What is a good PH Range? And how many bubbles per min.?

[jeemann99]

1. I just installed my Milwaukee SMS ph monitor/controller and Calcium Reactor and after I calibrated to (7) I put it into the sump and am now it was reading flickering between 8.4 - 8.5 and then stayed on 8.5. Is this OK? If not, how do I lower the PH or raise it if needed?

2. New to calcium reactor scene and want to know how many bubbles per min. people are doing. Mostly LPS and sofites with 3 clams and a few pieces of SPS.

Thanks
Garrick

 

[Danster]

Your PH of 8.4 to 8.5 is nothing to worry about (Mine stays around 8.4) even though some people may say its on the high side.
As for the Calcium Reactor and your question about how many bubbles per min would all depend on what your Alk is sitting at right now. Depending on your alk is how many bubbles your going to be shooting for.

 

[PatMayo]

Here is an article of Reef parameters. It will help you.

Regards,

Pat

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

 

[Boomer]

As for the Calcium Reactor and your question about how many bubbles per min would all depend on what your Alk is sitting at right now. Depending on your alk is how many bubbles your going to be shooting for

Sorry Dan but that is only part of it pH also plays a roll here. Your Alk could be fine and still have a low pH.


Here is a good article and calculator on Ca reactors

Calcium Reactor setup calculator (CaCO3/CO2 reactors)
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

A Guide to Using Calcium Reactors
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/index.htm

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I put it into the sump and am now it was reading flickering between 8.4 - 8.5 and then stayed on 8.5. Is this OK?

I agree that is fine. Mine often runs 8.3 to 8.5.

 

[jeemann99]

late lastnite and early this morning it dropped to like 8.2 to 8.1

 

[jeemann99]

Randy -

ok my ph out of my reactor is 8.1 currently and in my sump is 8.2. my 1/4" return water from the reactor is currently placed in my sump that returns into my tank and is streaming out no drip at all. I just put on a control valve so it is now at a fast dribble.

Is it faster the bubbles in my bubble counter add more or less ph?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Faster addition of CO2 raises alkalinity, but can lower the tank pH. However, higher tank alkalinity can also lead to higher tank pH as the tank blows off the CO2 to the air.