pH dropping -hello winter

Treebeard · #1 11-05-2013, 05:51 PM

Since the weather turned for hell here a few days ago, and my windows are closed most of the time my pH has been hanging 7.7-7.9. I realize that this likely a seasonal issue and I never was even aware of it until now, but thanks to my Apex, now I know. I am wondering if I should be concerned about it and doing something to raise it?

Magickiwi · #2 11-05-2013, 05:57 PM

I use Seachem reef buffer to manage my pH levels. If I drop below 8 I will adjust up but normally I let it swing between 8.1-8.3.

I would say yes compensate slowly but I am relatively new to marine tanks.

Seriak · #3 11-05-2013, 06:31 PM

Yeah I am interested in this as well.

You can run the air intake from your skimmer outside or use soda lime to absorb excess CO2, I usually don't do anything.

Treebeard · #4 11-05-2013, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seriak

Yeah I am interested in this as well.

..... I usually don't do anything.

That's what the lazy part of me (98%) was leaning towards. Either that or go purchase a few hundred dollars worth of high tech gadgetry to solve a problem that probably doesn't really exist.

Delphinus · #5 11-05-2013, 07:12 PM

FWIW, the 9 months of winter we get around here is usually when my tank does its best, despite that I probably have the windows open much less of the time.

My guess is as long as you have good ventilation overall, it's probably not a huge concern.

Aquattro · #6 11-05-2013, 07:35 PM

I would disconnect the probe for the winter, problem solved.

kien · #7 11-06-2013, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treebeard

Since the weather turned for hell here a few days ago, and my windows are closed most of the time my pH has been hanging 7.7-7.9. I realize that this likely a seasonal issue and I never was even aware of it until now, but thanks to my Apex, now I know. I am wondering if I should be concerned about it and doing something to raise it?

This is where my pH is at these days too (as displayed on my controller). Definitely a seasonal thing. I personally don't pay any attention to my pH and have never done anything to correct it. I don't think it needs correcting. I like Brad's suggestion about unplugging the probe. Unless you're using one in a calcium reactor they are a bit of a waste of money really.

tobysmurf · #8 11-06-2013, 05:02 PM

I generally treat pH as an entertainment value, and something to ignore unless something looks really wrong in the tank. Mine drops down about .2 in the winter. As long as your corals are healthy, I'd recommend ignoring it and just enjoy the tank instead of the Apex!

Magickiwi · #9 11-06-2013, 05:06 PM

As a relative newb I am going to continue to monitor my pH levels as a possible early indicator of something going horribly wrong. A pH probe and the occasional addition of buffer isn't going to kill me.

Once I become an expert like others here I'll know when I can ignore it

mseepman · #10 11-06-2013, 05:12 PM

I have had some terrible PH issues in the last few months. I can't get it to go up. I'm dosing almost 5liters of saturated kalk per day. My Alk was crazy low before and now appears to be closer to normal, but I can't get PH up. Best it gets when lights are on full is 8.05 on my APEX. I've got two probes in different locations as a backup check. It is an issue for me as having the PH and Alk so low resulted in some cyano issues. Still trying to beat that too. I also have an HRV feeding fresh air only 10 feet from the tank. Not sure where else to go with it.