embarrassed

[timsVw]

I found out what I think the main problem with my corals is. The PH was way off. I am not going to say by how much, but it was bad. I never had a problem with ph in the past so I just stopped monitoring it weekly. I have not been able to get it stable yet, so I figured it was time to ask for help. I keep adding baked arm and hammer to bring it up but this only seems to be a band aid and not a solution. So any help than one of you could give, I would be greatfull for.

-Tim

[invincible569]

Tim, purchase a PH Monitor. This helps me so much!

[GTR]

Tim, purchase a PH Monitor. This helps me so much!

I agree... I could not see running a system without one.
SteveU

[timsVw]

the monitor helps me see it when it goes down but what can I do to keep it set? Do I need to just keep dosing the arm and hammer, or is there a better way? I have never had this problem in the past.

-Tim

[gqjeff]

I agree aswell.. Sorry to hear about your problems Tim.. I hope you get it all worked out...

[Orion76]

the monitor helps me see it when it goes down but what can I do to keep it set? Do I need to just keep dosing the arm and hammer, or is there a better way? I have never had this problem in the past.

If you maintain a stable KH, Ca and Mg then a stable PH should follow.

[Diesel3443]

How low is it.... seriously? Mine runs 7.9 to 8.1 on Zeo slightly lower that at higher alk. If it is lower than that and your params are where they are supposed to be then you have CO2 build up in your house. This can be fixed by running the skimmer air intake outside, or opening a window up that is close to the tank

[timsVw]

It was lower than 7.9. I have no air intake on my skimmer, so I will try to open up the house more at night. I live in florida though and without air running my tank would get to hot.

-Tim

[Diesel3443]

Me too tim---where about in FL. In my old place the the ph of my tank went down to 7.4. The windows should help. Good luck

[timsVw]

I am in casselberry just out side of orlando.

-Tim

[wasp]

Tim, PH in a reef tank is simply a function of the balance between kh and Co2. With the zeo lower kh regime, it takes less Co2 in the water to drive ph down. So it is just a matter of getting kh where you want it, and then ensuring your tank has enough aeration / gas exchange, piping in outside air to the skimmer if nessecary.
BTW, a night time ph below 7.9 is not ideal, but more common among many reefers than you may think.

Also, interesting fact file, I saw a TV doco recently a whole heap of data has been put together from air monitoring stations around the world, and it is believed our air contains 20% more Co2 than it did in 1950, due to massive burning of fossil fuels, plus deforestation and other man made problems.

[Aged Salt]

Alastair, little wonder Bronchial Asthma is on the rise Bob

[wasp]

Yes, scary stuff!
I guess it will all start to right itself once the oil runs out

[Diesel3443]

Im just south of West palm beach. Tim, like wasp said, its not Ideal but it is common, especially at the lower alk that we run on zeo. As long is it is not all over the place and it is stable things should be ok