after the crash... there was the ph

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sadielynn

New Member
well every thing is back on track with the tank since the crash
but I was wondering how to recover my P.H. back to 8.4
right now it is at aprox 7.8 ( dont have the test laying right here)
after the crash we used apox 5 gallons of ro water
and one to two gallon of origional water we ended up replacing
the substraight with live ag and aprox 3 tsp of crushed coral
(it was all I could get my hands on) my perameters are fair
at temp 80.1 deg -(79.9 at night )
ph 7.8
nitrAte 10 ppm
nitrIte 0 ppm
ammonia 0ppm
sg is still low at 1.022

inhibs include 2 clowns perc
1 magenta dotty back
1 snail
1 peppermint shrimp
1 or 2 baby stars that I havent seen since the reset and crash

would a h2o change help with the ph issues
ph was great before this crash
or am I gonna have to add stuff ( I hate adding because if you add to much you cant take it out)
thanks to those who helped during our crash
once all is good and level pictures will be added
 
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incysor

New Member
7.8 on ph is a bit low, but most tanks go through a swing during the day. It's usually it's lowest right before the lights come back on for the day, and highest right after they shut off. When did you test it?

A water change won't raise it unless the new water has a significantly higher pH.

Your best bet is to use an additive.

B
 
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sadielynn

New Member
have tested in am right befor lights on
and after lights out about an hour
it stays the same at both tests
the pet store tested it and got the same as us
ps thanks for answering so quickly
 
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incysor

New Member
sadielynn said:
have tested in am right befor lights on
and after lights out about an hour
it stays the same at both tests
the pet store tested it and got the same as us
ps thanks for answering so quickly
Click to expand...
Cool, sounds like it's not just a low reading due to the swing. I'd just go buy some buffer to add and follow the directions.

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djconn

djconn

New Member
Kent, Seachem, & Ocean's Blend are a few that come to mind. Buffer is basically just baking soda but we can get into that in another discussion sometime down the road.

Just stick with a name brand and follow the directions and you can't go wrong. Add a little bit at a time and test...repeat.
 
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sadielynn

New Member
thanks for the input guys I will try the comercial stuff
first with some h20 changes I found that it did go up
a little will test again tomorrow 2 x before I add
or do anything else
 
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sadielynn

New Member
incysor- djconn :lol:

yadzooks I just got done reading on the web and realized that when my tank crashed that I did not airate the h2o because I didnt have any made up (I fell behind schedule and did not get it mixed ) live and learn I guess right now I have a pump in the tank to airate it it has been running since 8 pm or so I will continue to run it today ( I hate the air pump because of salt creep ) but I can live with it for a short period if this is all it takes.. I read that airation will help break the surface tension and mix it all up so for now I have seen marked improvment.. I will let you know I will be opening the windows and doors today and removing the hood for a period to also help being so new I am still doing research as I go thanks for the input guys ! you are the best :lol:
 
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shaggydoo541

New Member
Aeration is definitely important in keeping a stable pH. Another way to increase pH is when you have corals, macro, etc that go through photosynthesis. As CO2 is used by the plants in photosynthesis pH is raised naturally. I used to use a buffer because my pH always read around 7.8 at night and 8.2 during the day, but now run a fuge with macro algae on a reverse photoperiod and my tank stays at 8.2 around the clock. I would recommend this natural approach as, IMO, it is easier than adding a buffer and testing all the time.
 
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