ph increase

[sasharotty]

Over the last several days my ph keeps increasing.Its been rock solid at 8.0 for months since i set up the tank.Now over the course of the last month the ph has been increasing to 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 now i got home from work today and my reading is at 8.5?!?!?Im using a milwaukee ph monitor and just recalibrated last week.And double checked with a couple different test kits and all showing the same.Is this ok or is it getting too high and what do i need to do to lower it.And what causes the ph to increase like this, i always hear people having problems raising it or being too low.TIA, Chris

[turretdr]

Are you dosing anything? Does it increase .1 per day?

[sasharotty]

No, im not dosing anything.Thats the strange part, i just do 5%-10% water changes every 3rd day.

[sasharotty]

Oh and increased .5% in a months time.

[turretdr]

Have you had more fresh air in lately?

[sasharotty]

Yea, its been mild here in michigan so the doors have been open.But isnt that getting a little to high?Or is this normal.

[turretdr]

"Optimum" pH is 8.2 but more important is the stability. Many successful tanks run at 7.8 and others at 8.4.

[sasharotty]

Ok, thanks for the help.If it gets any higher is there a way to bring it down?

[chris4869]

Add <B>a little</B> of distilled vinegar to bring it down.

[drummereef]

I wouldn't dose to bring it down, IMO. I don't think you'll have any issues where it's at. Let it fall on it's own if it's going to do anything. ;)

[sasharotty]

Ok thanks, ill let it be for now cause everything still looks healthy and happy:) . But i will look into the vinegar if it continues to climb.Thanks guys!