Need help with PH

[vinnie75]

My PH is low, even after a partial water change. its 7.6 in the am. KH is 120 and GH is 180. NO2 & NO3 zero or really close. I haven't checked alk, but i assume it is spot on, since i add calcium and brightwell 8.3 daily. What can I use to raise my Ph to a safer level?

[Percula9]

By the way KH is the same as alk. GH has no meaning in salt water. How are you measuring pH? Low pH is caused by high CO2 in the air.

[bertoni]

I agree that carbon dioxide is the problem, if the measurement is correct. I would get a second opinion on the kit, since 7.6 is very low, and pH kits are a constant source of trouble.

The KH is a bit low at 120 ppm: I'd raise it a bit to 150 ppm or so. The usual recommended range is 125-200 ppm.

The Brightwell supplement is a high pH alkalinity supplement, and it'll help some. A limewater drip is more effective, and fresher air might help solve the problem. You could try aerating a cup of water outside for 3 hours and measuring the pH. It should be a lot higher. An airstone or a small pump in a cup or water or so would be fine.

[vinnie75]

Thanks, I just got the API test strips, not too confident in them. I have the reefmaster kit on the way, also API. I just want to stabilize the water better. It was fine not too long ago. I will try aerating water outside. Thanks. I have had my tank going for over a year without casualties. I had shoulder surgery in Dec, which limited what i was able to do for 6 weeks. I had slacked on my tank in that period of time. Its still good, but my coral seems stunted in growth from it(which i suspect is due to a lower ph).