Low PH, time to use a buffer?

[stonepran]

Hello,

 

Tank specs are looking pretty decent minus a very low PH at 7.8-7.9 this needs to come up... is it time for a pH buffer? Any other means to get this higher? My tank is running at 78 Temp, 5.0 PH, and 0.24 Sal. I believe I have two problems here, and I should first start with confirming my ca levels, I don't think they are at the proper 400 level and without this would not be good for PH levels.

[Jeff D2]

I hope the PH of 5.0 is a typo, or all your stuff is dead.

 

Need more info, how long has the tank been setup, what is your ALK, what is your Calcium, how often are you doing water changes, whats in the tank softies, sps, clams ? Any Macro Algae, size of tank, how many fish. Was your PH always this low, or has it been getting lower over time?

 

 

Jeff

[Physh1]

Do you have test kits? You need these to properly diagnose where or what needs to be adjusted. Ph is affected by alk and ca levels. pH buffers alone will only be a quick fix that won't really be too helpfull if your alk is really low. Like Jeff mentioned we need more info.

 

Cameron

[MrConclusion]

More likely a bad test kit, or improper testing procedure. Make sure it's a saltwater test kit!

 

Physh1 is right! You need to know the ALKALINITY (KH) and the CALCIUM (CA)level. If they are both right, the pH takes care of itself.

 

If you're running kalkwasser or CA reactor, you probably should monitor the pH just as closely, but modern additives used properly will buffer the tank to the right pH.

 

Anyone with a reef tank needs[/] CA and KH test kits. The Hagen brand kits are cheap and effective if you're on a budget.

 

I already replied to your other thread about the importance of you doing some water changes, amongst others. That will help a lot... but you should definitely get some good 2-part CA/KH additive for daily dosing such as:

 

C-Balance:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp...dproduct=TL1191

(B-Ionic or CalxMax are also good brands)

 

And also a trace element package to dose weekly:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp...dproduct=KM3271

(Many other brands available)

 

And maybe a weekly iodone suppliment, too:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp...dproduct=KM3611

(This is a good, concentrated, will-last-for-years product)