Zstriker
07/08/2013, 12:44 PM
I recently purchased an apex and have enjoyed being able to track my Ph. My SPS dominate tank is doing well, I wouldn't say thriving, but nothing is receding either. I am on the search to continue fine tuning the system for improvement in color and growth. That being said, my Ph swing concerns me.
8.00-8.45 (peaks right when lights turn off)
It seems 8.45 is a little high and the swing is quite drastic. I performed a little test and turned off my skimmer for a week to see its effects. The Ph range now swings from:
7.80 - 8.33
The high range seems more acceptable now, but it is still a big swing it seems. My alk (morning and night) is always about 7.8 (Ca 410). I don't think I want to keep my skimmer off long term, but what are some ways to:
1. Reduce the Ph swing (my fuge is run on reverse cycle already)
2. Reduce the Ph peak when running a skimmer, I want to avoid precipitation and be able to boost my alk closer to 8.5 without issues.
I use b-ionic two part, so perhaps randy's recipe #2 would help with the ph swings, but then again, I am sure many of you use bionic with good results.
Perhaps I should cut my MH lighting time period? I run 6 hours MH, 9 hours T5, so if I cut it back some, then perhaps my PH wouldn't peak so high....
Or - perhaps many of you have a swinging Ph and do not find it to be a concern.
Thanks for any input.
8.00-8.45 (peaks right when lights turn off)
It seems 8.45 is a little high and the swing is quite drastic. I performed a little test and turned off my skimmer for a week to see its effects. The Ph range now swings from:
7.80 - 8.33
The high range seems more acceptable now, but it is still a big swing it seems. My alk (morning and night) is always about 7.8 (Ca 410). I don't think I want to keep my skimmer off long term, but what are some ways to:
1. Reduce the Ph swing (my fuge is run on reverse cycle already)
2. Reduce the Ph peak when running a skimmer, I want to avoid precipitation and be able to boost my alk closer to 8.5 without issues.
I use b-ionic two part, so perhaps randy's recipe #2 would help with the ph swings, but then again, I am sure many of you use bionic with good results.
Perhaps I should cut my MH lighting time period? I run 6 hours MH, 9 hours T5, so if I cut it back some, then perhaps my PH wouldn't peak so high....
Or - perhaps many of you have a swinging Ph and do not find it to be a concern.
Thanks for any input.