High pH

[esmithiii]

My pH consistently runs 8.35 to 8.55.

My Alk is at 3.0 meq/L

Is this OK?

My tank is a 180G, 270 lbs LR, 4-6" DSB
2x400W MH 6500K + 2x96W PC Actinic
I run the lights from 11:00AM to 9:00PM
I have a MyReef skimmer that runs 24/7
I drip Kalkwasser & vinegar (50ml 5% white vinegar per gallon of kalkwasser mixed) 24/7 and I add about 5 gallons of kalkwasser/week

I have an autotop off to replace evaporation.

Ernie

 

[McReef1]

Those sound like good numbers to me. If anything, I might try to bring up your Alk to 3.5-4. Important not to raise your PH while doing so. Just curious, what's your Calcium level?

Good luck,

McReef

 

[Gatortailale1]

Ernie,

I think your PH is right where it should be. I think Salifert test recommends 8.3 - 8.5. It's hard to get that without dripping alk or having calcium reactor.

ALk is a little low, but if things all look great then I wouldn't change anything. The owner of my LFS told me high ALK in aquarium is fine, and said things will actually be healthier. [I was getting a 4.5 alk reading with the fastest brand kit (sp?) and around 13+ with salifert. I went in to LFS concerned and that is what he told me. The owner has given some talks to various marine groups so I trust his knowledge]

(Thanks for the congrats you gave me for the birth of my girl. She has already grown an inch and gained a pound)

all the best,
Craig

 

[esmithiii]

Thanks for the info. I am trying to raise my Alk now, but it is a slow process.

I am concerned because 8.56 is really closer to 8.6 than 8.5. I guess I need to chill, though.

Gatortailale: It only gets more fun in time. My little guy is 14 months and is doing some amazing things! He has his own personality now, and interacts quite a bit. He talks in complete sentences only the words are unintelligible.

He helps me keep things in perspective.

Ernie

 

[FishDaddy]

Ernie,
Sounds pretty good to me. Which test kit are you using? Borneman says 8-2~8.4 is ideal with natural reefs may run 8.4~5 during the day and as low as 8.0 at night.

BTW, Reefhound and I are going to try to get together sometime soon in Knoxville. Would like to have you join us. Probably be after the first of the year as the Christmas rush is on.

Neat about your son! My youngest is 9 now and, in some ways I miss those early baby years, but at least she sleeps all night now!

Dick

 

[esmithiii]

FishDaddy,

I am totally interested!! I am nicer in person than on the internet

I am trying to get a group together to trade frags and such, so I will keep you posted. If I am in town (I travel alot w/ my job) then my place is always open to meet in.

Ernie

 

[djh]

I have the same problem. My Ph runs 8.4 to 8.7. Its been that way since I switched to 400 watt MH bulbs about a year ago. I turned my skimmer off for a week and noticed that my Ph dropped to 8.2 to 8.5. I think it was due to all the tiny bubbles it put back in the water. I place a filter material over the return of the skimmer and that help with the bubbles. I run a calcium reactor as well. Turning of my refugium lights at night also dropped it some what.

 

[FishDaddy]

Ernie,
I look forward to meeting you and would be interested in getting a group together.

I have been discussing with Randall at Aquatic Specialists, who volunteered his store as an initial meeting place, the possibilty of trying to form a Knoxville area reef club but neither of us have had time to pursue it.
Regards,
Dick

email:[email protected]

 

[esmithiii]

I know Randall. That sounds cool. Let me know when, and I will try to be there. Weekends are better than during the week due to my travel schedule.

Ernie

 

[chip]

what is the purpose of adding vinegar with your kalk. Been just using Kalk, curious about what the vinegar actually does.

 

[mbsparo]

Ernie,

Well here in NJ we do things a little different, as you know

You have to get you alk up, I would go to 4-5 meq/l. Also you pH is not all that high.

Take care.

Mike

 

[esmithiii]

Chip,

The vinegar does several beneficial things. First, it lowers the pH of the kalkwasser. Second, it allows more calcium to go into solution, and it helps to avoid precipitation of Calcium Carbonate. There are other benefits. Check out this incredible thread:

All you ever wanted to know about Kalkwasser but were afraid to ask...

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