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View Full Version : Naitrates, Phosphate, and PH

NateDiggity
08/02/2009, 11:20 PM
Does high Nitrates and / or Phosphates effect the PH at all?
badwrasse
08/02/2009, 11:27 PM
Nope. why do you ask
badwrasse
08/02/2009, 11:28 PM
guess you have phos and high nitrates and you PH is low huh? sounds like its time for a water change:D
NateDiggity
08/03/2009, 10:01 PM
Yes I do have somewhat high nitrates and phosphates.

I did just do a large water change, and I am in the works of replacing some old equipment.

However, I just got the 2 part system. Calcium, Mg, and Alk.

My alk is actually pretty good, but I did need to dose some Calcium.

I've got the three where I think they need to be and my PH is still low.
badwrasse
08/03/2009, 10:08 PM
whats your PH? also if you dose Ca your alk/DKH will come up a little too just keep that in mind
NateDiggity
08/03/2009, 10:55 PM
like 7.7
PRDubois
08/03/2009, 11:04 PM
You can use "Baked" baking soda to raise your PH.

Bake some Baking Soda on a cookie sheet in the oven on 350 for 1 hour.

Baking Soda will lower PH
"Baked" Baking Soda will raise PH
seapug
08/03/2009, 11:09 PM
Nitrates and phosphates are acidifying compounds that can affect alkalinity so high levels can cause low pH, but so can many other things. Are you using a protein skimmer? Also, when did you get the 7.7 pH reading? Early in the day or late at night? It's normal for your pH to drop when the lights are off. Try taking a reading late in the day when all your lights have been running for a while.
NateDiggity
08/04/2009, 12:13 AM
yes, i am running a skimmer, however it doesn't seem o pulling muc stuff out lately.

i will take a reading as you had mentioned later in the day tomorrow. thanks!
badwrasse
08/04/2009, 10:51 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15469315#post15469315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NateDiggity
yes, i am running a skimmer, however it doesn't seem o pulling muc stuff out lately.

i will take a reading as you had mentioned later in the day tomorrow. thanks! when was the last time you cleaned it
badwrasse
08/04/2009, 10:54 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15469071#post15469071 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seapug
Nitrates and phosphates are acidifying compounds that can affect alkalinity so high levels can cause low pH, but so can many other things. Are you using a protein skimmer? Also, when did you get the 7.7 pH reading? Early in the day or late at night? It's normal for your pH to drop when the lights are off. Try taking a reading late in the day when all your lights have been running for a while. wouldnt they have to be pretty high to drop PH
NateDiggity
08/04/2009, 12:09 PM
I pulled it out like three times in the last couple weeks and cleaned and tried to figure out what was going on with it. Couldn't find anything wrong with it.
badwrasse
08/04/2009, 12:17 PM
what skimmer? is it set too dry?
did you test your PH is the a.m. if so thats not that bad mine is the about the same it will come up after lights come on
NateDiggity
08/04/2009, 08:54 PM
Okay, I think I am good. I tested after the lights were on all day and I got a reading of about 8.

Thanks all for the help.