Incidentally I don't think you want to use a buffer to raise the pH. The pH does seem a little low but it's not unreasonably low. If you run a calcium reactor for example it's not uncommon to have a tank pH of 7.8-7.9. I'd be curious to see what your alk and Ca levels are at because that might help explain the pH. Also it's a bit odd to me to see nitrate expressed as "less than 30", 30 is practically astronomical for a reef (maybe not so for a FO, but for a reef, that's pretty high). Does the test kit not provide lower resolution? I guess it comes back to now I'm wondering what test kits you're using.
As for the pH though, pH is more of an indicator of what things are going on in the tank. Additives that raise or lower the pH are only treating a symptom. To me it's a little like saying I will warm up the thermometer to get it to show me a warmer temperature, rather than raising the ambient temperature outside. Also the natural processes going on in a tank will affect pH. For example if you test first thing in the morning it will be low, if you test at high noon it will be higher.
__________________
-- Tony
My next hobby will be flooding my basement while repeatedly banging my head against a brick wall and tearing up $100 bills. Whee!
Last edited by Delphinus; 04-27-2007 at 05:32 PM.
|