PH Monitoring
 

How much does it change?

I use a ProfiLux controller take a reading of my PH every hour. The ProfiLux then produces a graph that shows me that for the last month my PH troughout the day goes from a low of 7.95 with the lights off to a high of 8.20 with the lights on.

Tom R

reply
 

I don't check mine in routine, but I do notice that it goes from about 8.1 to 8.4 thoughout the day.

I have a Pinpoint monitor, so I check it every time I walk by it.

I also have a pinpoint monitor and check it walking by, it goes from 7.9 to 8.2 most days. If my alk is in check it will stay a little tighter 8.0 to 8.1.

I used to have pH problems all the time, until the day I threw my meter away. Everything has been fine since. I find the important thing is healthy fish and corals, not a value on a meter. Regular water changes, and routine tests of Ca and Alk keeps everything stable, I don't feel pH is a required parameter unless something is visibly out of whack.

Don't routinely monitor pH either but something maybe to keep an eye on if starting up a Ca reactor.

When I'm not working - my 3rd monitor is acting as a HUD for all my reef parameters that I monitor with my controller. If I don't run a calcium reactor, My pH stays fairly "regular". When there are windows open in the house, it shoots up to 8.2 as you can see. It's a bit obsessive, but like I said, something to look at when not working.

http://www.wetcoast.ca/images/reef/phtank.png

I rarely check mine. I do have a one of those hand held electronic testers, and if I am feeling ambitious I will take a look. It is usually around 8.1/8.2. When I get a controller I imagine I will keep a closer eye on it, but otherwise I have no reason as everything seems to be healthy.

I wish there was an option to choose both. I test both in the morning and the evening once a week. I see very little swing in my pH if any since my refugium runs on a reverse photo period. I generally see 8.1 for all readings, maybe 8.0.