PH Question

[ukmarks123]

The PH in my 125 gallon is 8.4. Alkalinity 8 meq/l. Carbonate Hardness 10dkh Magnesium 1350. Calcium 420.

My question is, I live in Southern California and I love my air conditioning. My house is pretty much permanently closed up (doors and windows) so you would presume that i should be battling low PH but it stays pretty constant at 8.4 which is on the high side of good. I'm not complaining about it but I don't like it when things aren't doing what they're supposed to (even if it is good). I dose B-Ionic 2 part which keeps my alkalinty spot on at 8 meq/l. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help

[ukmarks123]

one more thing, when I mix fresh saltwater which I do inside, the PH is always low at 7.8 which makes sense. It's the 8.4 in my tank which I don't understand.

[ukmarks123]

Bump
Anyone?

[oscarinw]

I am guessing your question is 'why is it high?'
PH is a function of different compounds in the water. With the right combination you will maintain a high PH.
Not sure I understand your concern. But you should most certainly not be concerned.

[downbeach]

I'm not sure of your alk vs carbonate hardness reading, if your alk reading is 8 meg/l, the equivalent would be 22.4 dKH, both of which are very high. Are you adding anything that contains Borate?

[ukmarks123]

Oops. I meant 4 meq /l (I was thinking about the 8 drops I add while testing - duh)

[ukmarks123]

Oscarinw thank you for your response. Your right, I'm definitely not concerned just wondering why my numbers 'break the mold' so to speak. Pretty much everything I read about this says closed up house = low PH. As you say though, if my parameters are good then PH will be good and I agree but my question is if my parameters are good and the house is always closed up, shouldn't my PH be on the lower end of acceptable? Like 8.0 - 8.2? What if I opened all my doors and windows? That could take my PH out of acceptable range could it not?

[downbeach]

OK, that makes more sense. Are you using any kalk? Are you using the same measuring device for both your make up and DT waters readings? If it's a probe when was the last time it was calibrated? How old is it?

[ukmarks123]

No Kalk (I think that's the last thing I need right now!!). I just use a regular test kit for PH. Same test for both.

[ukmarks123]

FYI I used to use kalk but switched to 2 part about 2 months ago. When I was dosing Kalk in my top off water my PH was 8.2. I hate Kalk though. Too messy for me.