Chronic Low pH

[cpllongjk]

My tank has always suffered chronic low pH. I just dont know why.

 

Current conditions:

 

Temp: 78-78.5

Salinity: 1.025-1.026

Mg: 1300

Ca: 430

dKH: 9-10

 

The issue is my pH will fluctuate from 7.75-7.8 during the dead of night, and will hit 8.0-8.1 during the end of the lighting schedule. I seem to have to keep the windows open in my apartment to keep the pH up. Can't keep doing this in the middle of winter. I was keeping the pH up at 8.0-8.3 for a month, when I was able to keep the windows open full time.

 

Im thinking of:

Run a extra long air line for my skimmer to outside air?

But dont know if it will work as intended.

 

ANY IDEAS? Im stumped...

[dahliaheartsyou]

that pH is fine IMO

=]

[reefdan]

i had the same issue.

 

double check your test kits

 

EDIT: 7.8 - 8.1 really isn't terrible.

[cpllongjk]

Nah, i know its not terrible. I just wish it were higher.

 

I dont use test kits for pH, i use a probe.

[reefdan]

calibrated it recently? i assume so.

 

what about checking your ALK and Ca test kits? they could be off. Mg as well

[cpllongjk]

Ya, I calibrate the probe once every 6 months. Also, I use the best kits (salifert and elos) for Mg, Ca, and dKH. They could be off but I doubt it. My corals are doing fine so I shouldnt worry. But just trying to get things to be more stable.

[kgehrke]

If you have the space or some kind of tank with a back compartment, put a light on it with a reverse lighting cycle. Sand also helps buffer ph.

[dahliaheartsyou]

If you have the space or some kind of tank with a back compartment, put a light on it with a reverse lighting cycle. Sand also helps buffer ph.

 

i think you forgot to say add chaeto/macro algae to the space under the light

[hazmat]

I feel your pain! I have the same issue. Been able to keep the windows open lately but cold front is coming soon. The highest I've seen my pH is 8.25 with the probe and that's at the end of MH time and windows open. I've been dripping kalk but that doesn't seem to help that much either.

 

I'm trying to keep my pH up to combat Raphidophytes (similar to dinos).

[bdare]

Just for fun go pick up an API Alk test kit. There were bad batches of Salifert Alk kits that gave higher than actual readings.

[SLOreefer]

the air pump to skimmer works really well, but imo that swing isnt bad and I wouldnt worry about it