ph drop

[robzilla]

hi, my tank's ph has dropped in the last few weeks. went from 8.2 to 7.8.
i need some help to understand what has caused this (is this normal?)
and what can i do to help correct the ph. currently ive picked up some
marine buffer from seachem to help raise the ph. ive only done one batch of marine buffer.
thanks

[mr_alberta]

High CO2 levels in your house can cause a pH drop IIRC. Is your tank in a room where not much fresh air comes in?

[robzilla]

Originally Posted by newguy

Hi CO2 levels in your house can cause a pH drop IIRC. Is your tank in a room where not much fresh air comes in?

yes, the room is downstairs with limited air movement.
would setting up a fan/circulation in the basement help?

[mr_alberta]

That may help. Another thing I've heard that people do is run the air intake from their skimmers outside so it sucks in fresh air.

[Chin_Lee]

Robzilla
1) test your alk reading first and post the result. i suspect your alk is low which in turn has little buffering ability. test alk level in 24 hour periods to determine how much is used up in 24 hours.
2) read this http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...l2004/chem.htm
to determine how much alk you need to raise it to achieve the level you want then how much to add per day thereafter
3) go to Superstore and buy a 2kg regular Arm&Hammer Baking soda for 5 bucks instead. much cheaper and works great to raise alk (hint hint don't buy the commercial Marine buffers)
4) follow up with your calcium and magnesium anytime after

hth
cwlee

[robzilla]

small problem, as i need to get some test kits.
what are the most needed test kits to start with:
alk
calcium
magnesium
what's the best brand?

thanks
rob

[Beverly]

Salifert is an excellent brand of test kit.

[Johnny Reefer]

Originally Posted by Beverly

Salifert is an excellent brand of test kit.

Totally!

[Chin_Lee]

Originally Posted by robzilla

small problem, as i need to get some test kits.
what are the most needed test kits to start with:
alk
calcium
magnesium
what's the best brand?

thanks
rob

rob
for water quality - Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate

For coral growth quality - alk, calcium, magnesium

Salifert is good (although i find their tests are not always as "simple" and subsequently more time consuming)

[reefandt]

i had the same problem before. colin at the ocean coral on Kingsway told me that the calcium level in my tank might be too low. i did a test, it was about 350. I guess calcium and ph are related.