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03/30/2010, 08:14 AM | #1 |
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Question about high PH
If a tank has a PH of 10 and Alk of 14 with almost no surface agitation would the solution be as easy as adding more surface flow? I have been reading a lot and I am just trying to make sence of it all. I know that all additives are just a temporary solution so I would like to address the problem it's self.
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03/30/2010, 08:36 AM | #2 |
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Location: Arlington, Massachusetts
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pH of 10 is testing error. It would be milky white with a precipitate of magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate.
These have more: High pH: Causes and Cures http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm What is that Precipitate in My Reef Aquarium? http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/index.htm
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Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef |
03/30/2010, 08:55 AM | #3 |
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The tank has a milwaukee Ph probe reading 10.1 but it looks like I will have to recalibrate that. On my test kit it goes to 8.9 and the color I get is off my chart. I use the test kits on my tank and others and they always work fine so I know it is not user error.
I did read through those articles and that is where I get stuck I have never had this issue in my tank so it am hesitant to add chemicals to the tank for a temp fix. The water parameters on the tank have been the same or the last 3 months and with the exception of a toadstool leather all the coral are suffering and the fish do not look good either. It is a 90 gal with a closed loop and no surface agitation. I have been doing 30 gal water changes on it every other week with no reduction on the alk and ph. PH- over 9 Alk- 14 Cal- 420 Nitrate- 10ppm Po4- around 0 Any advice is welcome. |
03/30/2010, 10:01 AM | #4 |
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I'd recalibrate the probe with pH 7 and 10 solutions and recheck the tank.
pH also never gets too high on its own in a reasonable reef tank. Are you adding anything to the water?
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Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef |
03/30/2010, 10:37 AM | #5 |
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No additives are being used. They use RO water for top-off and I have been using instant ocean salt with RO-DI water.
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03/30/2010, 01:23 PM | #6 |
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OK, the tank pH won't be over 8.4 at most.
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Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef |
03/30/2010, 02:01 PM | #7 |
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Thanks for the help.
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03/30/2010, 04:17 PM | #8 |
Reef Chemist
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You're welcome.
Happy reefing.
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Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef |
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