Ph swing 7.7 to 8.2. Problem?

[Anonymous]

Hey all,

Just got a digital Ph monitor and found that my Ph is stable at around 8.2 during the day. But 1st thing in the morning it's at 7.7.

I'm trying to get more macros in my refugium now, and then I'll reverse its light cycle. But until then, is this size Ph swing something to worry about?

(My tank has a mix of Softies, LPS and SPS)

Many Thanks,
Jh

 

[Anonymous]

First, make sure the meter is calibrated properly. You need to have at least two standard buffers to make sure that the slope is correct. It is probably a good idea to check the pH using two different tests before you monkey around with anything. The pH will always decrease at night since there is no photosynthesis going on. Unless there are any signs of things not being healthy, I wouldn't mess with it. A light on all night in the refugium could help stabilize this a bit, but you have to weigh that against the annoyance of having a light on all night in the refugium. My advice (as a chemist) is don't fix it if it ain't broke.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Marcos,

I did calibrate the meter with the two solutions provided, so slope and baseline should be fine.

I guess I'll just try getting my Chaeto going again to run reverse-cycle in the fuge.

 

[Anonymous]

Check your alk level.

If that is in normal range, it might be your indoor air quality - is your house sealed up much of the time? Take a cup of your water in the morning and aerate it outside - see if that raises the pH. If so consider running an airline outside to bring in fresh air for your skimmer.

jayo

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Jayo.

Last time I checked my Alk level it was fine. But I'm never too sure about that and my Calc. tests. I'm color-blind and have a very hard time seeing when purpley-blue changes to blueish-purple.

However, my living room is very well sealed. I live in a hot, smoggy city so I keep windows closed and AC on all day long. Maybe I should try opening a window at night?

I'll try your trick about aerating some water outside. If that does raise Ph, then I'll run an airline outside to feed my skimmer. Just curious, do you think 8 feet of airline tubing will restrict flow on my skimmer? It's a needlewheel.

 

[SnowManSnow]

your ph will swing at night a little.

ive never worried about mine.

i think if things have been going well in your tank, I wouldn't do much to remedy it.

B

 

[rayjay]

pH swing in itself is not a problem as the shallow reefs experience this all the time. In fact I believe there are experts that claim it makes life better for the inhabitants.
However, a low pH reading is not as good as a high reading so it would be preferred to swing like 8.2 to 8.6 rather than the lower experience you have.