You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
high ph
- Thread starter rayt
- Start date
First, I would stop messing with it, frequent shifts of more than a tenth or two of a point are very stressful and can kill very quickly. I'm assuming you're mixing water (as opposed to using seawater), so I first suggest you test the water that you're using to mix it up. The adjustment may need to be made there.
Actually I am using seawater. We have a supplier that has provided pretty good product over the years. I've actually had more success with it than when I used to mix (not to open up a debate). Anyway, I just tested the ph of some I've yet to put into my tank and it was around 8.45, a little higher than I would have suspected. What would be taking it up to 8.8? By the way, I have been bringing it down in small increments as you had suggested. This tank has been up and running for about three years without need for any major maintanence. Could that actually be part of the problem?
Wow... You know, the only time I had problems was when I was mixing salt water with my California limewater. A pH of 8.45 isn't so far off the mark, and within the range of what I'd consider acceptable. Unfortunately, I would really think that it would be well-buffered against such a high, FAST rise!
Normally (at least in my experience), the problem most often experienced in a well-established system is a persistent drop, though rises are certainly not unheard of. The buffer question would be the most pertinent one I can think of at the moment. How frustrating for you!
Normally (at least in my experience), the problem most often experienced in a well-established system is a persistent drop, though rises are certainly not unheard of. The buffer question would be the most pertinent one I can think of at the moment. How frustrating for you!
Opinions vary on dkh levels. Some would say it is high, and they keep their's at 7-9 dkh. Remember that PH and dkh are related. Usually when your PH drops your alk is sure to follow. I think that 11 is fine. But remember that the high dkh will probably help keep your PH up. You could try dosing some vinegar.
But before you do anything drastic, how are your critters reacting to the high PH/dkh?
If they are growing fast and look good I might just leave it be.
Good luck
But before you do anything drastic, how are your critters reacting to the high PH/dkh?
If they are growing fast and look good I might just leave it be.
Good luck
Soft corals have been OK, although they are not as vibrant as they used to be. I have a large leather coral that has been a little more affected. Also my Bubble-tip has really suffered. It stays alive but hasn't looked well in weeks. The anemone was the first to show signs that something was wrong. Will plain white vinegar work?
I have a small question. How much surface agitation is going on in there? Sometimes a lot of surface agitation will release alot of co2 causing a rise in PH. I disagree with the vineagar. Although it will bring the PH down. It wont stay down, the root of the problem needs to be figured out. So lets hit the basics (i hope this isnt long winded im just trying to help you nail it down) the general buffers in an aquarium are: Phosphate, ammonia, Bicarbs (HCO3), Carboxyl groups (amino acids specifically). Okay with that being said, you have to have a ratio of one of these higher than your major sources of hydrogen in order for your ph to stay high. Now the major sources of hydrogen are: Co2 and H20, these are your sources of carbonic acid H2CO3. Carbonic acid is an acid so naturally it will lower your aquarium ph. The only way to get more Co2 in your water is to lower the amount of surface agitation. So that may help alittle to bring it down. But lets try to find a few other hydrogen sources. amino acid breakdown is a great source of hydrogen but unfortunalty ammonia ions (nh4) are fatal to fish, (you must have a very low NH3 level in your tank) so lets rule that one out. Another source of hydrogen ions is phosphoric acid (H3PO4), which is derived from hydrolysis of phosphoprotiens, this one may help you get a little more hydrogen ions floating around in there. That nasty phosphate ion that everyone tries so hard to get rid of is probably your biggest culprit, you more than likely have none floating around in there. All in all the only way your going to bring the ph down is to do one of two things, find a constant source of Hydrogen (other than putting in a vinegar water IV drip) or lowering your bicarbonates or other buffers. If you ask me 11 is way too high of an alkalinity reading. Your case chemically needs to be about 8. I hope that I actually helped you and didnt confuse the living hell out of you with this post, like i said im only trying to help and im not very good at explaining myself.
You didn't confuse me but only after I read it twice! Great information. Surface agitation is not abnormal but could be reduced. It sounds as though an airstone in the sump (suggested to me a while back) would actually raise the ph? I've used it sporadically but have noticed no effect on ph. I will let the buffer come down to 8, that seems to be where it wants to be. It takes effort to keep it near 11.
Have you tested your water with a well-calibrated pH probe ? Forget test kits....
High pH is a very unusual condition and no, your buffer at that level wouldn't cause it - you really have to OD on buffer to raise pH.
I personally doubt that your CO2 levels are lower than in the ocean.....they are almost certainly higher (your circulation is less, your stocking probably higher, your tank inside a house, itself probably with raised CO2), so that probably won't do it. Unless you are OD'ing on kalkwasser ?
So, have you or ANOther used a calibrated probe ? I wouldn't go any farther without this test....you probably don't have a problem. If you do, it's pretty weird and you are going to be asked the probe thing again and again !
I agree - no vinegar. Without finding the cause that can go on forever.
kim
High pH is a very unusual condition and no, your buffer at that level wouldn't cause it - you really have to OD on buffer to raise pH.
I personally doubt that your CO2 levels are lower than in the ocean.....they are almost certainly higher (your circulation is less, your stocking probably higher, your tank inside a house, itself probably with raised CO2), so that probably won't do it. Unless you are OD'ing on kalkwasser ?
So, have you or ANOther used a calibrated probe ? I wouldn't go any farther without this test....you probably don't have a problem. If you do, it's pretty weird and you are going to be asked the probe thing again and again !
I agree - no vinegar. Without finding the cause that can go on forever.
kim
But what causes high pH ?
I know of a lot of stuff that causes low pH.
I'd love to understand this high pH. Right now, I don't. If vinegar solves it, long term, great.
We all know that adding acid....effectively a tonne of hydrogen ions.....raises the density of hydrogen ions, so naturally reduces pH. But long term, how does that help ? If a quick "emergency fix" say so.
Explain. I want to learn.
kim
I know of a lot of stuff that causes low pH.
I'd love to understand this high pH. Right now, I don't. If vinegar solves it, long term, great.
We all know that adding acid....effectively a tonne of hydrogen ions.....raises the density of hydrogen ions, so naturally reduces pH. But long term, how does that help ? If a quick "emergency fix" say so.
Explain. I want to learn.
kim
Sponsor Reefs
We're a FREE website, and we exist because of hobbyists like YOU who help us run this community.
Click here to sponsor $10:
