Agree, don't chase Ph, the last time I did I crashed my tank. I've had decent coral growth with the ph in my tank in the low 7s
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Chasing my ph
- Thread starter Rwc
- Start date
Agree, don't chase Ph, the last time I did I crashed my tank. I've had decent coral growth with the ph in my tank in the low 7s
Make sure you keep an eye on your alk when using the 8.4. If I remember correctly it will raise you alk as well.
pH buffers are just a "blend" of alkalinity supplements. Both Boron and carbonates have a pH around 10, and bicarbonate has a pH at 7.8. So, "blending" them together will provide a pH of whatever that manufacturer is selling, i.e. perfect pH @ 8.3, Aqua Vitro @ 8.4, etc. The problem is that they do nothing for the C02 in your system, which is the cause for the lower pH in the first place. So, it would be best to keep your param's within normal ranges, i.e. Ca, Mg and Alk, and not chase your pH. Another possible problem with using these buffers is the use of Boron, although an important element, it can be toxic if allowed to accumulate in excess. See here.
If you're not measuring it with a properly calibrated lab grade probe, your readings are probably off a bit to begin with. You would be better served to deal with the C02 to elevate your pH. There are a few methods in this part of the article I linked.
If you're not measuring it with a properly calibrated lab grade probe, your readings are probably off a bit to begin with. You would be better served to deal with the C02 to elevate your pH. There are a few methods in this part of the article I linked.
Lostinthedark
NJRC Member
I only measured my pH a while ago because the tank seemed "off". It was in the low 7s. Closed house with a fireplace in the room that is always on. I ran a fresh air line from the outside wall to my skimmer and pH has been a steady 8.0 since. I also "bake" my baking soda for alk during the winter as this also raises the pH.
Jim said it above….Aquavitro 8.4 is simply a blend of very inexpensive chemicals (carbonate / bicarbonate), with a slick marketing campaign to sell it at a very high price. It does not contain borate (which is found in other aquarium buffering solutions because of it’s relative high pK value.) But again as Jim stated….fix the problem….don’t hide it behind a Band-Aid…..and it sounds as if that is what you did by running an air line out the window to pick up fresh air and rid your tank of CO2.
And yes Kevin, it will raise alkalinity, so if you do use it, adjust whatever you are doing for alkalinity so you don’t over do it.
And yes Kevin, it will raise alkalinity, so if you do use it, adjust whatever you are doing for alkalinity so you don’t over do it.
