Low Ph

[nadareef]

Hello reefCentral members,


I checked PH, KH/Alk and Ca level in my reef tank.

PH level : 7.89 ( PH monitor after calibration )
KH/Alk level : 15.7/5.60 (Salifert test kit used )
Ca level : 420 ppm (Salifert test kit used )

I think PH is low and Alk is high.

How I can correct PH and Alk to the normal level?

Thanks,
Dan

[bertoni]

[welcome]

What's been dosed into the system? Alkalinity levels that high are usually due to the use of pH buffers, which are just high-pH alkalinity supplements. The alkalinity should drop on its own, but some water changes should help if any animals are having trouble.

A pH of 7.89 is fine if that's the daily low. When was the measurement taken? pH usually is lowest in the morning before the lights go on and photosynthesis starts.

This article covers pH problems in detail:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

[nadareef]

Hi Jonathan,

Many thanks for your help.

PH level is getting better now. It was elevated CO2 issue.

Dan

[bertoni]

Okay, sounds good!

[demonsp]

In new tanks PH and Alk take a few months to level out and mature.Also checking in the morning is best as readings will changes during the day from regular tank activity and the level at night.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't know what you mean by it taking months for pH and alkalinity to "level out". Alkalinity consumption is a constantly changing issue in reef tanks as corals grow and are added, coralline algae grows, etc.

Both pH and alkalinity should be monitored through the entire life of the tank, and corrected when necessary. :)