ph

[bullitt21]

i cant seem to get my ph up.i have been using ph 8.3 put after one day its back to 8.0.i have 2 test kits and 2 meters(7.0-4.0 cal fluid)and they all reed the same.i test everyday at 4:00.help please i cant add anything with it like this can i?

 

[dustin_P74]

8.0 ph is just fine

 

[yote]

8.0 is only borderline low.
Have you tested a fresh mix of saltwater? What brand salt are you using?

 

[bullitt21]

no i haven't tested a new batch but i will tomorrow.the salt iam using now is reef crystals.i know that isnt the best salt but i was just starting and got it real cheap from the dr.:grumble:iam getting oceanic when this runs out.

 

[Oscarsdad608]

There isn't anything wrong with reefcrystals. It is the regular IO that is low.

 

[bullitt21]

io??????????????????

 

[Oscarsdad608]

Instant Ocean, they are who makes Reefcrystal.

 

[bullitt21]

ok thanks

 

[bullitt21]

yote new mixed ph is 7.6.

 

[dustin_P74]

how many different batches of slat have you gone through since you first started mixing saltwater

 

[bullitt21]

i went through 1 and 1/2 5 gallon buckets.hope that helps.

 

[dustin_P74]

your ph is very low in your new saltwater mixes, do you think it coulda been a bad batch

 

[bullitt21]

i dont really know.iam a newby.my tap water is 6.8.should the mix be more then that?

 

[dustin_P74]

your mix should be at the ph level you want in your tank

 

[bullitt21]

when i get my oceanic salt will the ph be higher?does it very from brand names?(ph)

 

[dustin_P74]

most times it can vary from batch to batch

 

[bullitt21]

so how do you keep it constant.

 

[ccCapt]

Your pH is fine. I wouldn't make a big deal about it.
Here is a very good article.
The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH [SIZE=-1]by Randy Holmes-Farley[/SIZE]
From the article...."the pH range from 7.8 to 8.5 is a acceptable for reef aquaria"

 

[reeffreak]

All salt mix has buffer in to set the pH close to 8.2-8.3.I'll bet akalinity and calcium is low also with the mix.Personally,I would change mix to something else.Everybody seems to have their own favorite salt,I'm using Red Sea Coral Pro w/ RO/DI water.Do not use that brand with tapwater or better yet,don't use tapwater period....heavy metals and other nasties isn't what you want in your system.

Set the new batch of saltwater with the buffer you have.

 

[bullitt21]

good artical.thanks capt