Any ideas about low pH?

sphelps · #1 12-31-2010, 07:09 PM

A low pH won't typically cause issues but the thing with corals is they can usually handle one or two issues without concern but add a third and you could be in trouble. Just like in the wild the increased amount of CO2 is lowering the pH but it's not until other factors including elevated temperatures are added that the reefs become really vulnerable.

So although a low pH isn't a huge concern it will make your reef more vulnerable if you experience temperature or lighting changes. It's also a pretty easy fix with Kalk which will also precipitate phosphate so a win, win situation. Just always remember to make changes slowly.

reefwars · #2 12-31-2010, 07:21 PM

I eventually solved my pH problem by throwing my meter over my back fence.

haha priceless and effective love it

calibrate it right over the fence !!!

randallino · #3 12-31-2010, 08:27 PM

nlreefguy, FWIW I noticed this past week with a house full of guests (in laws

) and cooking that my ph dropped to 7.7 - 7.9 but dkh numbers where in 8-9's. But I soon as the house was aired out the ph came back up in the 8's.

paddyob · #4 12-31-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randallino

nlreefguy, FWIW I noticed this past week with a house full of guests (in laws

) and cooking that my ph dropped to 7.7 - 7.9 but dkh numbers where in 8-9's. But I soon as the house was aired out the ph came back up in the 8's.

So while having company and cooking dinner you were testing your tank? That's dedication! HA HA!

nlreefguy · #5 01-01-2011, 12:58 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys, I started up the kalk reactor so we'll see what happens. I'll make a very gradual change to the pH. Every test kit I've ever used and the ones at the LFS as well were all showing my pH at 7.6 or thereabouts. I know it's not a huge cause for concern and I wouldn't worry about it at all normally but last week I dosed kalk by hand a few times and I just found that the corals seemed to really appreciate it. Was it the pH? I don't know, but I'm dosing kalk now anyway so whatever!

Borderjumper · #6 01-01-2011, 02:06 AM

I'm with Brad.. Consistancy is the key.. If your tank wants to be 7.6, let it.

I used to stress about mine.. Bumped it up every night just to see it back down in the morning. My corals started looking like poo from the constant change... So I quite checking. It's been prolly 2 years since I checked ph.. And things are doing well enough.