Chronic low PH and inconsistent ALK

[waynemah]

Originally Posted by Myka

Could you expand on "my ALK drops out"? What number does it go from and to? How long does it take to change?

The first time around it dropped from 11 - 6.5 within a few days. Initially I thought this was from a phosphate remover, but more likely from the tanks cycle?

The 2nd time was this past week, I've had my ALK drop from 10 - 5 within a month. This drop was more gradual at the beginning (10 - 9 - 7 then 5). I was hoping it would just balance out at 7, but it dropped below.


This is all VERY good advice (Thanks!!! ), I just want to understand it a little better. As I read, PH is critical to the growth of corals and I want to get the best results possible. I believe my aeration tests were poor due to the change in temperature and likely my issue is an excess of C02.

I'm running the Reef Octopus reactor, it has a single chamber. Anyone know of a good *mod* to add another chamber? Could I use a TLF reactor or something?

Wes, when you ran your line outside of the house how does this work in the winter? Does your skimmer freeze up or anything? I'm 100% ok trying this, what size of tube did you use?

Has anyone tried to resolve a similar issue with an HRV / ERV? What is the added cost per month for one of these units? If I have a C02 issue in my house, spending a little money to improve the health of everything living in it is worth the investment.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[waynemah]

Originally Posted by Titus99

May help putting a couple 12 v fans in your cabinet for air
Movement also

I run a dehumidifier most of the time with the sump doors open. This seems to have no effect on the PH. Unfortunately, I believe my house might be too air tight (previous owner went crazy with heat/cooling efficiency upgrades).

This might be a good idea anyways, it does get somewhat stale in there.