low ph

whatcaneyedo · #1 10-28-2009, 03:20 AM

Low pH: Causes and Cures
by Randy Holmes Farley
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

grimmer · #2 10-28-2009, 03:38 AM

how do i maintain alk at 125 to 145

BlueTang<3 · #3 10-28-2009, 03:39 AM

when i started i had a 30 gallon cheap salt not a ton of surface agitation ph would always drop off on me put a hang on the back filter changed salt brands and never had had another problem with my ph or alk

grimmer · #4 10-28-2009, 03:44 AM

i started with oceanic salt but 1 month ago i bought red sea coral pro was this a mistake

PuffLuv · #5 10-28-2009, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grimmer

i started with oceanic salt but 1 month ago i bought red sea coral pro was this a mistake

I've had good success in the past with Oceanic salt.

BlueTang<3 · #6 10-28-2009, 01:14 PM

I am not cutting down salt lol what size of tank is it smaller tanks need surface agitation to release the c02 out of. The whater smaller tanks leess whater volume changes a lot easier and faster than lots of water I cured me problem switching to a hang on the back filter all I run is the aqua clear 70 on my. 30 run. The sponge and then just filter floss from a fabric shop. Gives you a break in the surface and crystal clear water

wickedfrags · #7 10-28-2009, 01:21 PM

Some excellent info and resources provided above.

In my 10 years doing this low pH has never truely impacted my tank in a significant manner. As noted above, consistent pH is more important that pH level. I maintain a pH fluxuation of 0.1, again using some of the techniques noted above.

Maintaining consistent alkalinity is much more important than concerns regarding pH, again IME.

grimmer · #8 10-28-2009, 01:54 PM

the tank is 120 gallon 100 or more pounds of live rock

how do you keep alk at the disired levels with good salt ?

Myka · #9 10-28-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickedfrags.com

Maintaining consistent alkalinity is much more important than concerns regarding pH, again IME.

Agreed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grimmer

how do i maintain alk at 125 to 145

Weekly testing, and the use of a commercial buffer to raise it. If you're looking for a product name, one of my favourites is Seachem Reef Buffer 8.3 which helps keep a higher pH. If you have a fish only tank it isn't as important, but if you have corals you should try to keep your alkalinity within a 1 dKH (less than 20 ppm) swing, so this may require dosing more than once a week.