ph is 7.8 too low?

[ferrybongo13]

If PH is 7.8 is it a really bad thing?
I make my own RO water and use good salt.
It seems like I have to keep adding buffer(Kent Marine)
I was wondering if there is something I am doing wrong....would like to keep my PH at 8.1-8.3
I have a 180 gallon FOWLR,,over 200lbs of live rok and 200lbs of live sand.
I just did a water change of 20 gallons and it did not help,I am keeping my spacific gravity at 1.018 as of now.Temp is 78 to 80 degrees.
Should I do a very large water change?
Thanks for any feed back.

 

[D1J8Z]

7.8 is low and 20 gallon water change on a 180 is nothing try doing 40 and you should see better results with water quality

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Kalk always helps with buffering but do it slowly.

 

[henrye718]

Maybe change your salt brand, some have better buffering than others. like said above 20 gal is not enough to do much.

Did the PH drop off quickly or is this an old tank?

*edit* im sure you also spend tons in your LFS get them to give you a PH test to double check you test kit isnt wacky.

 

[salt-rookie]

Getting a window open would help. Its amazing what fresh air does for your pH. Is the pH 7.8 at nigh and rise during the day? That wouldn't be that bad. Make sure your test kit is OK also.

 

[NYPDFrogman]

Getting a window open would help. Its amazing what fresh air does for your pH. Is the pH 7.8 at nigh and rise during the day? That wouldn't be that bad. Make sure your test kit is OK also.

that was my first thought what are you using to measure PH?

 

[Wes]

7.8 isnt that bad, especially for a FOWLR. The lowered specific gravity might have something to do with it. I wouldn't worry about it unless it starts to dip lower

 

[ferrybongo13]

I use API test kit.
I am going to try a large water chage next...
My tank is up and running over 3 months.