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PH swing..

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by BigB, Jan 8, 2013.

  1. BigB

    BigB Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Just wondering what causes the PH to rise? Ive had my new tank up for about 10 months with no new changes then all of the sudden my PH has been on a constant rise.. It was holding steady at about 8.1 then today its at 8.5, this has been going up a little at a time for about 5-6 weeks and now im getting red hair algae? Idk.. Any input would be helpful..

    Thanks
     
  2. Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    What are you measuring with, a PH probe? How long ago was it calibrated? Do you know where your Mg, Ca, & Alk levels are at?
     
  3. BigB

    BigB Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Yea Im using an apex, its been calibrated accurately twice. All are right where they should be except calcium and alk, they were low last week and I havnt checked them yet after dosing..
     
  4. Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    When you say its been calibrated twice...do you mean in the last 10 months or over the last 5-6weeks since you noticed the increase? PH probes require regular calibration to be accurate and over time (1-2 yrs) they can become defective. Hard to say what might cause it to raise unless it's something that you're dosing which might cause a decrease in CO2. Some supplements will raise it...especially if you are dosing kalkwasser. An increase in O2, or decrease in CO2 could raise it as well....but usually in the winter it lowers since your house is sealed up without having the windows open.

    I would double/triple check your readings before you take any action.. You could dose some vinegar to bring it down if needed but do so slowly.

    Heres some info from a very respectable chemist:

    http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/6/chemistry#section-9
     

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