How can I keep my ph up?

reefy · #1 04-10-2009, 07:22 PM

I cant keep my ph high, 7.95=light on 7.80=light off(refugium light on) I do add ph buffer often. I am currently dripping Kalkwasser 1 drop per second. here is my current water parameter:
nitrate=0
phosphate=0
temp=76.2
Ph=7.80 (light off)
calc=460-470
mag=1500
dkh=5.5 low will add buffer right now

now my question is can I drip ph buffer? I think its a risky move isnt it? what do you guys do to keep your ph to 8.1-8.3? it seems imposible to me.

Aquattro · #2 04-10-2009, 08:27 PM

What is your concern with pH? Also, IMO, Ca is a too high, alk too low. Balance out those two items, don't worry about pH.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #3 04-10-2009, 08:32 PM

Open the windows.

Reefer Rob · #4 04-10-2009, 08:48 PM

Here's a reef chemistry calculator. Use it to calculate how much baking soda to add to bring your alk up to at least 8 dKh. Take your time, and bring it up over the next week or 2.

Borderjumper · #5 04-10-2009, 08:57 PM

I think it was a infamous reefer that once said something like this:

The best way to keep your PH up is to throw away the PH test kit and not worry about it.

I used to stress about my PH being 7.9. I would buffer it up and the next day it would be back at 7.9. Well I stopped trying. It wants to 7.9 so I let it be 7.9. You saw my stuff, non of it minds 7.9PH

PoonTang · #6 04-10-2009, 09:15 PM

I dont even own a pH tester. Havnt tested the tank once in 2 years.

Tangman · #7 04-11-2009, 02:20 PM

The reason your ph is low is because your ALK is low and out of balance with CAL. Use the chemistry calculator that Reefer Rob suggested or this one http://jdieck1.home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html
Don't use PH buffers and dripping Kalk at this point will only raise your CAL and your CAL is too high right now but don't try to correct it, it will go down as you raise your ALK. Get a ALK buffer or read up on using baking soda as a ALK buffer http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
Once your ALK and CAL are in balance your ph will come up and be in check, also adding ALK buffer will Raise your ph so add the ALK buffer very slowly
Good luck and I hope the links help

0sprey · #8 04-12-2009, 04:07 AM

1 important question...
Do you have a lot of stony corals? (I mean a whole tank full)
Are you sure you need to dose ANYTHING?
Often you can save all the supplements, and just do more frequent water changes. Usually pH isn't a problem, so long as organic waste isn't building up.

chandigz · #9 04-12-2009, 04:42 AM

I used to have a ph problem it was always at 7.8-7.9. No matter what I did, it would always return to this level. Now I don't test and I don't have a problem.

Aquattro · #10 04-12-2009, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chandigz

I used to have a ph problem it was always at 7.8-7.9. No matter what I did, it would always return to this level. Now I don't test and I don't have a problem.

Zactly!!