Ph dipping at 7.75

[lonewonderer]

hello guys, kinda worried this winter season because of my ph dipping at 7.74 and peak at 7.9 ... will my corals get affected with this parameters? They look ok at the moment but I’m just really worried and know that i don’t have to chase Ph. Any input is appreciated. TIA!!

Steps made:
Air line from outside the garage to my skimmer and airstone to my sump
I open the window a little bit daytime only because its too cold outside
Ph test
Tested alk and calcium params
No people living at the back house to produce co2

Parameters:
Alk 10
Cal 420
Mag 1350
Sal 33.4
Ph high 7.9 low 7.74
Phos and nitrate underectable

 

[Billyjack]

When was the last time you calibrated your ph probe?

 

[SPR1968]

I wouldn’t worry about it unless the tank inhabitants show any signs of stress. And your tank looks fine from that picture

Mine runs at a similar level from about 7.8-8.00 roughly most of the time, and at this time of year the doors are shut etc etc.

Also the mathematical difference is nominal and then there is test probe margins of error

I went through a similar stage when I first installed Apex and started watching the figures so I know exactly the thought process

 

[Crabs McJones]

When was your ph probe last calibrated? After all that and you cant get your ph up sounds odd. You've literally done everything I would have suggested lol

 

[lonewonderer]

When was the last time you calibrated your ph probe?

About 4 months ago when i got the apex el

 

[lonewonderer]

When was your ph probe last calibrated? After all that and you cant get your ph up sounds odd. You've literally done everything I would have suggested lol

Hey crabs, It was calibrated about 4 months ago when I bought the EL. Is it wise to calibrate it again?

 

[Billyjack]

About 4 months ago when i got the apex el

I would recalibrate it and see if that helps..I usually do that about every two months or if I notice the numbers drifting.

 

[Billyjack]

I have had the same thing happen and I recalibrate it and I’m good...this shows the difference.

 

[BestMomEver]

I have the same issue but mine has dipped down to 7.5 or so. I did everything you’ve done. The only thing that’s worked is a CO2 scrubber.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hey crabs, It was calibrated about 4 months ago when I bought the EL. Is it wise to calibrate it again?

Normally not that soon.

 

[Saveafish]

Every 6 months is good. Thought this time of year it can go down. You do close up the house tighter. If starting to be hard to raise I'd check the probe and clean it. Calibrate.
Don't get caught up in chasing your numbers.

 

[Billyjack]

Here is a good read by Randy Holmes Farley.. http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/

 

[lonewonderer]

Hey guys how about the health of the corals?

 

[Billyjack]

If they look good and healthy then I wouldn’t worry much..different tanks will thrive under different conditions..I worry more about the stability of the number more than the actual value.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I wouldn’t worry about it unless the tank inhabitants show any signs of stress. And your tank looks fine from that picture

Mine runs at a similar level from about 7.8-8.00 roughly most of the time, and at this time of year the doors are shut etc etc.

Also the mathematical difference is nominal and then there is test probe margins of error

I went through a similar stage when I first installed Apex and started watching the figures so I know exactly the thought process

I agree with this, if everything is alive, happy, and healthy, I wouldn't chase numbers

 

[lonewonderer]

Thank you guys! You guys are the best

 

[beaslbob]

if the probe is calibrated, I would use a refugium with macro algae. thriving macro algae will raise pH by lowering co2. Key measurement is just before lights out.

Or do nothing because everything is fine livestock wise.

my .02

 

[lonewonderer]

if the probe is calibrated, I would use a refugium with macro algae. thriving macro algae will raise pH by lowering co2. Key measurement is just before lights out.

Or do nothing because everything is fine livestock wise.

my .02

Yes i have a reverse photo period on my tank. I have a CW200 algae scrubber. Normally when its spring and summer time where i leave the windows cracked open its about 8.2 high and 7.9 low. But this winter i just can’t open the windows otherwise more than 1500w of heaters will kick in

 

[beaslbob]

the cw200 is ~12" square. which seems a little small to be but it should be effective.

Assuming correct calibration and nothing dying recently I would think it would be higher.

The algae in a fully balanced out system should have a pH much higher than that regardless of whether or not a window is open.

A refugium with chaeto would help. Some even just make a box of egg crate to contain the chaeto add it and a light to the tank.

But if things are fine perhaps the best is just to press on and not worry.


my .02