currentking
New member
WHAT MAKES PH DROP IN MY TANK? IT WAS AT 8.1 AND NOW IT DROPPED TO ABOUT 7.8. WHAT CAUSES THIS AND HOW CAN I BRING IT BACK UP?
what makes ph drop?
- Thread starter currentking
- Start date
How much time are we talking about between it dropping from 8.1 to 7.8? Are you taking the readings around the same time of day? Lastly, how are you testing your PH? As for how to bring it back up, we'd probably better solve the first mystery first.
jer77
Phish Lover
As IslandCrow said, if the readings are from different times of day then it is possible that the change in pH is just part of a daily cycle where the pH raises during the day and drops during the night. This is the most common cause of pH fluctuations and happens in everyone's tanks all the time.
If its rom the same time of day then first I'd check your test kit or digital tester to make sure it has measured properly before you decide to take action. If it is working correctly then there may be a few problems worth correcting.
What is your alkalinity?
If its rom the same time of day then first I'd check your test kit or digital tester to make sure it has measured properly before you decide to take action. If it is working correctly then there may be a few problems worth correcting.
What is your alkalinity?
currentking
New member
thanks everyone. it has been up for about 2 years then I moved it 4 months ago. it was at 8.1 during day, now it is 7.8 at the day. I have a PH balancer, so first Ill get a calibration test for it. I will es my tank now and let everyone know what the results are
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php
Here is a great read on low PH.
Here is a great read on low PH.
currentking
New member
great article, thanks
Nano Chris
Active member
I have a reverse lighting period on my tank, when the MH's are on the fuge light is off, when the MH's are off my fuge light is on, this is supposed to keep pH stable, and from dropping.
Aquarist007
New member
I agree with this entirely---carbon dioxide level affect pH the most.
I just went through this problem for the same reasons even though I am from the great white north(we do have a summer
If the pH holds around 8.0 with a slight decline at night(due to lack of photosynthesis) then don't do anything. If you start using buffers you can throw off your alkalinity levels.
Here is a good test if you are curious--take some water outside and bubble an air stone in for an hour--measure the pH--if it has risen you know you have a carbon dioxide problem in the house.
currentking
New member
thanks guys, much appreciated.
Re: what makes ph drop?
PH flucutations are normally nothing to be concerned with .. just make sure you have adequate alkalinity and have air exchange (surface turbulance will suffice). Its not uncommon for tanks to drop down below 8.0 and then rise to above 8.2.
PH fluctuates throughout the day ... highest point being right before you turn the lights out and the lowest right before you turn the lights on. Most of that fluctuation is due to the impact of photosynthisis on algae where algae generate oxygen when the lights are on and CO2 when the lights are off. CO2 forms carbonic acid which depresses PH.
PH flucutations are normally nothing to be concerned with .. just make sure you have adequate alkalinity and have air exchange (surface turbulance will suffice). Its not uncommon for tanks to drop down below 8.0 and then rise to above 8.2.
Aquarist007
New member
air exchange in the whole room is important--esp in newly contructed houses--tend to be more air tight.
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