raise pH without raising dKH?

[mskohl]

Here are my params - just tested tonight.
pH 7.8/8.0 (somewhere in here - I just can't distinguish the color)
alk/dKH 12.5 (salifert)
KH 10 (Tetra)

So, I know we tend to prefer salifert tests, but should I go with the Tetra? If I add buffer, won't it also raise my dKH? isn't 12.5 a little high already?

I just don't know what to do here.

 

[Billybeau1]

I would tend to trust the Salifert.

When Alk is at a good or slightly high level, the only thing suppressing pH is CO2 in the home. This comes from the air we breath, the kitchen stove, etc.

Fresher air and limewater are the only ways to combat CO2 without raising pH.

pH buffers are never a good way to raise pH because, as you just found out, it raises alkalinity. Give this a read when you have time

Low pH:Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

 

[pwhitby]

yep, cant fault that information.

 

[mskohl]

Well, I did the aeration test and the pH went up .5 in half an hour with inside air. So, I've redirected a power head back near the surface. Hopefully this will help.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Check your Calcium, too. You might find that it is low. If it isn't, then most likely what was mentioned above will do the trick.

 

[mskohl]

Calcium is a bit low. 380-400 range. I dosed that this morning and redirected a powerhead. I'll test pH again this afternoon.

I read about vinegar like dugg because I went on a murderous rampage against my aptaisia a couple of nights ago. I only used about 2cc of vinegar, it works incredibly well, but that may have contibuted.