Hey guys I'm having difficulty keeping my ph up. It runs about 7.90. I can add soda ash slowly from bulk reef supply to get it up, but it does not stay. I also add Ca and Mag also from bulk reef supply. I was thinking of adding a calcium reactor in the next couple months. Would this help keep ph higher? Also how long does a co2 tank last? (10 or 20 pound tank on 260 gal tank) I already have the reactor. Its a K2R, but I will need to purchase the rest. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Eddie
Have you tried a limewater drip? Does the tank area get plenty of airflow and water surface agitation? How often do you perform water changes? Do you have a refugium with lots of macroalgae growing? http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php
I replace evaporated water with kalk using tunze osmolater. I run a fan over my sump, which is a 100 gal stock tub that is uncovered. My tank is also uncovered and I fell like I have good circulation. I do not perform water changes as often as I should. I have a refug with chaeto growing. Thanks Jaysuncle for advise.
Is your 7.9 reading your high or low for the day, if it's the lowest reading then I would say that's fine. Sounds like your doing everything that needs to be done to keep your ph up. Are you using an electronic PH meter? If so and if you haven't already you may want to check the calibration on it to make sure it is still on, I have found with mine, when the numbers start dropping off my meter is getting off calibration. I have to check it and adjust it every few months.
How does your tank look? All the inhabitants look ok to you? If so I would just continue doing what you have been doing. I have not checked PH on my tank in 2 years. Usually not something you have to fool with. You can use baking soda that has been baked in the oven to raise your PH (this is the 2nd part of Randy;s two part calcium/alkalinity recipe. I use this same recipe everyday as I do not have a calcium reactor to maintain these levels in my tank. Here are some a link to some videos that show how to make it if you do not know how. http://www.reefvideos.com/
