Can anyone help with what I need to do now with ph and alkalinity

[Nataleeia]

So a few days ago we discovered our salinity was really low so we did a water change and brought it up, it’s now too high so will be dosing with plain Ro to bring that down again. I can’t seem to get ph above 7.8 am I right in thinking I need to dose with something like reef buffer? And regarding the alkalinity should I test again after the water change with Ro?

 

[GatorGreg]

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So a few days ago we discovered our salinity was really low so we did a water change and brought it up, it’s now too high so will be dosing with plain Ro to bring that down again. I can’t seem to get ph above 7.8 am I right in thinking I need to dose with something like reef buffer? And regarding the alkalinity should I test again after the water change with Ro?

Gotta be super careful when trying to adjust your salinity when doing water changes. Better to do it incrementally over a couple water changes than try to hit it all in one change. You’re almost certain to over shoot it. Been there done that

 

[GatorGreg]

your tank is probably a young system and it sounds like you’re doing a lot and having slight issues with maintenance and keeping it stable. I wouldn’t chase PH numbers especially right now when you’re having trouble keeping even a stable salinity. Focus more on keeping stable salinity, temp and alk. It all should fall into place

 

[blaxsun]

You'll actually need to remove some of the saltwater to decrease your salinity (RO will just evaporate and you'll end up exactly where you are now).

As @GatorGreg mentioned - better to do it gradually.

Reef buffer works - but it's just a temporary boost so I wouldn't waste your money. pH can and does fluctuate during the day (my low point is around 6am with the high point around 6pm).

 

[GatorGreg]

You really need to figure out why your salinity was that low. Like today.

do you have an ATO?
Or are y’all topping off by hand?

you’re probably adding too much fresh water when topping off. Or if using ATO then it’s not working properly or it’s not set up properly

 

[Nataleeia]

It was my fault for not adding enough salt during a water change, I’ll be taking out between 5-10 litres of salt water and replacing with just Ro. So am I right in thinking the alk and ph will just stabilise?

You really need to figure out why your salinity was that low. Like today.

do you have an ATO?
Or are y’all topping off by hand?

you’re probably adding too much fresh water when topping off. Or if using ATO then it’s not working properly or it’s not set up properly

 

[GatorGreg]

It happens.

 

[Nataleeia]

Unfortunately it does. But I’be learnt a big lesson and won’t be presuming I’ve done anything right until I know for certain I have from now on.