pH and a couple of param questions

[ramtmac]

Hi, I finally checked my water params and noticed my pH was 7.8! It has previously been around 8.2-8.0 (api). I dont know if its low like this because its "night time". How do I raise it, or do I need to? What could low pH contribute to?

info- 125g DT, 20g sump/fuge w/ chaeto
skimmer runs about 12 hrs a day
NO3- 20 (eek... will explain below)
NO2-0
NH4-0
temp 78-80
salinity-1.026
No Ca/Alk test kit, yet at least

I know my NO3 high because I added rock that had supposedly cycled in a tub, but ended up starting a small cycle in my tank. I don't have the $ to get more salt to do a good water change, so I can only do a gallon here and there with what salt I have left.
Any suggestions on how else to get the NO3 down would be apprecaited.

Ive just run into a shortage of funds and have had a hard time keeping the tank as healthy as I would like to. I still top off with RO and do the simple maintenance, and hope my skimmer can help hold off anything big until later.

Thanks

[nces519]

Most likely low Alk ;)
Just curious.. Why do you only run your skimmer for 12 hours a day?

[ramtmac]

I don't want over skim. thats the only reason really. Keep trace elements.
so should i go out and get an alk test?
how could this be affecting my corals?

[Sugar Magnolia]

If you are short of funds maybe you can take a sample of your water to your lfs to have them check your calc and alk. It would be a good idea to check your mag as well, as that directly affects your calc and alk. Also, the time of day you check your pH will affect the levels. It is always lowest at night and highest during the day.

[Toddrtrex]

I don't want over skim. thats the only reason really. Keep trace elements.
so should i go out and get an alk test?
how could this be affecting my corals?

Unless you have a ridiculously large skimmer, you don't have to worry about overskimming. Also, unless you are dosing your "trace" elements right infront of the skimmers intake, you don't need to worry about that. In addition, if you are dosing "trace" elements, I would stop, a waste of money.

Yes, you should get a Cal, Alk, and Mag (( 3 separate test kits )) if you plan on keeping corals. If any of those 3 levels are off it will very much effect your corals.

Lastly, I wouldn't worry about your pH until you know the levels of your Cal, Alk and Mag.

[RocketSurgeon]

7.8 is not excessively low. I was told it is better to be consistent than to chase a higher number.

Here is some more reading:


http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php

[crvz]

I would also not overreact to pH readings from a test kit. If you're really concerned (and it may be too early in this case), get yourself a probe and calibrate it for a reliable pH measurement.

[ramtmac]

Ok i just wanted to make sure that it being 7.8 wasn't a dangerous #. Thanks!
I have a Mg test,1300

[RocketSurgeon]

Here are a few more articles that may interest you:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

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

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/chemistry.php