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	pH problems
xxmrbui3blesxx Fish Master Posts: 1760 Kudos: 905 Votes: 0 Registered: 10-Nov-2001	I just started a marine tank a week ago. When I mixed the salt, the pH went up to 8.2, just it should've. However, it started dropping almost immediately. Now it's 7.8. I have 10 pounds of crushed coral in there (it's only a 10 gallon tank) and I've tried adding baking soda (I've added almost 3 tablespoons) with no effect on the pH. What's going on? Why can't I get the pH up? BTW, this is my first marine tank.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:41
Week End Big Fish Posts: 414 Kudos: 436 Votes: 1 Registered: 16-May-2004	increase your KH directly using chemicals...the correct value is 8-10 degrees dKH, that will buffer your water more
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:41
trace-russ Big Fish Posts: 479 Kudos: 991 Votes: 10 Registered: 25-Sep-2003	Ive been lead to believe that b/soda does nothing to a marine tank to up the ph, you need to use a marine buffer, water change or increase the coral levels in the tank bring up and maintain the ph. Also Ive been lead to believe that you should only test the water levels around 2.30pm to get the correct readings as over night the ph can be affected because of the bacteria levels in the water and can vary about .4. I have a marine tank and have put this theory to the test and sure enough the levels varied by .3 so maybe some truth to this. Trace
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:41
lil_mikey69 Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 3180 Kudos: 2380 Votes: 1 Registered: 22-Jan-2003	If the tank is cycling, don't worry about it. pH swings like that are normal during the cycle. Also, throught the day pH will shift. If you test the pH in the morning right after the lights are turned on, you will get a reading dramatically less than what you would if you test the pH right before the lights go off.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:41
lil_mikey69 Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 3180 Kudos: 2380 Votes: 1 Registered: 22-Jan-2003	You may want to look at this. Low pH: Causes and Cures
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:41
trace-russ Big Fish Posts: 479 Kudos: 991 Votes: 10 Registered: 25-Sep-2003	Hey, thanks for the link it is awesome info. Trace
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:41


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