pH too low questions...

[Megalodon]

If your kH and calcium balance is OK, I wouldn't worry as much about pH, as it really comes down to CO2 at that point. CO2 levels go up at night and thus the pH falls. I also noticed the deeper I place the pH probe, the lower the pH is, so keep that in mind.

As for using that buffer, it's not the best idea to use it until you know your alk and calcium levels. To a lesser extent also magnesium.

Since you're putting the calcium reactor on hold, instead of that pH buffer, I would actually recommend to you a two-part. Kent makes a decent one IMO. There's part A and part B, both in liquid forms, added to different parts of the tank, or at different times, always in equal amounts.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/k-...+-+64+oz..html

If low pH is still a concern, you could also drip limewater (kalk) at night and/or have a reverse lighting refuge with algae.

[Milad]

Originally Posted by PoonTang

did you calibrate your probe using both ph7 and 10 solutions?
are you running a ca reactor?
what is your Alk at?

Originally Posted by Megalodon

If your kH and calcium balance is OK, I wouldn't worry as much about pH, as it really comes down to CO2 at that point. CO2 levels go up at night and thus the pH falls. I also noticed the deeper I place the pH probe, the lower the pH is, so keep that in mind.

As for using that buffer, it's not the best idea to use it until you know your alk and calcium levels. To a lesser extent also magnesium.

Since you're putting the calcium reactor on hold, instead of that pH buffer, I would actually recommend to you a two-part. Kent makes a decent one IMO. There's part A and part B, both in liquid forms, added to different parts of the tank, or at different times, always in equal amounts. You could also consider dripping lime at night.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/k-...+-+64+oz..html

ill go return the ph buffer and try this two part and see what happens.

[PoonTang]

Yes i would suspect that it is just a calibration issue. Also how heavy is your sps load? you may not even need a Calcium reactor. You may want to concider dosing Kakwasser or 2 Part. If you go the Calcium reactor route you will want to get a second PH probe for your Apex.

[Milad]

Originally Posted by PoonTang

Yes i would suspect that it is just a calibration issue. Also how heavy is your sps load? you may not even need a Calcium reactor. You may want to concider dosing Kakwasser or 2 Part. If you go the Calcium reactor route you will want to get a second PH probe for your Apex.

I Already have calc reactor and ph probe on it so its ready to go, just need to get a refill on cylinder and new solenoid.

my sps load isnt really heavy i dont think, one big (8" round) birds nest and a hand full of frags, maybe 5 or so.

[PoonTang]

Technically you could hold off on the reactor for now if you want. Those corals wont suck that much Ca out of 180G of water. Your regular water changes should look after it no problem and you can always "tweek" the levels as necessary with 2 part.

If your PH is 8 you are OK I found that my fish did not like it when my PH went down to 7.8 or lower I do use kalk KH buffer with mag in it to get extra CA in the tank and to raise the PH to between 8.1 and 8.2. I do not use reef buffer as it has to many things in it from what I've heard. I don't trust a product that does not list he ingredients on the label.

Bill

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Remember to raise or lower levels gradually (too big a sudden change is usually a bad thing in reefing). When messing with water chemistry, raising one element usually affects other elements, so don't go overboard with sudden changes.

[Milad]

Well I came home to about 8.07 PH and I dunno if its just me but the tank seemed more "active". I guess the fish were a bit unhappy with the low ph?
Also the aenonmes are now "thickening" up.

[Megalodon]

Originally Posted by Milad

ill go return the ph buffer and try this two part and see what happens.

Cool, and then focus on maintaining your alk/calcium balance, so get a calcium test kit too.

[whatcaneyedo]

Here is some homework reading if you're interested is some better understanding of the relationship between CO2, Alkalinity and pH.

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm