Super low pH

[Dman]

I've also posted this in the chem forum

I really have no one else to blame for this one 'cept myself.
I calibrated a new pH pen and went to work testing my various systems. Turnd out my 5*50 growout system has a pH of 5.26.:eek1:
The system consists of 4 50 gallon tanks, 35 gallons of bio-balls and a large protien skimmer. They are bare bottom tanks and recieve minimal water changes on a fairly frequent basis (4-8 gallons per week).
One other system is running around 6.08. the other four systems are within acceptable ranges.
I haven't had a chance to check the rest of the parameters yet as I kinda panicked

 

[Kathy55g]

Somethin's wrong there. Are you sure you calibrated it right? pH is a difficult measurement. Sometimes a new instrument needs to be soaked for 24 hours before it is accurate. What's your alkalinity?
Kathy

 

[Dman]

HERE is the link to the thread in the chem forum.
I figures I would ask here as most of the peeps in the chems forum are used to dealing with reef tanks.
\

 

[Kathy55g]

How are the fish?

 

[NicoleC]

The Hanna pens are awful. Take a sample to the local pet store chain and they'll test it for free. I wouldn't believe the dip test, but at least you'll get in the ballpark.

 

[Morgman]

I have as similar low pH with lots of fish and no substrate. Its a hard one to combat in growout systems. Do a massive water change(90-95%) and if you can use some homemade B-ionic with your top off water. That will help some.

I had some good luck with my brood system by adding sand to pair tanks. This is not really feasable with growout but if you can setup a huge sand sump that may act as a decent buffer. If you do this let me know how it fares.

Dont panic and make a mistake. You fish are adjusted to this pH so bring it up slowly. Dont dump a whole bunch of Kalk in there & think things will be good.

Oh yeah, I tried the CO2 test and it was not the culprit. Yes you can have a radically low pH. I believe ya!!!!

Good luck--

Morgan

 

[slevesque]

Hi Dman, I have never used a PH pen before but I saw they come with 3 different calibration liquid: 10.01 , 7.01, 4.01

Did you use the right one?

Please don't be offended by my simple question

 

[Kathy55g]

I think it is great that you posted this. I wouldn't have thought to check pH. After only running a month or two, my alkalinity is a bit low. Ca is , of course fine with nothing to consume it.

anyway, thanks for alerting us to this potential problem.

 

[Dman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6872450#post6872450 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by slevesque
Hi Dman, I have never used a PH pen before but I saw they come with 3 different calibration liquid: 10.01 , 7.01, 4.01

Did you use the right one?

Please don't be offended by my simple question

Unfortunately my pen only came with the two lower ones, which more than likely didn't help. I will be re-calibrating with borax as per Holmes-Farley. I also need to test my alk, but have lost the directions to my Salifert kit, which means a PM to Habib:rollface:

As for being offended, that's pretty hard to do to me:lol: