pH drop

[schnebbles]

What could cause my pH to drop?

I used eight.four to get it to 8.4, let it go for a couple days and today it was 7.4! I was shocked when it didn't even turn a purple shade. I have dosed No3po4 2 times, iodine drops, strongtium drops and BRS magnesium additive to raise my mg, but no more than 100/day as instructed.

I'm going to make a spreadsheet today for my test results so I can keep better track of what I do daily.

[disc1]

pH in seawater is controlled by the amount of CO2 that gets dissolved in the water.

Don't use any more of the 8.4 stuff. It is going to raise your alkalinity and throw everything off balance. First things first is to make sure you've got a good measure on pH. Those color changing kits are about worthless. If you're going to be one of those people who worries about their pH then go get a probe and meter.

To raise the pH you have to get the level of CO2 down. This usually means getting fresh air to the tank and increasing gas exchange.

[schnebbles]

thank you, maybe I shouldn't worry much about the pH as long as it stays stable without the 8.4?

I'm running a canister with carbon and HOB skimmer. My tank is covered because of my cats.

[disc1]

Measure your alkalinity. What's that number? That's way more important than the pH.

[schnebbles]

10.5 - so I guess that's good.

[disc1]

Starting to get a little bit on the high side actually.

[schnebbles]

I'm switching salt to one that should help lower it, hopefully.

[disc1]

Don't switch salt. Just let it fall down on its own. It's the 8.4 that knocked it up. Once you stop using that it will come back into line.

[MHG]

I stopped paying attention to PH years ago...I test alk, Calc and Nitrates regularly...

[schnebbles]

I was already planning to switch. I had Reef Crystals and had ordered from BRS, the hw-Marinemix that should have a little lower alkalinity. I might end up with an extra box because one appears to be lost in shipping.

Thanks for your help!