ph problem

[inadaze]

My aquarium is over run with algae. So, I have been trying to buy different algae eaters to do some work in there but they die after a night or two. They might be inferior quality, but I know that my ph drops from 8.5 to somewhere around 8.0 when the light goes out. Does anyone have any suggestions about keeping my ph at a regular level all the time?

If you know of any ways of getting rid of green hair algae let me know too.
I already changed my lights and nothing happened.

Thanks
Jay

 

[Micah00]

PH usually drops @ night. The only way I know to counter this is to have a refugium with macro algae and have the lights running on a reverse cycle.
As far as the algae, you more than likely have a nutrient import/export problem.

 

[danmhippo]

2 likely problem. 1. you do not have enough alkalinity buffer. and 2. your tank probably do not have good gas exchange to dissipate CO2 out of water when the light is out. And number 2 will compound the number 1 problem and make your pH drop faster.

If you do not have one yet, go get a alkalinity test kit and follow the instruction and add buffers to the water if necessary. Also, to improve the gas exchange problem, you need to increase surface agitation. Aim powerhead toward the water surface to increase the surface agitation. CO2 will leave the water faster and will not suppress your pH.

Usually when people have a good skimmer, they does not have gas exchange problem. pH swing like yours is quite serious. pH sensitive organism can be shocked in your tank, and Yes, snails may not acclimate in your tank due to it.