PH questions- Help

[hawkingcolorado]

Hi All,

I have a new 20g reef tank. Just about 1 month old. Cycled and have a couple small fish and a cleanup crew. PH gets to about 7.8/7.9 during the day, and dips to 7.1/7.2 just before lights on. Is this acceptable? My alk is 8.6 ....Thanks!

[Clown79]

Ph fluctuates all day long.

 

It is affected by photosynthesis, so its lowest when lights out and at its optimal level after lights on for hrs(late afternoon/evening)

 

Ph should be tested at the same time of day.

 

Chasing ph can be dangerous because then ppl feel they need to correct it, which often leads to product use.

 

When altering ph with products, it messes with other very important parameters, like alk. 

 

The only safe method to alter ph is opening a window or directing a powerhead to the surface of the water if one is not.

 

Otherwise best advice most of us give, don't chase it. A lot of us don't even test it. If alk is good, all is good as they work together.

[hawkingcolorado]

I have a reefglass skimmer that runs on a airpump. Does this factor in at all?

[Clown79]

Your ph at 7.8/7.9 is fine.

 

 

[hawkingcolorado]

But dropping to 7.2/7.1 at night?

[NanoRox]

56 minutes ago, hawkingcolorado said:

But dropping to 7.2/7.1 at night?

Yes, your fluctuations will happen.  Like Clown said, if you are testing in the day and it’s 7.8 or 7.9 you are ok. If alk is good (which it appears to be) then no issues   Are your fish showing any signs of stress?  

 

 

[hawkingcolorado]

Fish are fine- Thanks!