Question on PH stability for one of my friends...

by Colossus Thu Jan 15, 2009 4:54 pm

So here's his question word for word: "Eric…can you ask tonite in your forum how to keep ph levels stable….goes down to 7.2 ph…add buffer but keeps going down…all parameters are good…calcium have not tested so may be an impact…20 gallon tank with LPS and SPS and 3 fish and a shrimp…sae aragamilk as a solution…also kalwaaser (lime water)…let me know. "

Thanks for your help!

by Cookieman888 Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:51 pm

I just can't see the ph dropping that low if your buddy is buffering and using kalk regularly. PH does tend to be lower (but not that low) in the winter months as your house is closed up tight and CO2 levels in the room tend to be higher.
Is your friend using a ph test kit or a ph probe? Is he using a calcium reactor and pumping massive levels of CO2 though the system?
If its a test kit he is using I suspect it is faulty or has gone bad due to being past expiry or possibly because he failed to adequately shake the bottle and mix the solution through the initial test kit usages thus altering the composition of the solutions. At a ph of 7.2 things in his tank should be dying or looking pretty poor.
If he is using a ph probe, replace the battery and recalibrate using both a ph 7 and ph 10 solution.
Personally I hate the test kits always found it difficult to match colour to that crappy chart they give you!

In any case your buddy should take a water sample to his local fish store and have them check it to confirm his initial results. A good store owner should not charge him for this favour (unless he shows up twice a month for the same favour).

Tip: if you can't afford the crazy prices they charge at your local fish store for a ph meter, slide into your friendly neighbourhood hydroponics shop and see what they have to offer. Thats where I picked up mine...a very functional unit at 1/3 the price Smile