesisblue
New member
I had this problem the other day...I read that you can use an airpump to bring t he pH down...it seems to have worked because before my colt coral was all sad and now its all nice a bushy
Pbrown3701
New member
Also be sure that your pH probe is simply not old. I know that my pH started reading quite high until i realized my probe was bad. I found out that the pH was actually closer to 8 (a little low).
I suggest varifing your reading with a test kit if this could be the problem - before making any changes
I suggest varifing your reading with a test kit if this could be the problem - before making any changes
Aquarist007
New member
I agree what are you using to test the pH
and what is your alkalinity level?
and what is your alkalinity level?
The worst thing you can do is start dumping in chemicals to lower your pH before you verify that it's actually that high. Get/borrow another probe or test kit.
Then head on over to the Reef Chemistry Forum and check the sticky thread for Reef Chemistry Articles...in there are a number of pH discussions.
Then head on over to the Reef Chemistry Forum and check the sticky thread for Reef Chemistry Articles...in there are a number of pH discussions.
Txcowboy22
New member
ok, my alk is at 11, I did dose some kent marine pro buffer like the instructions said, but I am sure thats why its so high. Since then I did a 25% water chnge. Also I am using an AP test kit so, it could be 8.4 - 8.8 its really kinda hard to tell.
11 dkh is not that high. If that's 11 meq/L, then yea...you've got a problem. 11 dkh will not support a pH of 8.8....11 meq/L will.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.php
Txcowboy22
New member
well then, I guess I read it wrong, maybe the ph is closer to 8.4 The test kit only goes from 8.4-8.8 and its somewhere in between. The Alk is dkh 11
Txcowboy22
New member
let me try something, I will double the water volume and drops and then see what it reads...
Txcowboy22
New member
I did that and its closer 8.3 or so, much easier to tell too. I guess thats not my problem.
dp reefer
New member
Well... 8.4 ain't so bad but 8.8 and you're up shnit creek. If its closer to light purple you're probably ok. I think that slowly changing water with DI mixed to low salinity might be a safe way of getting it down - I agree that dumping in chemicals to counteract the ph will only result in more problems
Aquarist007
New member
I agree.
Don't use buffers period--they contain boron which raises and alters the the ratio in the alklanity of boron:carbonates.
Quite often pH falls again in few days and the alk remains high
Most of the times pH problems are related to the level of carbon dixoxide in and around the tank.
If you used buffers recently don't dose anything for three or four days and retest your pH and alkalinity
Aquarist007
New member
I would suggest that once your cal, mag, and alk are in acceptable ranges that you consider going on a 2 part dosing system like b-ionics
I and many others here would be happy to help you with that
the two part systems will bring stabiltiy to your cal, mag and alk and indirectly to you pH(unless you develop a carbon dioxide problem)
I and many others here would be happy to help you with that
the two part systems will bring stabiltiy to your cal, mag and alk and indirectly to you pH(unless you develop a carbon dioxide problem)
LobsterOfJustice
Recovering Detritophobe
Just wait a few days and it will go back to an acceptable reading.
Why anyone tests for, or bothers with pH in this hobby is beyond me (except for Ca reactors).
Why anyone tests for, or bothers with pH in this hobby is beyond me (except for Ca reactors).
Aquarist007
New member
I agree with you 100 percent. If it falls I open a window or crank up the skimmer. the rest of the time the two part takes care of it
and the refugium
