Randy!!! Please Help Ph 0ff The Charts

[nicandkris02]

MY AUNT HAS (WHO DOESNT HAVE THE NET AT THE MOMENT) A30 GAL REEF .HER PH IS OFF THE CHARTS. THE TEST KIT SHE HAS ONLY GOES TO ORANGE AND HER WATER IS CHERRY RED!HOW CAN SHE LOWER HER PH?SHE HAS LOST 5 FISH SINCE LAST NIGHT. THANKS

[boxfishpooalot]

I think a large water change is a must here. Or a very small amount of muriatic acid, although im not sure if it lowers alkalinity. Your best bet is large water changes. Even replace with fresh water if you dont have salt to mix in this situation. But dont lower the sg passed 1.021 imo.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Off the charts means high? Unless she is adding limewater (kalkwasser) or otehr high pH additives, pH is almost never too high, and reported cases are usually testing error. So if the color does not even match something on the kit, I wouldn't be inclined to believe it. pH kits are often inaccurate.

These articles have more:

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

High pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm