High Ph

[smelly shelley]

Hi i have tested my tank today and found out that the ph is high it is nearly 9 how do i lower this. Firt thing that springs to mind is water change
but will this not keep the ph the same as the salt has a buffer in.
thanks dan

 

[ben1987]

What salt are you using?
What is in the tank? all live rock?

 

[smelly shelley]

What salt are you using?
What is in the tank? all live rock?

Hi the salt is reef salt and it is a 400l tank with 35kg L/rock with 17 fish.

 

[AK77]

Just a thought, but has your PH meter been calibrated recently? If not, it might be worth getting some calibration fluid. Your PH may not actually be off. It could be your meter.

 

[smelly shelley]

Just a thought, but has your PH meter been calibrated recently? If not, it might be worth getting some calibration fluid. Your PH may not actually be off. It could be your meter.

Hi i have a liquid test kit 2 months old my ammonia is 0 nitrite is 0.5 nitrate is 50 ppm ssl is 1025 ph 9! if i use a buffer which should take it to 8.3 does this also lower it to this or not?

 

[AK77]

If you can, take a sample of your water to your LFS and have them test it with a digital PH meter. That should give you an accurate reading (providing theirs is accurate)which will either confirm your low PH or whether you should bin your test kit.

Just out of interest, what are you measuring your SG with? Refractometer or Hydrometer?

Before adding any buffers, I would ensure that your water chemistry is actually what the test kits are reading.

 

[smelly shelley]

Hi the ph is high not low? and i am using a refractometer. does buffer balance it out when high.

 

[Anguilla82]

i would prepare to do a water change then test the pH of the new water. if this is better (i.e. around 8.1-8.3) then a few water changes would be the best way to lower your pH over time.

 

[smelly shelley]

i would prepare to do a water change then test the pH of the new water. if this is better (i.e. around 8.1-8.3) then a few water changes would be the best way to lower your pH over time.

How much water change at each time.

 

[Anguilla82]

IMO as long as your stock is healthy i would just do your normal water change amount. Changing things gradually is one of the keys to keeping marines.