PH Concern

[MadReefer]

MY PH has dropped from my last reading. It is normally at 8.4 but today it was at 7.8. Any ideas why and how to increase it? Only chnage I can think of I put a flow direction piece on my Hydor 3. I keep the fuge light 24/7.

75 gallon tank
30 gallon sump / fuge
Berlin skimmer
Ca - 400mg/L
PH - 7.8
Alk - 265 / 275
Nitrate - 20
Nitrite - 0
temp - 79f
SG - 1.0255

 

[DaveK]

Your alk looks low and if you are running reef system, the nitrates are high. My first question is what is your water change schedule?

I'm guessing, but I suspect it's not nearly enough. If you are not changing 10% a week or 25% a month, you need to change more water. Also, larger and more frequent water changes will help resolve the pH, alk, and nitrate problems.

As usual, with water changes, always use a quality salt.

 

[MadReefer]

I try to do a 7 or 8 gallon water change every 2 weeks. If not I do about 15 gallons for that month. I use Instant Ocean sea salt.

 

[DaveK]

Next time you do a water change, test the new water and see how close it it to your tank water. If the alk and pH are about what your tank is obviously a water change isn't going to do much good.

In that case, consider a different salt brand.

Keep in mind that the balance between Ca, alk, and pH is a rather complex one, and also includes several other components, such as magnesium levels. If you are low in one area, it can be tricky to adjust that area, without adjusting something else also.

 

[Carlo]

If the top of your water doesn't ripple try adjusting a powerhead to cause the ripples. This will help with the air exchange which should help the pH rise a bit.

You might have adversely affected this with the adjustment to the hydor 3.

Carlo