Which is better, low (8.0-8.1) or high (8.3-8.4) ph?

[Dawus44]

My Ph is usually between 8.0 and 8.1. I recently discovered that this was due to excessive CO2 levels in a new house (I noticed that when I open a window, the Ph gets up to 8.25 during the day). I live in the northeast, so I can't open a window year round, in fact, I can't open it much at all.

A few days ago, I decided to try a soda lime CO2 scubber from BRS, attached to the intake of my protein skimmer. The thing works great: within a few days, my Ph fluctuates between 8.27 and 8.40.

My question is, will the higher levels of Ph lead to issues of lower calcium and alkalinity (I have 3 LPS corals, and don't want to dose more than once a week)? So that the original Ph levels of 8.0-8.1 are perhaps preferred? I know everyone aims for a Ph of 8.3, but now that I see it creeping up to 8.4, and my calcium and alkalinity are lower than ever (375 vs 410 and 7.5 vs 9.0), makes me a little nervous. Perhaps this is simply because I am not used to seeing such high levels? Or the tank will take time to adjust to the sudden increase in Ph?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

My tank (if relevant):
30 gallon IM Nuvo
HOB Aquaa Max Skimmer
Chemi pure elite, purigen, phosguard for nitrates and phosphates
20% water change every two weeks, RSCP salt mix, RODI water
AI Nano light

 

[scuzy]

Which is better, low (8.0-8.1) or high (8.3-8.4) ph?

Well my system has been at 8.3 but then again I haven't put any corals in yet. The smaller tank is also at 8.3 that one the frogspawn and hammers are growing like weeds.


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[Dawus44]

Forgot to say that my magnesium is 1400. Thanks again for any advice.

 

[downbeach]

The numbers that are in your title, are all within acceptable levels. Although a higher pH can lead to a better chance of abiotic precipitation of your Ca and Alk.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php#3

 

[bertoni]

In theory, the higher pH might encourage a bit more growth if the corals aren't limited by light or some other factor. That seems to be true for your tank. In practice, I don't think you'll notice that much difference. A bit more supplement will fix the levels.

 

[blasterman789]

A higher consistent ph will lead to bigger polyp extension with lps.

 

[Dawus44]

Thank you for the prompt feedback everyone. I'll stick with the high Ph and supplement a little more.

 

[tmz]

I vote for 8.2 to 8.4.