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Unread 02/24/2018, 02:49 AM   #32
zachogden
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 88
Quote:
Originally Posted by chunders View Post
I took the 3 jebao pumps and pointed them upwards, disrupting the top of the water so lightly. Measured PH, and it is 8.2-8.4.
is that even possible?
Possible? Sure. A pH of 7.4 (call it +/- 0.2 with kit and interpretation error) is very very low and probably indicates, as others said, poor gas exchange as well as a reduced buffering capacity in your water. If I were you I'd ditch the glass tops and keep at least one of the powerheads pointed up for a week or so and see what happens. Try and just change one variable at a time, i.e. don't adjust vinegar, GFO, feeding, light schedule, powerheads, etc all at once.

If you need a top for jumping fish, consider a mesh or screen top.

edit: also, try and test your pH around the same time of day if possible. pH swings lower overnight...my tank goes from 8.2 during the day to 8.0 at night as measured by my probe


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