How do I get my pH up?

[kcinminni]

Newbie with a pH question. I've only had my tank up for about a month, and the pH has consistently been 8.0-8.1 (I've only checked it at night.) I've added buffer several times a week with no change. I also added an airstone and a powerhead to increase oxygen and circulation (didn't know if that would have an impact), but no luck. Any other suggestions?

 

[kcinminni]

Anyone?

 

[Anonymous]

What Reef books have you read? Have you tried the search function?

B

 

[kcinminni]

I tried the search function and got the things I'm already doing. I've read a couple of books and have 4 more coming tomorrow. I was hoping for a quick answer before then.

 

[Manofathousandpolyps]

If your Ph is 8.1 with lights off you should be about perfect with lights on. Thats why you havnt seen a change with the buffer. The Ph always goes up with lighting.

 

[Jimmy G]

Your PH of 8.0-8.1 is not that bad. As long as its consistent I wouldn't worry about it. My tank is over a year old now and my PH has consistently been 8.0 and all is fine. Check your Alk/kh though and make sure thats in proper range 8-11dkh)

 

[Gatortailale1]

It depends on what you are keeping (fish only, softies or sps) If you are trying to keep sps, or pulsing xenia, then you will need to drip kalk. Kalk is the only way to get you ph up to 8.3+ I think there is a post in the newbie area on kalk. A poster named Breefcase made a post last fall about kalk that is really good at explaining how kalk works.

Remember to go slow and don't try to crank the ph up to 8.3+ in one day. Another thing to consider trying is a water change. Your ionic balance may be off and the best fix is partial water change (I notice your tank is only 1 month old)

It also would be helpful to know what size tank you have so we can offer more help.

 

[kcinminni]

Thanks, all. I've been checking my pH after the lights have been on all day (thus my concern). I also just did a 30% water change a week ago when I switched from cc to DSB. Right now I only have a few fish, but eventually it will be primarily reef including stony corals. I just thought I should get it right BEFORE adding anything with strict requirements. Appreciate the feedback.

 

[sMARTY]

You may want to check your test kit. It could be off. If you don't have another kit to test with, try mixing a new batch of water to use to test your kit - mix RO water and Synthetic Salt according to the directions, you should be around 8.2 or 8.3 depending on the brand. I use Instant Ocean, and freshly mixed it is 8.2

 

[kcinminni]

I will check my test kit. I'm assuming that synthetic salt is the salt used for the aquarium (Instant Ocean, coralife, etc.)? Also, would it make sense for me to get a dosing pump at this point? I've read a lot about dosing pumps and Kalk reactors and Calcium reactors and controllers--seems like they all interact with each other in some way or another. I'm trying to minimize the cost up front, but get what I know I will need down the road (do it right the first time).