pH alkalinity problems

[waveman216]

I've got a problem no one seems to be able to shed any light on. The pH in my tank is consistently low, around 7.9. at the same time the alkalinity in my tank sits at around 5.5 meq/L. I've tried adding a buffer and it works, for about eight hours. If I use it twice a day it brings the pH up to 8.2 and the alkalinity down to 4 meq/L. Added aeration and still no results. I've looked in books and on the internet and can't find any mention of this problem. I've also talked to my LFS and they suggested a massive water change. That worked for about two hours. Then it dove right back down to 7.9. Any ideas?

 

10 gal

9 lbs. LR

2 emerald crabs

2 hermits

8 snails

3 in. live sand

32W PC

2 80 gph powerheads

[dafullerman]

This is hands down the best resource I have found for this problem....enjoy!!

 

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov...ov2002/chem.htm

 

This has helped me out immensely!!

[waveman216]

Thanks so much. Exactly what I was looking for.

[DarkDevil]

I just fixed my problem of having PH at 7.8-7.9 the whole time, mine is pretty simple, as I don't usually open any windows in my apt, I only turn on the fan, so my CO2 lvl in my apt is pretty high, and of course low O2 lvl, so I open up the windows to let the air in, and my PH just rise back to 8-8.1, then I start dripping kalk, which now brings the tank to 8.2-8.3, good luck

 

p.s. my cal is at 440-460 and my alk is at 13-15dKH